The upcoming musical prequel, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies on Paramount+, will delve into the beginnings of the iconic girl gang known as the Pink Ladies. The show’s creator, Annabel Oakes, shared during a press tour panel that although she wasn’t initially interested in adapting Grease for television, her perspective changed when she started studying the experiences of high school girls during the 1950s and 1960s.
After delving into the history of high school girls in the ’50s and ’60s, Annabel Oakes discovered that the Pink Ladies actually existed and realized there were untold stories about marginalized individuals during that time. Ari Notartomaso, one of the stars of the show, described it as a tribute to the women of Grease and an acknowledgment of the underrepresented people who were not given much screen time or attention in the original Grease or in media in general.
The prequel musical is coming to Paramount+ this spring.
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies Storyline
According to Oakes, the original Grease musical and film provided a commentary on the 1950s from the perspective of the 1970s. However, the TV series will offer a fresh perspective from the present day, commenting on both the 1970s and the 1950s. Set four years prior to the events of the movie, the show revolves around four outcast students who come together to form the Pink Ladies, laying the foundation for the iconic group.
According to Davila, the Pink Ladies in the new series will face similar challenges as their counterparts in the movie. However, Notartomaso emphasized that there will also be fresh opportunities to explore narratives involving characters who are non-white and non-straight. Fukuhara mentioned that her character Nancy will grapple with the lasting impact of being in an internment camp and the ongoing struggles of being a young woman in high school. The series aims to delve into these experiences and shed light on diverse perspectives.
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies release date
The new series, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, is set to premiere on April 6 on Paramount+.
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies Teaser Trailer
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies cast
Introducing the new Pink Ladies for the series:
- Marisa Davila as Jane
- Cheyenne Isabel Wells as Olivia
- Ari Notartomaso as Cynthia
- Tricia Fukuhara as Nancy
The cast also includes Shanel Bailey as Hazel, Madison Thompson as Susan, Johnathan Nieves as Richie, Jason Schmidt as Buddy, Maxwell Huntington-Cooper as Wally, and Jackie Hoffman as Assistant Principal McGee.
Regarding appearances from characters or actors from the movie, Oakes teased that we’ll have to wait and see.
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies Music
The production of the series boasts experienced talents in the music and choreography departments. Justin Tranter, a well-known songwriter, is responsible for creating the songs, while acclaimed choreographer Jamal Sims is in charge of the dance routines. They both acknowledge the challenge of adding 30 new songs and dance moves to the Grease universe. While some of the songs are original, there are also cover versions of familiar tunes that Grease fans will recognize. The teaser provides a glimpse of these songs.
