Paramount+ Releases First Trailer for Marisa Davila’s “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies” Series

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Marisa Davila is a (pink) lady…

Paramount+ has released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming series Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, starring the Latina actress.

The musical comedy is set to premiere on April 6.

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies takes place four years before the original Grease; in 1954 before rock ‘n’ roll ruled, before the T-Birds were the coolest in the school, four fed-up, outcasts dare to have fun on their own terms, sparking a moral panic that will change Rydell High forever.

In addition to Davila, who plays Jane, the prequel series also stars Cheyenne Isabel Wells as Olivia, Ari Notartomaso as Cynthia, Tricia Fukuhara as Nancy, Shanel Bailey as Hazel, Madison Thompson as Susan, Johnathan Nieves as Richie, Jason Schmidt as Buddy, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper as Wally and Jackie Hoffman as Asst. Principal McGee.

“Our characters will get to experience from a different lens and how those experiences overlap with others with a marginalized identity,” says Notartomaso. “I think we have the opportunity to represent another struggle that overlaps with things we’re dealing with today like racism.”

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies is written and executive produced by creator Annabel Oakes, who also serves as showrunner.

The series will feature new original music, written and executive produced by Justin Tranter, a Grammy-nominated songwriter. Jamal Sims, whose work has appeared in When the Beat Drops, 13 The Musical, and RuPaul’s Drag Race, will choreograph the musical numbers for the series. Alethea Jones will direct the first episode and produce.

Marisa Davila to Star in the Prequel Musical Series “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies”

Aside

Marisa Davila is tickled pink…

The Latina actress has been cast in Paramount+’s prequel series Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies as principal photography gets underway in Vancouver, Canada.

In addition to Davila, who stars as Jane, the project also stars Cheyenne Isabel Wells as Olivia, Ari Notartomaso as Cynthia, Tricia Fukuhara as Nancy, Shanel Bailey as Hazel, Madison Thompson as Susan, Johnathan Nieves as Richie, Jason Schmidt as Buddy, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper as Wally and Jackie Hoffman as Asst. Principal McGee.

The musical series takes place in 1954, four years before the original Grease, before rock ‘n’ roll ruled and before the T-Birds were the coolest in the school. It follows four fed-up outcasts who dare to have fun on their own terms, sparking a moral panic that will change Rydell High forever.

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies is written and executive produced by creator Annabel Oakes, who also serves as showrunner.

Alethea Jones will direct the pilot plus two more episodes and will executive produce.

Choreography by Jamal Sims and music by Grammy nominee and executive music producer Justin Tranter.

The series will feature new original music, written and executive produced by Tranter, a Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer known for albums by Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga’s and The Chicks. Sims, whose work has appeared in When the Beat Drops, 13 The Musical and RuPaul’s Drag Race, will choreograph the musical numbers for the series.

“We are thrilled to unveil our new original series that will introduce an incredible cast of young stars in the making and electrifying musical numbers you will fall in love with,” said Nicole Clemens, President, Paramount Television Studios & Paramount+ Original Scripted Series. “Annabel and Alethea have managed to brilliantly capture the spirit of the iconic beloved classic film which like Rise of the Pink Ladies, is both set in the past but relevant to the present.”

Showtime Releases Series Premiere of Daniel Zovatto’s “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels” Early

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Daniel Zovatto’s dreadful time is beginning earlier than anticipated…

Showtime has released the series premiere of its new drama Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, starring the 28-year-old Costa Rican actor, early for free online sampling ahead of its April 26 on-air debut. It’s available now on YouTube and SHO.com.

Daniel Zovatto in Penny Dreadful: City of Angels

Zovatto stars alongside Nathan Lane, Natalie Dormer, Kerry Bishé, Rory Kinnear, Adriana Barraza, Michael Gladis, Jessica Garza and Johnathan Nievesin the follow-up to Penny Dreadful from the original series’ creator, writer and executive producer John Logan.

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels opens in 1938 Los Angeles, a time and place deeply infused with social and political tension. When a grisly murder shocks the city, Detective Tiago Vega (Zovatto) and his partner Lewis Michener (Lane) become embroiled in an epic story that reflects the rich history of Los Angeles: from the building of the city’s first freeways and its deep traditions of Mexican-American folklore, to the dangerous espionage actions of the Third Reich and the rise of radio evangelism. Before long, Tiago and his family are grappling with powerful forces that threaten to tear them apart.

Showtime is also supporting the Farmworkers Covid-19 Pandemic Relief Fundto help raise funds for farmworkers and their families, similar to the Vega family depicted in the series.

The episode is also available via multiple television and streaming providers as well as Showtime’s stand-alone service at http://www.showtime.com.

The 10-episode series will officially premiere this Sunday, April 26 at 10 pm ET/PT on Showtime.

Zovatto’s previous credits include television appearances in Here and Now, Fear the Walking Deadand Revenge.

