BBC takes Maria format Stateside to find Grease star

Published Tuesday 8 August 2006 at 18:15 by Liz Thomas

David Ian, BBC Worldwide and American network NBC are joining forces in the US to launch a television talent search for two stars to play Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko for a new Broadway production of hit musical Grease.

As The Stage exclusively revealed earlier this year, the show, entitled You’re the One That We Want, will follow a similar format to How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? which is broadcast in the UK on BBC1 and is searching for the new lead in the forthcoming West End production of The Sound of Music.

Grease originated in Chicago as a stage show in 1971 but became a global phenomenon after the film, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, in the lead roles, was released in 1978. The musical’s co-creator Jim Jacobs, Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Kathleen Marshall and renowned theatre producer Ian are set to be judges on the series.

Ian said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be involved with this groundbreaking programme. To be able to search the whole of the United States for two new stars to open on Broadway is a truly unique opportunity. I have been involved with Grease for 15 years, and to at last be presenting the show on Broadway, with my dear friends at the Nederlander Organisation is a dream come true. I cannot wait to work with the phenomenally talented Kathleen Marshall and the show’s creator Jim Jacobs to create a brand new Grease for this millennium.”

The Broadway show is set to open in June 2007 and will be directed and choreographed by Marshall. Paul Nicholas and David Ian Associates, Nederlander Presentations and Phoenix Productions will produce.

Wayne Garvie, director of content and production BBC Worldwide, says: “This show is the real deal, a talent search with a phenomenal and tangible prize. We’ve got judges with the best credentials and with a huge investment in the success on Broadway. The stakes have never been higher in a talent show, with America eventually deciding on the next Sandy and Danny. I’m convinced that nothing can beat this piece for its resonance with the American audience - Grease will once again capture the hearts and souls of the nation.”

You’re the One That We Want is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. The BBC’s Paul Telegdy and David Ian are the executive producers.

GREASE FACTS

• Grease was co-created by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey and is based on the sub-cultures of high school life in fifties America.

• It originated in Chicago and made its premiere at The Kingston Mines Theatre in 1971 before making its New York premiere off-Broadway at the Eden Theatre on February 14, 1972.

• After 128 performances, the show made the transition to Broadway taking up residence at the Broadhurst Theatre on June 7, 1972.

• It 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 6 years on London’s West End and is still touring today.

• 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 UK’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.