Paramount+ has been making some major moves lately when it comes to the studio’s biggest properties, and one of the major upcoming projects on the streamer is a prequel series to the 1978 musical blockbusterGrease, titledGrease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. The series itself has been in production for almost a month in Vancouver, and now we have learned about the latest new cast members to join this revival.Deadlinereports thatCharlotte Kavanagh,Josette Halpert,Nicholas McDonough,Maximo Weber Salas, andAlexis Sideshave all joined the musical series.
Kavanagh will be playing Rosemary and Halpert will be portraying Dot while McDonough, Salas, and Sides are playing Gil, Shy Guy, and Potato respectively. These new additions join previously announced cast membersMarisa Davilaas Jane,Cheyenne Isabel Wellsas Olivia,Ari Notartomasoas Cynthia,Tricia Fukuharaas Nancy, andShanel Baileyas Hazel. The large ensemble also includesMadison Thompsonas Susan,Johnathan Nievesas Richie,Jason Schmidtas Buddy,Maxwell Whittington-Cooperas Wally,Jackie Hoffmanas Assistant Principal McGee, andChris McNallyas Mr. Daniels.
The series itself “takes place in 1954, four years before the originalGrease, before rock ‘n’ roll ruled and before the T-Birds were the coolest in the school. It follows four fed-up outcasts who dare to have fun on their own terms, sparking a moral panic that will change Rydell High forever.”Rise Of The Pink Ladiesis written, executive produced, and showrun by series creatorAnnabel Oakes.Adam FishbachandMarty Bowenalso serve as executive producers, along withAlethea Jones, who will be pulling double duty on the series, as she will be directing the pilot and two more episodes for the upcoming season.
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It will be interesting to see how this series plays with fans of the original film, but it looks like this prequel is heading in the right direction, and it will feature new original music written and executive produced by Grammy-nominated songwriter/producerJustin Tranter. Tranter is best known for working with A-list talent likeDua LipaandLady Gaga.Jamal Simswill also be choreographing the musical numbers for the series and is best known for his work onRuPaul’s Drag Race.
Greasehas been a musical staple in the genre ever since its debut over four decades ago and songs like “Greased Lightnin’” and “You’re the One That I Want” still make audiences get up and dance to this day. Hopefully this prequel series can capture the timeless and rebellious rock ‘n’ roll spirit of the original, while giving us new characters and musical jams to fall in love with all at the same time. It is going to be hard to match the energy that bothJohn TravoltaandOlivia Newton-Johnhad in the original classic, but fingers crossed that this new cast has that electric spark the franchise is looking for. For all the latest news onGrease: The Rise of The Pink Ladies, including more cast news or the pending release date, stick with Collider.
