There are a few things that I’ve learnt from this week’s edition of Grease Is The Word. First, the single-show format is looooooong. And I mean long with many, many o’s. At times Zoe, bless her, was clearly being given the sign to fill and she herself brings so little to the show that it’s quite a slog, in my opinion. Second, I hate the phrase ‘triple-threat’. It’s a personal thing, but couldn’t there be a nicer term? It sounds like a plan for waging war…
But enough of my foibles, onto the show. This week, you might remember, the format has changed and it’s all about the Dannys. Danny B, Michael, Anthony and Danny R opened the show with Greased Lightening, and it looked like they were having a blast. I found it slightly worrying that it was felt that other dancers were needed to fill the stage - a Danny should be able to do that on his own, of course, but I’ve a feeling that’s more to do with the producers of the TV show, rather than a comment on the abilities of the semi-finalists.
First up tonight, was Michael. I was really impressed with Michael last week, and I thought he was the strongest male in the show. I still think that he’s got the voice that you would most readily associate with musical theatre, but I actually thought he struggled just a little with the more complicated, technical parts of his first song, Burning Love, tonight. Still, it was an assured performance, and he got a massive reception. This week, the guys went for an acting class with Jennifer Ellison as their Sandy, and Ellison was very impressed with his stage presence. David Ian (and yes, I) agreed, but David Gest and Brian were both a little concerned about his American accent. He didn’t storm it tonight, then, but he certainly held the stage well.
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Next came Danny B. (By the way, do we think that the two Daniels in this competition have always called themselves Danny…?) Danny B got the best comments last week, and I was a little confused as to why. I saw that he had talent, but that particular performance didn’t grab me. But this week I got it. He did very well in the acting class, and while the poppier side of his voice grates with me just a little, he had fabulous presence during this rendition of It’s Not Unusual, he’s a really good mover, and I think he probably looked most at home on the stage out of them all tonight. David Gest said he’s got that triple-threat, and Brian said outright: ‘You are Danny Zuko’.
And so to Anthony. I didn’t think that Anthony clicked at all well with his new partner Vicky last week, and I can’t say I was over-impressed this time around either. He came over all star-struck when he did the acting class, and fluffed a lot of his lines, and when it came to his performance of Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher, all I could keep thinking was ‘this guy is a pop star, not a musical theatre performer’. His charisma, which David Gest sees as lovable cockiness, seems very studied to me, but then, so does Robbie Williams’s. He’s a really entertaining performer, and it was clear that he’s a favourite with the audience - I’m just waiting to be totally convinced.
It came down to the judges, at this point, to choose someone to leave, and I don’t think anyone was surprised that that person, unfortunately, had to be Danny R. All that was left, then, was for the remaining three to sing a ballad. I think I was flagging a bit by this point, and so couldn’t really understand the positive comments that all three received… I think I’ll have to put that down to my own state of mind. In the end, the viewers decided that Michael should be the one to leave. Personally, I’d have rather Anthony had left, as I just don’t think that this is his environment. But I look forward to be proved wrong in the final in two weeks’ time, when he’ll take on Danny B. Next week, the Sandy’s (Sandies?!) get their time to shine.
Danny B IS Danny Zuko/john Travolta rolled into one only clear winner.
Yes he has always been called Danny!
Haha fair enough! And yes, I'd say he's the front runner in terms of the judges, but the voting public are a fickle lot!
Danny B is the best dancer, singer, and actor. So, why don't I want him to win? I can't figure it out. I'd rather see Kav any day of the week. He's got charisma and charm in spades. Danny B, for all his obvious talent, can't even touch him on this. Not even close. Danny B would make a terrific chorus boy in Mamma Mia, but there's no way I'm paying to see him hold the West End stage for 2 loooooooooong hours (How's that for multiple ooooo's??)
Without a doubt Michael should still be in this competition. Anthony is more suited to pop stardom, and Danny B is far too camp to be Danny Zuko...certainly not sex symbol material. For me Michael had eveything required....I hope he carries on in musical theatre and we see his name in lights before too long!!!
I know Danny Rhodes very well.
I was for a short while acting as his agent in Scarborough.
I have to say this young man has come on in leaps and bounds over the past year or so, and despite his stutter, I think praise where praise is due.
