NBC, BBC in Deal for New Talent Show

BURBANK, August 9: NBC has
inked a deal with BBC Worldwide Productions for You’re the One That We Want, a talent competition for midseason that will
search for the leads for a new Broadway production of the classic musical Grease.

The new stage play is set
to open on Broadway in June 2007 and will be directed and choreographed by
two-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall. Paul Nicholas and David Ian
Associates, Nederlander Presentations and Phoenix Productions will produce. Jim
Jacobs, the co-creator of Grease,
will judge the talent competition, along with Marshall and theatre producer
David Ian.

Craig Plestis, SVP of
alternative programming and development at NBC, commented, “The winning appeal
of Grease and its timeless
score and storyline extends across all generations and will make for a
fantastic series. Americans have grown up with these catchy tunes and appealing
characters and we think they’ll love the chance to select the next dynamic duo
to play Sandy and Danny.”

Wayne Garvie, the director
of content and production at BBC Worldwide, added, "This show is the real
deal, a talent search with a phenomenal and tangible prize. We've got judges
with the best credentials and with a huge investment in the success on
Broadway. The stakes have never
been higher in a talent show, with America eventually deciding on the next
Sandy and Danny. I'm convinced that nothing can beat this piece for its
resonance with the American audience— Grease will once again capture the hearts and souls of
the nation."

Grease originated in Chicago and made its premiere at The
Kingston Mines Theater in 1971 before making its New York premiere off-Broadway
at the Eden Theatre on February 14, 1972. After 128 performances, the show made
the transition to Broadway on June 7, 1972. It closed on Broadway after playing
3,388 performances. In 1978, the feature film was released with John Travolta
and Olivia Newton-John in the lead roles. There have been both American and
British revival show since.