Grease: A night of Sandys

If you are a Derek Keeling fan who chose to bypass Grease: You're the One That I Want on Sunday, in favor of the Oscars, you did not miss much. Despite his first stumble the week before, Derek did not wind up in the bottom four and the sing off.

That dubious distinction fell to Chad, Kevin, Kate and Kathleen, with Cincinnati's Kate Rockwell and New Yorker Kevin Greene getting the fewest votes and the boot from the judges. We were told that there was division over who to ultimately eliminate, which was understandable since Kathleen Monteleone's (copyrighted photo, left, by Chris Haston for NBC) sing off performance was weak, and after being saved, her own number was dreadful. In a backstage interview, she appeared shaken from being cast in the bottom two Sandys and never quite pulled herself together. But, she apparently killed in the acting portion, so the judges kept her.

I say apparently, because we never actually saw much of these vaunted acting scenes, except a few bites. Apparently, they don't think TV viewers would be up for watching a few scenes. Anyway, if Kathleen doesn't pull herself together, she might as well not come back next week, because it sounds like she barely made it through this week. Yes, that's a tough situation to be in on national television, but acting requires some composure. What is she going to do if Ben Brantley rips her in the Times opening night? Will she be able to go on the next day?

Anyway, the night belonged to the ladies, with Allie Schulz's It's Oh So Quiet (this is the last show I expected to hear a Bjork song on) and Laura Osnes' Fever carrying the night. The judges kind of baffled me with their evaluation of Ashley Spencer. The said they wanted to see more innocence and vulnerability from her, but she was given These Boots are Made for Walking. Huh? How's she supposed to show vulnerability with that ultra-confident anthem?

Anyway, only the women are in danger next week, and then it's guy's night. So we'll tune in then to see Derek, with no distractions.

Comments

[Joe]

She has proven herself as a great singer and performer in the weeks past. Kathleen had to do a unrehearsed quick change and didn't even get a chance to put her shoes on or even her bra...so talk about not getting a chance to literally pull herself together.
I'd like to see anyone performing in front of Ben Brantley or 5 million Americans who had to do what she did...For that she deserves your praise.

[monica]

Kathleen Monteleon was shaken during her number because she was out of breath from running back stage and doing a live interview followed by getting dressed in a matter of a minute. Did you notice that when she stood in front of the judges after her performance she was not wearing shoes? She has already proven she can sing in the past weeks. I believe the judges save her because they know she is the best actor.
I agree with you that the producers think America is not ready for acting clips. They think we can't handle it and will get bored.