cultural capital

‘Grease’ Reality TV: There Are Worse Things They Could Do

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Photo: NBC.com


Grease is, of course, the word. It is also the raison d’être for a new reality show that premiered on NBC last night. In Grease: You’re the One That I Want, we the people, American Idol–ly assisted by three judges — one a well-known professional, one an industry insider, and one a producer with a cold manner and a British accent — will cast the roles of Danny and Sandy for a new Broadway revival of the Travolta–Newton-John musical. After the premiere ended last night, New York’s theater critic, Jeremy McCarter, and Daily Intel’s Jesse Oxfeld fired up the Instant Messenger to discuss the show, its stars, and whether this can possibly be a good way to pick two Broadway leads. Here, their Angus McIndoe–ready post-show banter:

‘Grease’ Reality TV: There Are Worse Things They Could Do