It is certainly not the last you will see of him, this star shines very brightly, and it wont be long before he really mnakes his mark.
Best wishes to you Danny !
As I am not a fan of all the reality shows on TV - I have finely fallen foul to watching Grease. Having caught bits from majority of the shows so far I'm often left wandering why Anthony gets so many negative comments from David Ian. I believe he is in a class of his own when on stage. He has a vulnerability that I find refreshing - that is why I believe he will make the perfect Danny!
Danny Rhodes has achieved so much! He is so talented!! I really admire his courage! Danny took the news with such good grace, when David Ian announced he was sending him home, he would of definitely won the hearts of many viewers (he's won mine!) He sure does have a bright future ahead of him! This is certainly not the last you hear of Danny Rhodes, it's just the beginning!!
I wish him all the best for the future!!
I only watched the repeat as I feel ADWD is miles better in presentation and content! - also I'm not that keen on "Grease"
Micheal for me did well and I was sorry to see him go, something does not look quite right with Danny B, its hard to put my finger on what? sometimes he looks far too chunky! - Anthony has an an amazing vocal and I have known that since I received a copy of his very first demo cassette years back! - but he does not look comfortable.
Agree, Michael should not have gone, on the night I think he was the best of all four. Why ask them to sing a ballard? are there any in Grease?
At the end of the day I think the judges know who they want and am sure they will get them one way or another. Why change the format? judges take the first one out then public the next. Could it be that if they had done it the other way they could still have Danny R in on a sympathy vote. Good singer but not ready for for playing Danny as he was the first to agree himself.
Next week I am sure the judges favourites will get through one way or another.
i have to say its all getting going on Grease! first off they are in duets, then new duets then solos! in their efforts to make the format more exciting they are losing some great performers. the public who are voting are forgetting they are choosing a Danny and Sandy and not just who they think is better looking or more courageous. i think the people who are actually knowledgable about musical theatre are watching and voting on Any Dream Will Do (and although some people have gone from there who should still be in thats all down to ALW). remember everyone that you are dealing with peoples careers - if the wrong people end up on the west end it will be painful for them as well as the paying audiences.
Yes Danny B has always been called Danny and he certainly is Danny Zuko!! Anthony, for some reason, seems so popular with the public but surely anyone can see he cannot act or dance. Danny B can do all three very well and we have yet to see just what a fantabulous dancer he really is. So all you public look beyond the Kavannagh pop star and vote for the true Danny - thats Danny B!! Good luck Danny!
hello im very good friends with danny rhodes and most of the grease people as i got down to boot camp myself its amazing how well they have all done and each and everyonew of them is a star especailly my danny, we have been best friends since the age of 7 and he is a star!!! he will be on the west end soon enough ang hopefully i can join im! danny b is made for that part he is amzin!! and i love suzie n michelle so either we we great good luck to u all love u lori xx
hi there would just like to say how very very proud of danny we all were. felt so sad when danny went out but as you all must admit he and michael were streets ahead when it came to singing. as we all know its more than just singing but danny had a rough deal what with the songs he was given,the dress was something else no flashy white suits for dan and the dance routine comments well i wonder if that brian friedman had ever tried dancing to circle of life whilst singing a duet?anyhow our lad was a real gentleman at took it likewise and lets hope there is someone out there willing to give him the break that he needs and so so deserves. ,
there is no way i am paying good money to go and see that arrogant,cocky big headed man play Danny Zuko in Grease,fair enough Anthony isnt a strong dancer,but thats all Danny b had over him, Danny B was a poor actor and he doesnt have the natural charm and cheekiness which Anthony has not to mention Anthony is a spitting image of john travolta.Anthony has the ability to engage the audience to make them love him and in my opinion Anthony should have been cast as Danny Zuko...As for the Sandys well i believe that Anthonys chances went down when Alison was kicked out as i think people knew it was a fix and so they didnt really bother voting for Anthony.susan cant act,cant dance and looks too old to play sandy,that part should have gone to Alison theres no doubt about it,all i can say on the matter is FIX FIX FIX!!
Hey gus it's Danny Rhodes i would just like to say a big thankyou to everyone who voted and supported for me. i had the time of my life on that programme and have come away with so much, i just hope it will open up other opprtunities now. well done to Danny B n Susan too! Thanks Again everyone x x x x