You can take the girl out of Grease but you can't take Grease out of the girl. NBC has announced that multi-Grammy Award winner Olivia Newton-John -- apparently still "hopelessly devoted" to the hit movie musical that helped launched her career -- will guest star in the first two episodes of Grease: You're the One that I Want.
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In 1978, Newton-John's co-starring role in Grease with John Travolta catapulted her into stardom, as the film went on to become the most successful movie musical of all time. The movie's soundtrack also became the most successful movie musical soundtrack in history, featuring the duets "You're The One That I Want" and "Summer Nights" with Travolta, as well as Newton-John's mega-hit, "Hopelessly Devoted To You."
Prior to her break-out role in Grease, Newton-John's 1973 U.S. album debut, "Let Me Be There" produced her first top 10 single of the same name. She was awarded Most Promising Female Vocalist by the Academy Of Country Music and received a Grammy Award as Best Country Vocalist. She has since won three more Grammy's, numerous Country Music Awards, American Music Awards and Peoples Choice Awards, and has also had five number one hits and 15 top 10 singles. Other than Grease, Newton-John has also appeared in Xanadu, Two Of A Kind, It's My Party, and Sordid Lives. Her latest recording, "Grace and Gratitude," a CD for relaxation to promote spiritual balance and physical and emotional healing, was released in September 2006 and coincided with the launch of her signature line of body, heart and spirit wellness products for women.
In the first two episodes of Grease: You're The One That I Want (airing January 7 and 14 at 8PM ET/PT), viewers will go behind the scenes of the nationwide casting search where hopefuls from all across America strut their stuff in front of the panel of judges. In the third episode (airing Sunday, January 21 8PM ET/PT), the top performers from the nationwide search are flown to Los Angeles for "Grease Academy," where they are trained by Marshall and professional acting, dance and vocal coaches to hone their skills. The top 12 contestants from "Grease Academy" will then perform each week in six live episodes, starting Sunday, January 28 at 8PM ET/PT, with America eliminating two contestants each week until only the two winners who will take on the lead roles of Danny and Sandy on Broadway remain.
Broadway's new Grease revival is scheduled to open in July 2007. The new show will be directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall (The Pajama Game), who will also be a judge on the television series along with Jim Jacobs, the co-creator of Grease, and renowned theater producer David Ian.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio
