# "Grease-You're the One That I Want" (bit of a rant) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 6, 2007, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961 "2007-01-06T20:11:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![want2know](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/50afbb/32.png) [@want2know](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/want2know)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/1 "2007-01-06T20:11:02Z")
I’ve been seeing ads for this all week. Remaining silent any longer carries with it the distinct possibility of my head exploding, _Scanners_ -style. I actually considered placing this in The Pit, but decided on CS with the proper amount of restraint. I do not consider myself a snob in any way. I have no objection to mindless entertainment; in fact, I rather enjoy it sometimes. I could care less if the TV audience decides who the next so-called American Idol will be, or the lead singer for Stupornova, or Donald Trump’s butt-boy, etc. But this has gone far enough! I grew up in NYC with a healthy respect (bordering on reverence) for the Broadway stage and the amount of time and effort it takes to get to that hallowed ground. Now, I understand that Broadway isn’t what it used to be; still, people work on their craft for years to get even a two-line role in a NY stage production. I recall being offended when Madonna was given a role in David Mamet’s _Speed-the-Plow_–“who the hell is she?”, that sort of thing. And now, Mr. and Mrs. Crapforbrains from Lower Fumbuck County are going to decide who plays the lead roles in a Broadway musical, fer chrissakes? The whole concept makes me throw up in my mouth a little. I have no intention of watching it; I just felt the need to vent. Am I taking this too seriously? Does anyone else feel the way I do about this? ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/2 "2007-01-06T20:18:39Z")
[QUOTE=want2know] Am I taking this too seriously? [/QUOTE] Yes. It’s a freakin’ revival of freakin’ _Grease_, fer cryin’ out loud, not a new Sondheim show. Or even an old Sondheim show. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/3 "2007-01-06T20:21:00Z")
Forget that, how about the fact that _Grease_ sucks? ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/4 "2007-01-06T20:40:58Z")
[QUOTE=twickster] Yes. It’s a freakin’ revival of freakin’ _Grease_, fer cryin’ out loud, not a new Sondheim show. Or even an old Sondheim show. [/QUOTE] Worse, if the title of the show indicates that the song is actually in the new musical, it’s a freakin’ stage adaptation of the MOVIE, not a revival of the original musical. Well, not worse, because the film soundtrack’s additions are actually very good additions to the original music (with the exception of the insipid _Sandy_). But still, it’s not a faithful revival of the original or anything. ---
**Author:** ![Sarahfeena](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarahfeena/32/519_2.png) [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/5 "2007-01-06T20:53:36Z")
[QUOTE=jayjay] Worse, if the title of the show indicates that the song is actually in the new musical, it’s a freakin’ stage adaptation of the MOVIE, not a revival of the original musical. Well, not worse, because the film soundtrack’s additions are actually very good additions to the original music (with the exception of the insipid _Sandy_). But still, it’s not a faithful revival of the original or anything. [/QUOTE] Even worse…I heard it’s not going to exactly be either…it’s going to be some freakish hybrid of the stage show & movie. It’ll probably be a huge hit. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/6 "2007-01-06T20:55:20Z")
[QUOTE=Sarahfeena] Even worse…I heard it’s not going to exactly be either…it’s going to be some freakish hybrid of the stage show & movie. It’ll probably be a huge hit. :rolleyes: [/QUOTE] Hmm… that sounds like it should be fun to watch. Wonder when it’ll be on DVD? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/7 "2007-01-06T20:59:45Z")
I’m guessing this is about a television program of some sort but can’t really be sure because there’s no link in the OP. ---
**Author:** ![Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bc8723/32.png) [@Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/8 "2007-01-06T21:00:07Z")
Speaking as a representative of the Doper population who neither owns nor watches television… …whatchoo talkin’ bout, Willis? ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/9 "2007-01-06T21:01:55Z")
We’ll probably watch it. We’re suckers for these shows. It’s okay by me if somebody gets a luck break. It used to be really hard to make a million, but now it’s common place for people to compete for that amount. Sometimes in a one-hour one-night venue. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/10 "2007-01-06T21:06:05Z")
[Grease: You’re the One That I Want](http://www.nbc.com/Grease/) ---
**Author:** ![want2know](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/50afbb/32.png) [@want2know](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/want2know)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/11 "2007-01-06T21:10:27Z")
[QUOTE=Otto] I’m guessing this is about a television program of some sort but can’t really be sure because there’s no link in the OP. [/QUOTE] Sorry 'bout that, folks! And thanks, **jayjay** , for providing the link. ---
**Author:** ![Eve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/12 "2007-01-06T21:19:26Z")
Now, now, calm down, Mr. Belasco, it’s not as bad as it seems. From today’s Times: > [@](#): > > Unlike “Idol,” “You’re the One” is not supposed to be exclusively an amateur night. The rules of “Idol” require that contestants not have any current contracts or talent representation; “You’re the One,” on the other hand, is simply an open casting call, for novices as well as active Broadway performers. A prospective Danny in the first episode, for example, has several national tours under his belt . . . the winners also have to hold up a $10 million musical eight times a week for at least a year, a demanding feat for a total greenhorn. “We absolutely would love for a carpenter from Idaho to be Danny,” said Al Edgington, the executive producer of the television show. “But the reality is, they have to be able to perform. If the carpenter from Idaho does end up being Danny, [choreographer] Kathleen may be in trouble.” ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/13 "2007-01-06T21:26:33Z")
