After Vanessa Hudgens plays Gigi on Broadway, she will get a chance to star in Grease. The former High School Musical singer will co-star in Fox’s live production of Grease with Julianne Hough.
Fox made the announcement today during the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena. The network also said that Into The Woods producer Marc Platt will executive produce the Paramount Television production.
Hough will star as Sandy, the role played by Olivia Newton-John in the iconic 1978 film. Hudgens was cast as Rizzo, who Stockard Channing played in the movie.
“Grease is one of the most treasured and favored pop culture phenomenons of our time," Platt said in a statement. “It's fun, it's endearing and we are so excited to reimagine this iconic story with a shared entertainment event suited for today's audience.”
Hough, who starred on the big screen in Rock of Ages, said that playing Sandy will fulfill one of her dreams. “This is my dream role and performing it live on television will be one of the most thrilling opportunities I’ve had in my career so far,” she said.
“Being Rizzo is something I’ve never imagined, and I love that because it will be a new challenge,” Hudgens said. “She is such an iconic character that continues to transcend generations. I cannot wait to bring her to life on live television. I’m going to be a Pink Lady!”
Fox announced its first live musical in April 2014. While it was initially hoped that the show would air this year, it has been pushed back to Jan. 31, 2016. It will run three hours, starting at 7 p.m.
Before Hudgens performs live on TV, she will perform live on stage. Starting this April, she will star on Broadway in a new production of Gigi.
The original 1978 film starred Newton-John and John Travolta as Danny. Some of the songs in Grease include "Grease Lightning," "You're The One That I Want" and "Summer Nights."
image courtesy of Nancy Rivera/ACE/INFphoto.com