A Song-and-Dance Frenzy from Rydell’s Youth…
THE PITCH: Stepping into the shoes of one of cinema’s most cherished movie-musicals, Grease, is no small feat. Remember 1978? A perfect storm of unforgettable melodies, iconic set design, and a transformation scene for the ages? Sure, its message about altering oneself for high-school romance hasn’t aged like fine wine, but there’s no denying Grease’s undeniable imprint on pop culture.
Fast-forward to Paramount+’s latest offering: Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. This prequel whisks us back four years at Rydell High, before the movie’s iconic moments played out. We meet four misfits: Jane (Marisa Davila), Olivia (Cheyenne Wells), Nancy (Tricia Fukuhara), and Cynthia (Ari Notartomaso). Thanks to the unpredictable dance of high school destiny, these four forge a bond, birthing a feisty girl squad with an appetite for mischief. Critics got a taste of a plotline where Jane contests the student council elections, squaring off against her archetypal ex-boyfriend, Buddy (Jason Schmidt).
MUSICAL BONES AND BEATS: Rise of the Pink Ladies caters to those who can’t resist a musical number — like those who lamented the omission of ‘Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now’ from 2007’s Hairspray. The series kicks off with a modern twist on “Grease (Is the Word)”, originally crooned by Frankie Valli. From there, the musical extravaganza is unrelenting, each number more grandiose than the last.
However, not every tune hits the mark, and a few feel flat. The show’s shining moments undoubtedly spotlight the central quartet. Their performances are passionate and genuine. Marisa Davila and Cheyenne Wells, especially, dazzle as Jane and Olivia respectively.
These four young talents undeniably steal the show. Tricia Fukuhara delivers dramatic flair as the stylish Nancy, and Ari Notartomaso effortlessly captivates as Cynthia. While the series stays largely devoted to their narrative, it does sprinkle hints to the original – like revealing that Jane’s younger sibling, Fran, eventually morphs into the beloved Frenchy. A nod to this connection is Madison Lagares’ impeccable rendition of the original Frenchy, Didi Conn.
THE SHOW’S TEMPO: The show’s essence seems somewhat discordant, given its iconic origins. Perhaps the Pink Ladies would’ve resonated more had it steered clear of the monumental shadow cast by the original Grease. The series taps into modern themes such as empowerment, inclusivity, and gender inequality, mirroring the tone of the CW Network and evoking vibes of a ‘Riverdale’ rendition of Grease. The anachronistic behavior of the characters juxtaposed against their 1950s wardrobe is somewhat jarring.
Rydell High’s portrayal in the series is progressive, but inconsistently so. Interracial interactions, friendships, and romances flourish without the societal challenges of that era – until, suddenly, they do. Providing voice to these concerns is Hazel (Shanel Bailey), a Black student finding her footing at Rydell. Yet, her character’s introduction in Episode 3 and subsequent subplots feel superficial. It places the series in a peculiar limbo.
THE CREATORS FACED A CHOICE: Deliver a historically accurate portrayal or embrace a whimsical world à la 1997’s Cinderella, emphasizing diverse casting without it driving the narrative. Their middle-of-the-road approach falls flat, which feels unfortunate given the stellar cast.
THE VERDICT: The question lingers – would the show have soared had it not anchored itself to Grease? At one juncture, Jane, amidst Rydell’s ongoing transformations, exclaims, “Our mission is to make Rydell fun for everyone.” This sentiment starkly contrasts with Stockard Channing’s iconic portrayal of Rizzo and her Pink Ladies. The notion that these two tales exist in the same cosmos seems improbable.
Had Paramount+ ventured into a new, campy, song-infused series sans the Grease connection, perhaps it would’ve struck gold. Despite its imperfections, there’s no denying the cast’s passion and commitment. Their performances exude a spirited, theatrical charm. While the storyline may falter at times, the essence of the show echoes the camaraderie of local theater. It makes you root for their success, genuinely.
TUNE IN: Catch Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies premiering on Thursday, April 6th on Paramount+. Subsequent episodes will follow every Thursday thereafter.