Adan Rocha to Star on Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels”

Posted on August 20, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Things are pretty Dreadful for Adan Rocha…

The Latino actor has joined the cast of Showtime‘s Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.

Rocha will recur in the Penny Dreadful spinoff as Diego Lopez, a young, vulnerable follower of Fly Rico (Sebastian Chacon), the powerful leader of the Pachucos, a Latino “Zoot Suit” gang. Ready to lay down his life for his Pachuco brothers or sisters, he becomes caught up in a dangerous event far beyond his control.

A spiritual descendant of the story set in Victorian-era London, the next chapter of the Penny Dreadful saga will employ a new vision, new characters and storylines. It opens in 1938 Los Angeles; a time and place deeply infused with social and political tension. When a grisly murder shocks the city, Detective Tiago Vega (Daniel Zovatto) is embroiled in an epic story that reflects the rich history of Los Angeles: from the building of the city’s first freeways and its deep traditions of Mexican-American folklore, to the dangerous espionage actions of the Third Reich and the rise of radio evangelism. Before long, Tiago and his family are grappling with powerful forces that threaten to tear them apart.

The series also stars Natalie Dormer, Kerry Bishé, Adriana Barraza, Rory Kinnear, Jessica Garza, Johnathan Nieves, Michael Gladisand Nathan Lane. Other recurring roles will be filled by Lorenza Izzo, Adam Rodriguez, Thomas Kretschmann, Dominic Sherwoodand Ethan Peck.

Rocha was recently a series regular on Murphy Brown. His other credits include appearances on The Fosters, Brockmireand American Crime.

Sebastian Chacon to Star in Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful” Spinoff “City of Angels”

Posted on July 30, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Sebastian Chacon is ready to Fly…

The Latino actor has joined the cast of Showtime’s Penny Dreadful spinoff City of Angels.

Chacon will play the character of Fly Rico, the powerful leader of the Pachucos, a Latino “Zoot Suit” gang. Rico exudes an irresistible bravado and is slick, smart and dangerous.

Chacon joins a robust cast that includes Daniel Zovatto, Natalie Dormer, Kerry Bishé, Adriana Barraza, Rory Kinnear, Jessica Garza ,Johnathan Nieves, Michael Gladisand Nathan Lane.

Other recurring roles will be filled by Lorenza Izzo, Adam Rodriguez, Thomas Kretschmann, Dominic Sherwood and Ethan Peck.

A spiritual descendant of the story set in Victorian-era London, the next chapter of the Penny Dreadful saga will employ a new vision, new characters and storylines.

It opens in 1938 Los Angeles; a time and place deeply infused with social and political tension. When a grisly murder shocks the city, Detective Tiago Vega (Zovatto) is embroiled in an epic story that reflects the rich history of Los Angeles: from the building of the city’s first freeways and its deep traditions of Mexican-American folklore, to the dangerous espionage actions of the Third Reich and the rise of radio evangelism. Before long, Tiago and his family are grappling with powerful forces that threaten to tear them apart.

Chacon has appeared in Netflix’s Tales of the City, The Code, Pose, Chicago Fire, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Narcos and the indie film Angelfish.

Adriana Barraza to Star in Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels”

Posted on March 9, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a dreadfultime for Adriana Barraza… But she’s not complaining!

The 63-year-old Mexican actress, an Oscar and Golden Globe nominee for her role in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Babel, has been cast in a lead role opposite Daniel Zovatto and Natalie Dormer in Showtime’s upcoming series Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.

The project is a follow-up to Penny Dreadful from the original series’ creator, writer and executive producer John Logan.

A spiritual descendant of the story set in Victorian-era London, the next chapter will employ a new vision, new characters and storylines. It opens in 1938 Los Angeles; a time and place deeply infused with social and political tension. When a grisly murder shocks the city, Detective Tiago Vega (Zovatto) is embroiled in an epic story that reflects the rich history of Los Angeles: from the building of the city’s first freeways and its deep traditions of Mexican-American folklore, to the dangerous espionage actions of the Third Reich and the rise of radio evangelism. Before long, Tiago and his family are grappling with powerful forces that threaten to tear them apart.

Barraza will play Maria Vega, the powerful matriarch of the Vega family. Maria will go to any lengths to protect her children from the dangerous world of 1938 social politics, as well as from the chilling supernatural forces invading their lives.

In addition to Zovatto and Dormer, the series also stars Jessica Garza, Johnathan Nievesand Nathan Lane.

Logan is the series’ creator, writer and executive producer. Paco Cabezasis set to direct multiple episodes.

Production on the drama series is expected to begin later this year.

Barraza’s feature film credits include Henry Poole Is Here, Drag Me to Hell, Thor, The 33 and Cake. She’s also appeared in television on The Strain and Narcos.

Barraza directed Locura de Amor, Nunca Te Olvidare and El Manantial.

Her upcoming film projects include Dora the Explorer and Rambo Vopposite Sylvester Stallone.

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