Landing the lead role of Sandy in Fox's "Grease: Live" was a dream come true for Julianne Hough.
"Of all the things I have done, this is the thing I am most excited about," Hough told Headlines & Global News exclusively before joining her fellow cast members onstage at the Television Critics Association Press Tour to promote the upcoming live event.
In fact, it's a role the 27-year-old has been preparing for since she was a child.
"I put the production on in my basement when I was, like, 5 years old," laughed Hough. "I was Sandy and then, during the dance scene, I'd turn into Cha Cha, and then I went back to Sandy."
For Hough, the former "Dancing with the Stars" pro dancer turned judge, the hours of choreographing and performing live have well-prepared her to tackle the daunting task of a three-hour live musical spectacular.
She also goes in to it with the knowledge that original "Grease" star Olivia Newton-John has given her the stamp of approval.
"I've met Olivia a couple times," revealed Hough. "And she was a guest judge on 'Dancing with the Stars' back in November. When I found that out, I actually screamed so loud because I was so excited. When I met her, I didn't say anything to her [at] first. She just said, 'I hear you're playing Sandy. Congratulations. You're just perfect for it.'"
It was that endorsement that almost had Hough in tears. "I almost started crying because I was like, 'This is my, like, hero. This is my 5‑year‑old dream.' So for her to give me that kind of blessing.... I hope I make her proud."
The cast of the star-studded "Grease: Live" production - also featuring Aaron Tveit (Danny Zuko), Vanessa Hudgens (Rizzo), Carlos PenaVega (Kenickie), Carly Rae Jepsen (Frenchy), Keke Palmer (Marty), Kether Donohue (Jan), David Del Rio (Putzie), Jordan Fisher (Doody) and Andrew Call (Sonny) - is currently in rehearsals for its Jan. 31 live telecast.
Thankfully for the cast, Hough's extensive dance background is coming in handy for some of the tricky steps and, while not an official choreographer on the project, she's always willing to lend a hand.
"I would never ever go in there and try and do anything," she admitted. "But if there are times when we're just sitting around, I'm like, 'Hey, guys, do you need help with that little bit? I can walk you through it if you want.'"
For more of our interview with Hough, read on....
What was it like the first time you put on the Sandy costume?
I just completely embodied what Sandy was. I had the good girl Sandy on first and felt quite demure; my posture was different. Then, when I put [the bad girl Sandy] pants on, it was like I felt confident and sexy.
Which Sandy are you more like?
You know the reason I feel like I'm Sandy is because I'm a little of both. I think that what our version is doing is instead of saying that Sandy is changing so that Danny likes her, she's discovering herself. In our journey, throughout the entire three hours, people will be watching and it's her choice and decision that [she can still have the good girl] values and can still [be a bit of a bad girl] too.
This can't be the first time you've ever dressed as Sandy, right?
It's the first time - the very first time. [Laughs]
What about in your childhood basement production of "Grease"?
I don't know. Those costumes were dance clothes for sure. I didn't have any sassy clothes back then.
When Sandy transforms, she comes out smoking a cigarette. Isn't that not PC these days?
We will not be having a cigarette. I don't know... there's the option of gum.
What about an e-cig?
No way! But there's always the option of 'I don't need the cigarette, I can just walk down there and show what a strong, sexual, confident woman I've become.'
What is your favorite song from "Grease"?
I really love "Summer Nights" because, I think, it's still relevant today with some of the words. Every guy's perception versus every girl's perception of a first date is probably very different. So it's relevant - Sandy's version versus Danny's version.
What will be the hardest song to perform?
Probably "Hopelessly Devoted to You" because I'll be getting on a golf cart right after the dance - [where I] had busted my butt - then traveling to Sandy's house in, like, a minute and a half, then have to prepare and belt out "Hopelessly Devoted..."
Will you be lip-synching at any time?
No! One hundred percent no! No!
Do you remember your first time seeing "Grease" - either the movie or a Broadway production - and what kind of impression it left on you?
