See the Epic 1950s Drive-In Celebrating “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies” on Paramount+
Drive-in milkshake and fries, anyone? To celebrate the new Paramount+ original series "Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies," Paramount+ and POPSUGAR brought the full Pink Ladies experience to "Grease" fans in Los Angeles with an epic pop-up event.
"Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies," which is streaming now on Paramount+, takes viewers back to Rydell High to witness the origin of one of the most iconic girl groups in movie history. The series celebrates friendship and the power of the outsider, and features a diverse cast, catchy musical numbers, and — of course — colorful 1950s fashion. (POPSUGAR readers can use promo code PINKLADIES for a free 30-day trial of Paramount+ to start watching now!)
At the recent pop-up, fans got the full 1950s experience at the famous Mel's Drive-In in West Hollywood, which was completely transformed into the spectacular Frosty Palace featured in the show (and original "Grease" movie). Guests who attended over two days got to explore the drive-in and even received some snazzy merchandise that the Pink Ladies would definitely approve of. Outside the diner, fans could participate in a photo op with classic cars while wearing replicas of the Pink Ladies' jackets. To add to their outfits, guests also received custom-embroidered ascots and '50s-inspired pink sunglasses that could be customized with gems, charms, and chains.
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As guests were seated at the diner, they were treated to their choice of four specialty milkshakes, each in honor of a different Pink Lady from the show. While enjoying their shakes and fries, fans attending the first night of the event also got to partake in a drive-in-style outdoor screening of the premiere episode with the beautiful Sunset Boulevard as scenery in the background.
"Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies" follows four main characters who will end up forming the iconic Pink Ladies: Good-girl Jane Facciano (Marisa Davila), rebellious Olivia Valdovino (Cheyenne Isabel Wells), fashion-obsessed Nancy Nakagawa (Tricia Fukuhara), and quirky tomboy Cynthia Zdunowski (Ari Notartomaso). When we're first introduced to Jane — who also happens to be the older sister of Frenchy, a name "Grease" fans will recognize — she's in the throes of a summer romance with popular football player Buddy. Jane goes from being virtually unknown to being the talk of the whole town when she and Buddy are spotted in the back of his car (at the drive-in, no less). While Buddy is branded a hero with high fives and pats on the back, Jane becomes an outcast and social pariah overnight. This sends her on a mission to clear her name — a mission that ends up unexpectedly being the catalyst for the formation of the Pink Ladies.
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Even with the fun outfits, original songs, and choreography, "Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies" tackles some very real topics that are especially relevant in today's world, particularly themes of sexual freedom, gender roles, assimilation, identity, and staying true to oneself despite what people might say. While Jane deals with the gossip surrounding her, the character of Olivia is still recovering socially from a rumored affair with her English teacher. Audiences also get to see how frustrating it is for Cynthia to try to find her place in the (traditionally all-male) T-Birds group as someone who doesn't fit the typical model of femininity or masculinity. Similarly, Nancy is feeling suffocated by small-town life and the opportunities available to her.
Instead of leaning into their troubles, which previously landed all four girls in the principal's office, they decide to take back their power. "Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies" is a nostalgic look at how these four very different characters team up to make their own rules — and set the stage for the Pink Ladies we'll come to know and love.
"Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies" is now streaming on Paramount+, with new episodes every Thursday. Watch the official trailer below and use promo code PINKLADIES for a free 30-day trial of Paramount+ to start watching now!