This NBC reality-competition series was inspired by the BBC's How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, in which a revival of "The Sound of Music" was cast by public opinion rather than through the traditional process. The American version revolved around a big-scale revival of the long-running musical "Grease", with that show's cocreator David Ian joining forces with producer David Ian and director Kathleen Marshall to select the perfect "Danny" and "Sandy" to headline the show. The competition was held along the lines of American Idol, with the finalists strutting their stuff before the three above-mentioned judges (in case you're wondering, David Ian functioned as the resident "Simon Cowell" with his withering glares and caustic comments). The audition process began in LA and Chicago, with the finalists attending "Grease Academy" in preparation of the Big Moment in which the field narrowed down to two performers. Hosted by Billy Bush of Access Hollywood, Grease: You're the One That I Want! debuted January 7, 2007 with a 90-minute special, and thereafter was seen on a weekly, 60-minute basis.
by Hal Erickson
synopsis
