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Finally, some action! Okay, so the last half of last week's show had a little bit, and I suspect that's why they only spent half of the show at Grease Academy, even though they had been hyping it up like crazy the first two weeks. In the end, no one wanted to see that garbage, they want to see something interesting. After all, with so many faces to learn, we know we're only going to get a few seconds at best, and we're not going to get anything useful. I'm glad we're actually getting to the point where we can see some activity, and start to put some performances with the work that they do. Maybe it will all start to make some sense now. Still, it's a two-hour show. That's a lot to get through. We'll see how it goes.

In their attempt to vary from American Idol, they are showing us two contestants at once. Which is a bit odd, really. After all, why would they do that? It really makes no sense at all. Maybe it just makes things go a little bit faster by not requiring the judges to give input on any individuals. Hopefully that will go away, because putting two people up at once is just a little strange. Still, it's better than fifty at once, so at least it's something.

First up, Derek Keeling and Austin Miller. Chad's Take: Derek was good, but I think he needs to get it out there a bit more. If he was on American Idol, his performance was solid. For singing on Broadway, he's got to engage the audience some more. Austin is excellent, and has the early lead (remember he was my early pick to win it all). However, he also needs to keep his head about him and make sure that he stays focused, not letting it get to him.

Next they move to the first round of potential Ashleys, with Allie Schulz and Kate Rockwell. Chad's Take: Though I typically like rock anthems, Allie didn't know hers. Of course, being written and popular before she was born may have had something to do with it. Those boots had to go, too. Kate (my other choice for winning) was awesome. However, she needs to show the performance that she did last week, which is what will engage audiences. She's not called "Serious Sandy" for nothing, and it may endanger her. I don't think she's going home here, but she needs to open it up and get a little bubbly.

Before any known competitors can come on, we meet the surprise guests - Matt Nolan and Ashley Anderson. Though they are a bit green, they were brought back for a second chance at potential stardom. Chad's Take: While Matt's performance was okay, Ashley's performance is horrible (even she knew it, you could see it in her eyes). We'll have to wait to see how everyone else does to see if he has a chance of staying.

Next, Jason Celaya and Max Crumm hit the stage. Chad's Take: Jason offers a decent rendition of his song, but leaves you thinking that he really does belong in a boy band, not necessarily on a Broadway stage. Max, however, delivers a performance that wows for perhaps the first time in this competition. I've always wondered what everyone saw in him, and I've got to say that I'm impressed. I still don't know if he can be Danny, but for the first time, I've got to say that I could be convinced.

Another round of potential Ashleys gives us Laura Osnes and Kathleen Monteleone. Chad's Take: Laura is completely not memorable. That's not to say she was good or bad. At least she was better than Ashley Anderson. Kathleen, on the other hand, is quite good. At least her voice is. Her choice of outfit is a little bizarre. She looks like a ladybug. Hopefully that will improve.

The final set of Dannys for the night is Kevin Greene and Chad Doreck. Chad's Take: Kevin is okay, but like Laura Osnes, he's rather bland and needs some work if he's planning on going very far. Chad, aside from the most excellent name, turns in a solid performance, and I think he's done an excellent job throwing down the gauntlet.

The last pair of would-be Sandys come up in Juliana Hansen and Ashley Spencer. Chad's Take: Juliana showed that she has a decent voice, but her song was just a little off. She has a ways to go. Ashley, however, does a decent job - the only thing is that I found that I had a hard time hearing her. On stage she'll need to project a bit better.

And that wraps up the first night of performance. Finally.

While I thought Austin was in the front of the pack coming in, he had some able challengers on his way out. Both Max and Chad are hot on his heels. The others not so much. On the female side, I still think Kathleen is out in front, but I don't think that the women have as much talent on their side.

I am less than clear on how eliminations will work. I don't know if it will be one of each sex between shows, or if they will drop only one potential contestant. I can say with fair certainty that Ashley Anderson will go in either case. If they drop two, then I suspect Matt Nolan will go as well.

Update: Matt Nolan and Ashley Anderson were indeed the contestants to go home. The rest will come back next week and do it all again!