The iconic musical “Grease” is making a comeback with a brand new prequel series on Paramount+. “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies” takes viewers back in time to 1954, four years before the original film, and follows the story of a group of outcasts at Rydell High School who dare to have fun on their own terms and end up sparking a moral panic that will change the school forever.
The series will star Marisa Davila as Jane, Cheyenne Isabel Wells as Olivia, Ari Notartomaso as Cynthia, Tricia Fukuhara as Nancy, Shanel Bailey as Hazel, Madison Thompson as Susan, Johnathan Nieves as Richie, Jason Schmidt as Buddy, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper as Wally and Jackie Hoffman as Asst. Principal McGee.
According to series creator Annabel Oakes, the show will explore themes of marginalized identities and the struggles that come with them. “Our characters will get to experience from a different lens and how those experiences overlap with others with a marginalized identity,” said Oakes during the show’s TCA panel. “I think we have the opportunity to represent another struggle that overlaps with things we’re dealing with today like racism.”
The show will be written and executive produced by creator Annabel Oakes, who will also serve as showrunner. Marty Bowen, Adam Fishbach, Alethea Jones and Justin Tranter, a Grammy-nominated songwriter will also be executive producing. Choreography for the musical numbers will be handled by Jamal Sims, whose work has appeared in productions such as “When the Beat Drops,” “13 The Musical,” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
The teaser trailer for “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies” promises a fresh and exciting new take on the classic franchise, delving into the struggles of marginalized characters and providing a new perspective on the story of “Grease.” With an all-star team of creators and a talented cast, the series is set to be a hit when it premieres on April 6th on Paramount+.
