Didi Conn, who played Vi, the malt shop waitress, in this production, played "Frenchy" in the original 1978 musical movie production. Barry Pearl, who played Stan Weaver, the TV show producer of the National Bandstand TV show for the school dance (uncredited), in this production, played "Doody" in the original 1978 movie musical production. In the end, when Didi and Barry take their bows, they are wearing the original "T-Birds" and "Pink Ladies" jackets that they wore in the movie.
Vanessa Hudgens's father, Gregory Hudgens, died the day of the live broadcast. During the end credits, the production was dedicated to his memory.
Olivia Newton John, who played Sandy in the original movie, was offered the role of Principal McGee, but turned it down, saying it would take away too much attention from Julianne Hough.
Vanessa Hudgens dedicated her performance to her father, who died hours earlier after battling Stage 4 cancer.
Each cast member had roughly 2 minutes to quick change into their next outfit, run to the next soundstage, and be on set before the end of the previous scene or commercial.