NBC Searching For Next ‘Grease’ Stars

BURBANK, Calif. (August 8, 2006) — NBC will search for the next Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko in “You’re the One That We Want,” a new talent competition series, where America will ultimately get to choose the two leads for a new Broadway production of “Grease,” which hits Broadway in June2007.

Jim Jacobs, the co-creator of “Grease” along with Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Kathleen Marshall and renowned theatre producer David Ian will serve as contest judges.

“The winning appeal of ‘Grease’ and its timeless score and storyline extends across all generations and will make for a fantastic series. Americans have grown up with these catchy tunes and appealing characters and we think they’ll love the chance to select the next dynamic duo to play Sandy and Danny,? Craig Plestis, Senior Vice President of Alternative Programming and Development, NBC Entertainment said.

“Grease,” by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, is the all-American musical, based on the sub-cultures of high school life in the 1950’s. The show takes place at the hyperactive Rydell High School, where Danny Zuko fronts his gang – the raucous T-Birds – who romance their sassy female equivalents – the Pink Ladies. When “good-girl” Sandy Dumbrowski arrives in town, the Pink Ladies take her under their collective wing. “Grease” originated in Chicago and made its premiere at The Kingston Mines Theater in 1971 before making its New York premiere off-Broadway at the Eden Theatre on February 14, 1972. After 128 performances and much popularity, the show made the transition to Broadway taking up residence at the Broadhurst Theatre on June 7, 1972.

“Grease” was nominated for seven Tony Awards in its spectacular initial run. On November 21, 1972, the show moved to the Royale Theatre. It closed on Broadway after playing 3,388 performances, closing as the longest running show in Broadway history. In 1978, “Grease” became a hugely popular feature film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in the lead roles. A Broadway revival opened on May 11, 1994 at the Eugene O’Neil Theatre where it played 1,503 performances and won three Tony Award nominations. A London revival opened on July 15, 1993 at the Dominion Theatre and ran for six years on London’s West End and is still touring today. The film version of “Grease” produced one of the best-selling soundtracks in history and is the highest-grossing movie musical of all time. The two Travolta/Newton-John duets, “You’re The One That I Want” and “Summer Nights” were both number one hits and appear on the United Kingdom’s All-Time Best-Selling Singles list. The song “Hopelessly Devoted to You” was nominated for an Academy Award (1979) for Best Music – Original Song and the film’s title song, “Grease is the Word” was a number one smash hit single for singer Frankie Valli.“Grease” is one of the most successful Broadway musicals and motion pictures of all time. In addition to Travolta, some of the actors who have portrayed Danny include Richard Gere, Treat Williams, Patrick Swayze and Barry Bostwick. Other actresses who have played Sandy include pop stars Debbie Gibson and Dannii Minogue, as well as Elaine Paige. The new Broadway production will feature the smash Jacobs/Casey songs made famous by the the original play including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning” and “We Go Together.”Tickets for “Grease” will go on-sale on December 1, 2006.