NBC announces new 'You're the One That We Want' reality talent series

NBC has announced that it will air You're the One That We Want, a new reality talent competition series that will search for the leads for a new Broadway production of "Grease," as part of its 2006-2007 mid-season schedule.


Produced by BBC Worldwide Productions, the folks behind ABC's Dancing with the Stars, You're the One That We Want will use an American Idol-like format to allow viewers to select the man and woman who will play Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko in the revival, which will open on Broadway in June 2007.

"The winning appeal of 'Grease' and its timeless score and storyline extends across all generations and will make for a fantastic series," NBC senior vice president Craig Plestis gushed in the network's announcement. "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."

"This show is the real deal, a talent search with a phenomenal and tangible prize," BBC Worldwide Wayne Garvie added. "We've got judges with the best credentials and with a huge investment in the success on Broadway."

"Grease" co-creator Jim Jacobs, Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall -- who will direct and choreograph the new Broadway production -- and theatre producer David Ian will serve as the competition's talent judges.


"Grease," created by Jacobs and Warren Casey, chronicles high school life in the 1950's and premiered at Chicago's The Kingston Mines Theater in 1971. 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" made its Broadway premiere at the Broadhurst Theatre on June 7, 1972. The show ended its Broadway run after 3,388 performances, closing as the longest running show in Broadway history. In 1978, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John starred in a feature film adaptation.