Look, Broadway is struggling. The capital required to finance a new show are staggering and the success rates are dismal. If having a recognized name appearing in your show helps get people in the seats, then it’s a _good thing_. Obviously “You’re the One that I Want” is gimmick. The intention is to jump start the Broadway show by motivating folks who wouldn’t have otherwise gone to the show to buy a ticket because someone they recognize is “starring” in it. What’s wrong with that? It’s not like they’ll be cannibalizing off other shows because their target audience isn’t you, a Broadway purist. Their target audience is Mr. and Mrs. Average American from Dubuque who just might make a trip to NYC to see the person they helped vote into the job. “So You Think You Can Dance” had a national tour on the heels of a very popular t.v. show. The fact that average Americans “judged” the dancers may have seemed pedestrian to you. However, the simple fact is that the show created a lot of new fans of dance, people who then forked out money to see the “SYTYCD” dancers perform live. It was probably the first dance troupe that a lot of people had ever seen. And so the net effect on the arts is positive. It “YTOTIW” is successful, it will put other actors to work, it will put musicians to work, it will help Broadway as a whole. That, IMO, is a very good thing. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/14 "2007-01-06T21:37:00Z")
[QUOTE=want2know] … And now, Mr. and Mrs. Crapforbrains from Lower Fumbuck County are going to decide who plays the lead roles in a Broadway musical, fer chrissakes? The whole concept makes me throw up in my mouth a little… [/QUOTE] I used to feel the same way, however, I’m quite positive that the thing is rigged so that the _real_ winners will be the ones that the producers would’ve chosen. For starters, the viewing audience will only get to select from 12 finalists, already pre-selected by the producers. That pretty much tells you all you need to know right there: the selections will be from among 12 considered “good enough” already. (They might spice it up with some obvious duds, but it’ll still be rigged to come to the right answer). ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/15 "2007-01-06T21:39:01Z")
… And if Eve gives it the Seal of Approval, who are we to cast doubt? ---
**Author:** ![Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bc8723/32.png) [@Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/16 "2007-01-06T21:45:03Z")
Oh. In that case: “Chewing Gum for the Eyes.” 60 contestants will compete weekly in tournaments of dance, song, trivia questions, and bikini competition to determine who will design the new terminals and runway for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. “I’d Rather Be Wright.” Deadpan comedian Stephen Wright hosts as thirty blue-collar iron workers don aprons and oven mitts in a fierce, competitive pastry bake-off to determine who will be the next President of the United States. “A Stitch In Time.” A panel of four fashion consultants and clothing designers judge contestants from Mrs. Reynolds’ kindergarten class in their abilities to cut with EZ-safe scissors, use paste without eating it, and spell their names without using the entire jar of glitter. The winning child will be commissioned to new a fall fashion lineup in Paris! And “Payback,” where 35 competitors from all over Hollywood compete in games of foam-gladiator combat in a rubber arena. The winner gets to write the next stupid reality competition show. ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/17 "2007-01-06T21:58:44Z")
[QUOTE=Fish] Oh. In that case: “Chewing Gum for the Eyes.” 60 contestants will compete weekly in tournaments of dance, song, trivia questions, and bikini competition to determine who will design the new terminals and runway for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. “I’d Rather Be Wright.” Deadpan comedian Stephen Wright hosts as thirty blue-collar iron workers don aprons and oven mitts in a fierce, competitive pastry bake-off to determine who will be the next President of the United States. “A Stitch In Time.” A panel of four fashion consultants and clothing designers judge contestants from Mrs. Reynolds’ kindergarten class in their abilities to cut with EZ-safe scissors, use paste without eating it, and spell their names without using the entire jar of glitter. The winning child will be commissioned to new a fall fashion lineup in Paris! And “Payback,” where 35 competitors from all over Hollywood compete in games of foam-gladiator combat in a rubber arena. The winner gets to write the next stupid reality competition show. [/QUOTE] Heh, see, the difference between all those ideas and YTOTIW is that in this case, the competition is relevant to the prize. ---
**Author:** ![Eve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/18 "2007-01-06T22:00:08Z")
[QUOTE=PunditLisa] . . . people who then forked out money to see the “SYTYCD” dancers perform live . . . It “YTOTIW” is successful, it will put other actors to work, it will put musicians to work, it will help Broadway as a whole. [/QUOTE] Well, as long as it’s not on opposite DH, MNIS or UB. Or the reruns of GA they’ve been showing, just before TDSWJS. ---
**Author:** ![Eve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/19 "2007-01-06T22:01:15Z")
Oops, sorry, I meant MNIE, or course, not MNIS. Didn’t mean to confuse anyone. ---
**Author:** ![Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bc8723/32.png) [@Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961/20 "2007-01-06T22:05:22Z")
[QUOTE=Raguleader] Heh, see, the difference between all those ideas and YTOTIW is that in this case, the competition is relevant to the prize. [/QUOTE] Barely. 🙂 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grease-youre-the-one-that-i-want-bit-of-a-rant/386961.md?page=2)