I don't remember the first time. It's sort of like Mickey Mouse, Elvis and Michael Jackson [with] my nieces now... they just know them. It was the same thing with "Grease" - I just knew "Grease" my whole life. When I was 5 years old, though, my parents wouldn't let us watch PG-13 movies as they were racy and growing up in Utah, Mormon... so when they were out of town or at work, I would go and steal the movie and go watch it downstairs and put on my own production. That was me being naughty Sandy.
Is there another musical you would like to do in this format?
I don't know what I would want to do in particular, but I know wholeheartedly I would love to do Broadway. Musicals, dance, singing, everything... It's a part of who I am and I want to embrace that. Of course, I want to challenge myself and do other things, but I'm having so much fun. It's the first time in a few years where I've started a production and went, "Wow, this is why I love what I do. Wait, I actually am kind of talented." You know how you kind of doubt yourself sometimes? But I'm working on my skills every single day and loving life. We're back in high school and having a blast. I just want to do things that are fun.
Would you consider doing "Footloose" live or is that a case of "been there, done that"?
Yeah, I've kind of done it. It's not every day that, while you are doing a project, you realize how special it is. Sometimes you'll do something and look back and say, "That was special." But the first day this was just so special. I don't know... I kind of want to hold that and keep this for what it is. Who knows? Maybe years down the line.
You've done a lot of live television, but this is very different. Are you nervous?
I'm nervous/excited. I think there are people that will hate it and get nervous, and those that thrive off it. I'm one of those that thrive off it. I think we're doing something so different. We're combining everything I've ever loved to do with live television, theatrics [and] cinematic camera work, and we are on live sets like you would [use] if you were shooting a movie. I feel we are shooting a musical movie in real time with sitcom audience members. It's the craziest hybrid and amazing.
Will you be returning to "Dancing with the Stars" next season?
I am not sure. It goes from season to season and they usually wait till a few weeks before [to make decisions]. I don't know what is going to happen. But, regardless, I am to be a part of that family forever and they are a part of mine. So whatever happens happens, but I will always be a part of the family.
Now maybe you'll have more time to set up your wedding to Brooks Laich?
Oh, yeah, tons! I, literally, have done nothing. Nothing! But we have time.
So it isn't happening soon?
No. We are enjoying each step of our relationship.
You are in "Dirty Grandpa." Can you talk about that?
It comes out Jan. 22, and it's really fun and so random. I play Zac Efron's fiancée, who is very uptight and very different from Sandy. I am very aggressive and a bridezilla!
So you are learning what not to do when planning a wedding?
Exactly! There were moments [when] I would call up [my fiancé ] and say, "FYI, this is not me - I promise you!"
Did you talk with Vanessa Hudgens about working with Efron?
No. We never talked about that.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I, actually, would reverse that: What should young Julianne tell old Julianne? Which is, "Stay true to you and have fun." Because, at the end of the day, when I was 5 years old and 9 years old, I just did things because they were fun. They were my passions and, as you get older, you start losing the fun. So I want my 5-year-old self to tell my older self to stay true to me and just have fun.
Are you glad you started young in show business?
It's funny, I didn't really start out in show business until I was 18. I was performing, but it never felt like show business. I was just doing what I loved to do.
Do you think you missed out on anything?
No. I was living in London and I had a different high school experience. Then, when I moved back, it really felt like Sandy. I didn't know where I fit in, and people were different in Utah then they were in London. I was friends with everyone, but I didn't know where I belonged. But then I started dancing and felt like I belonged.
Did the 90 seconds you spent performing each week on "Dancing with the Stars" prepare you for "Grease: Live" in any way?
Absolutely! It is a marathon and not a sprint. We are getting tons of sleep and working on our voices and preparing to go full out. It is live and things can go wrong, but that is the beauty and magic of it all. We will find a way to make it work great.
"Grease: Live" airs Sunday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. ET on Fox.
