Fox has announced the first casting for its upcoming Grease live musical, with Julianna Hough (Rock of Ages) set to portray Sandy Olsson and Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical) securing the role of Rizzo.
“Grease is one of the movies that made me want to be an entertainer, and I have literally been waiting my whole life to play Sandy,” states Hough (via EW). “My siblings and I watched it and played it out over and over when we were kids. 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.”
“Being Rizzo is something I’ve never imagined, and I love that because it will be a new challenge,” adds Hudgens. “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 is promising to “re-imagine the hit crossover musical for an entirely new generation” with Grease, which follows on from NBC’s previous live primetime musicals The Sound of Music Live and Peter Pan Live.