Without getting too cloy about it, in the entertainment business, sometimes the show really must go on. Doubly so when that show is a production as huge as FOX’s Grease: Live, a new, televised rendition of the actual play.
The world on-stage doesn’t give a damn about the world of its actors, though. Vanessa Hudgens, slated to play Rizzo, lost her father Greg to cancer less than 24 hours before the show went live.
If you’re Hudgens, the answer was simple, but unthinkably difficult: knock the role out of the fucking park.
Tonight, I do the show in his honor.
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) January 31, 2016
Even to total newcomers to the production, it’s apparent a portrayal so strong, coming from someone who’d just experienced tremendous loss, is something incredible indeed. Pay attention to these final lyrics, why doncha: “But to cry in front of you, that’s the worst thing I could do”:
There are worse things you could do, Rizz (@VanessaHudgens). Much worse! #GreaseLivehttps://t.co/djENXG5qbT
— GREASE: LIVE (@GoGrease) February 1, 2016
@VanessaHudgens I held my dad’s hand thru his last breath. So sorry boo and so impressed with your professionalism and tenacity.
— Carrie Hall (@carriehallruns) February 1, 2016
@VanessaHudgens you absolutely killed it tonight, you turned my punk rock boyfriend into a Vane and grease fan. Ty and congratulations!
— Brooklyn morales (@brookynmorales1) February 1, 2016
Props to @VanessaHudgens for an amazing performance on Grease Live tonight, especially in lieu of her father’s passing. What a trooper.
— Maleri Sevier (@msevier) February 1, 2016
Still can’t get over @VanessaHudgens tonight. Simply amazing in all aspects. Such a trooper and such a talent.
— Patrick Wilkins (@WatrickPilkins) February 1, 2016
I wouldn’t expect anything less @VanessaHudgens is killing it! So proud of my girl #GreaseLive
— AshleyTisdaleFrench (@ashleytisdale) February 1, 2016
FWIW, the professional reviewers thought she did a bang-up job too regardless of the circumstances, commending her performance alongside those from Carly-Rae Jepsen, Julianne Hough and Jessie J.
Applause all around, Hudgens.
Pink Lady Forever ???? pic.twitter.com/p25nJOfUti
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) January 31, 2016
Photo: FOX / Getty.