‘Grease: Live’ Casts Julianne Hough and Vanessa Hudgens

Julianne Hough and Vanessa Hudgens to Star in Grease: Live
Julianne Hough at the ‘Rock of Ages’ premiere (Photo © Richard Chavez)

Dancer/actress Julianne Hough (Safe Haven) and Vanessa Hudgens will star in Fox’s Grease: Live set to air on January 31, 2016 at 7pm ET. According to the network, Hough will play the sweet and innocent Sandy and Hudgens will take on the role of the bad girl, Rizzo.

The live musical event will be executive produced by Marc Platt (Into the Woods, Wanted).

Grease is one of the most treasured and favored pop culture phenomenons of our time,” stated Platt. “It’s fun, it’s endearing and we are so excited to reimagine this iconic story with a shared entertainment event suited for today’s audience.”

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,” said Hough. “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.”

And Hudgens said, “Being Rizzo is something I’ve never imagined, and I love that because it will be a new challenge. 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!”