Show Synopsis:
Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski go their separate ways after a romantic summer fling, but are surprised to be at Rydell High School together. Sandy is shocked with how different Danny is around other people when is trying to maintain a "cool" image. She begins to make friends and tries to forget about Danny, but finds herself pining for him. He takes another girl to prom and wins two drive-in movie tickets, which he uses to take Sandy on a date as an apology. She rejects him when he wants to move faster in their relationship than he does, but realizes that she might have to change herself to win his love. She approaches him dressed and acting like a greaser's girl is expected to be. Their friends celebrate their relationship.
Character:
Betty Rizzo, a tough and sarcastic teenage girl who hides her insecurities by bullying and bossing around other girls; does not care what others thinks of her but wants Kenickie to desire her.
Song Context:
Sandy asks Rizzo why she would reject her boyfriend and friends right when she needs them ? when she believes that she might be pregnant. Rizzo tries to tell Sandy that she knows she is more than the person they make her out to be.
Fun Facts:
1) Adrienne Barbeau originated the role of Rizzo on Broadway and received a Theater World Award and a Tony Award nomination for her performance.
2) Jenny Powers played the role of Rizzo in the 2007 Broadway revival of Grease and described how her high school experience playing Rizzo helped her prepare for the role on Broadway in an interview with The Andover Townsman: "Everything was life and death...and I have to remember that...To those kids -- who you were going to take to the dance, what you were wearing to the dance, having a boyfriend -- it's the be all and end all. Going back to that time in my life, and remembering that kind of energy and using that now helps.?
3) Grease was nominated for the Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical, among others.
"There are worse things I could do
Than go with a boy or two.
Even though the neighborhood thinks I'm trashy,
And no good,
I suppose it could be true,
But there are worse things I could do.
I could flirt with all the guys,
Smile at them and bat my eyes.
Press against them when we dance,
Make them think they stand a chance,
Then refuse to see it through.
That's a thing I'd never do.
I could stay home every night,
Wait around for Mr. Right.
Take cold showers every day,
And throw my life away,
On a dream that won't come true.
I could hurt someone like me,
Out of spite or jealousy.
I don?t steal and I don?t lie,
But I can feel and I can cry.
A fact I'll bet you never knew.
But to cry in front of you,
That's the worse thing I could do. "