“For all of our characters, the pink jacket meant to really belong”: Tricia Fukuhara, Cheyenne Isabel Wells, Ari Notartomaso and Marisa Davila on Grease – Rise of the Pink Ladies

Beginning in 1954, four years before the original Grease film is set, this musical spin-off series Rise of the Pink Ladies lays the foundations and backstory for four misfits and their evolving friendship that resulted in the iconic group, the Pink Ladies, during their time at Rydell High School. 

Created by Annabel Oakes, this prequel is a musical feast of brilliant choreography led by Jamal Sims and features 30 original songs from Grammy-nominated songwriter Justin Tranter. The show pays homage to the original movie with replica sets (fans can expect to see Frosty Palace make an appearance) authentic props and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it detail that sets it up perfectly as a premise to Grease.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of speaking to Tricia Fukuhara (Nancy), Cheyenne Isabel Wells (Olivia), Ari Notartomaso (Cynthia) and Marisa Davila (Jane) about their roles, how they have battled with teenage identity and misogyny, and what it was about the original film that sparked universal nostalgia and made them proud to be a part of its backstory. They also performed a group Pink Lady Pledge as they told us the jackets were an important part of bonding as a group and giving them a real sense of belonging in this fictional high school. 

Ezelle Alblas

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies is released on Paramount+ on 7^th April 2023. Read our review here.

Watch the trailer for Grease: The Rise of the Pink Ladies here: