Graduation Day at Rydell High

Commencement exercises will be on Jan. 4, 2009 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre when the recently revival of "Grease" closes.

The classic musical tells the story of good girl Sandy and greaser Danny, two star crossed lovers fighting their places in high school society to be with them. With their colorful friends by them, will Sandy and Danny ever be together?

"Grease" is a nostalgic look back at the 50s and contains the songs "Grease," "Summer Lovin'," "Grease Lightning," "Hopelessly Devoted," "We Go Together," and "You're the One That I Want."

This revival was known for using television to cast its leads a la American Idol and the (more popular) British show "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?" (which gave way to "Any Dream Will Do" and "I'd Do Anything"). Max Crumm and Laura Osnes sang their way into America's hearts and won the competition, aired on NBC. Currently, former contestants Ashley Spencer and Derek Keeling play Sandy and Danny. The show received mixed reviews and often turned to stunt casting (for example, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks as "Teen Angel").

The film counterpart is more beloved, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Rumors of a remake have been floating around for some time, with Michelle Pfeifer (who starred in the disasterous Grease 2--which is so bad it's good) attached as executive producer and rumored to be courting Jessica Simpson to play Sandy.