Grease (1978)

Danny and Sandy. The very mention of their names evokes, for many, happy memories of maybe the most famous summer romance ever. “Yours, from the first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!” wrote John Travolta in his heartfelt tribute to Olivia Newton-John, following news her death on Aug. 8.

In celebration of a life captured on screen in films like Xanadu, The Wedding Planner and… yes… Sharknado 5, Tampa Theatre is proud to present one of our favorite Summer Classics and the role that lodged Olivia so firmly in our hearts: Grease.

Based on a hit Broadway musical and full of catchy songs (the soundtrack was the second-best selling album of 1978, right behind the soundtrack of Saturday Night Fever. Has anybody ever had a better year than John Travolta’s 1978?), Grease elevates the teenage high-school romance of greaser Danny and prim Australian Sandy as they navigate their respective cliques to Hollywood perfection. It’s a little corny, and it’s a little campy, just like a good musical should be. But it’s also unforgettable.