Grease: Derek Keeling and Ashley Spencer to play
the lead roles of 'Danny' and 'Sandy.'

The producers of the Tony Award nominated Broadway revival of Grease announced today that the gang at Rydell High will get a new "class couple" on 22 Jul 2008 when Derek Keeling and Ashley Spencer join the cast in the lead roles of 'Danny' and 'Sandy.'

Keeling and Spencer were both finalists on the NBC talent competitions series 'Grease: You're the One That I Want.'

Max Crumm and Laura Osnes, the winners of the NBC talent competitions series, will play their final performances as the high school sweethearts on 20 Jul 2008.

Keeling most recently appeared as 'Chad' in the west coast premiere of 'All Shook Up.' Previous credits include the role of 'Danny Zuko' in a national tour of 'Grease' opposite 'Frankie Avalon' and 'Chubby Checker.' Ashley comes directly from the Broadway company of Hairspray where she starred as "Amber von Tussle."

Grease opened on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on 19 Aug 2007, following previews from 24 Jul 2007, where it is currently booking through to 28 Dec 2008.

The musical opened to mosty poor reviews: "If you want to see "Grease," rent the movie." (New York Theatre Guide); "Chills don't start multiplying, antsiness does." (New York Daily News); "Grease" doesn't sizzle, its ingredients tend to congeal." (Star-Ledger); "It all seems somewhat counterfeit." (Variety).

In addition to Max Crumm as 'Danny' and Laura Osnes as 'Sandy,'”Grease also stars Ryan Patrick Binder as 'Doody,' Susan Blommaert as 'Miss Lynch,' Will Blum as 'Roger,' Jeb Brown as 'Vince,' Taylor Hicks as 'Teen Angel', Allison Fischer as 'Patty,' Robyn Hurder as 'Marty,' Lindsay Mendez as 'Jan,' Jenny Powers as 'Rizzo,' Jose Restrepo as 'Sonny,' Matthew Saldivar as 'Kenickie,' Jamison Scott as 'Eugene' and Kirsten Wyatt as 'Frenchy.'

Grease: Based on the sub-cultures of high school life in the 1950's. The show takes place at the hyperactive Rydell High School, where Danny Zuko fronts his gang - the raucous T-Birds - who romance their sassy female equivalents - the Pink Ladies. When 'good-girl' Sandy Dumbrowski arrives in town, the Pink Ladies take her under their collective wing.

Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall (The Pajama Game, Wonderful Town), Grease features book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.

The production features scenic design by Derek McLane, costumes design by Martin Pakledinaz, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and sound design by Brian Ronan.

Grease is produced on Broadway by Paul Nicholas and David Ian, Nederlander Presentations, Inc. and Terry Allen Kramer by arrangement with Robert Stigwood.

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