American Idol Alumni Star in Studio Tenn’s ‘Grease’

Studio Tenn Grease

When Studio Tenn’s production of the beloved musical Grease hits the stage this spring, real-life husband and wife Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo will be portraying Rydell High’s most popular couple, Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson, from May 10-27. Grease will be held at Jamison Theater at the Factory at Franklin. Tickets are on sale now at StudioTenn.com.

The two are perhaps best known for their appearances on America’s reality television sensation, American Idol, where DeGarmo found herself as a finalist on season three and Young a finalist on season five.

Together, they have conquered the world of Broadway by co-starring in both Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Hair, where they initially met. The two later became engaged live on stage during Season 11 of Idol. DeGarmo and Young continued their music careers shortly after American Idol, becoming two of the show’s most decorated artists to date.

Following her time on Idol, DeGarmo released “Dreams,” the first hit single from her debut album Blue Skies, which topped the charts across the U.S. and Canada. Her most recent EP, Gemini Vol. 1, hit iTunes in September 2017 to critical acclaim.

Recording music is just the tip of the iceberg for DeGarmo’s post-Idol accomplishments. She later went on to star in Broadway blockbusters such as West Side Story and Hairspray, as well as the world tour of Jekyll & Hyde.

DeGarmo has also starred in leading roles in multiple national tours such as Brooklyn: The Musical and 9 to 5, as well as numerous film and television appearances including Wyatt Earp’s Revenge, All About Christmas Eve and The Young and the Restless, where she portrayed Angelina Veneziano, the daughter of the popular daytime show’s resident mobster.

A veteran of the stage, Grease will serve as DeGarmo’s return to Studio Tenn after first starring as Dorothy in 2014/2015 season’s The Wizard of Oz. She has also appeared as a featured artist in Studio Tenn’s annual fundraising gala, “One Night Only.”
DeGarmo’s on-stage love interest and real-life husband, Ace Young, makes his first appearance in this Studio Tenn production of Grease as Danny Zuko.

Young found success as a musician following his stint on Idol releasing his first single, “Scattered,” which surpassed the Top 50 on the Hot Adult Contemporary sales chart. Working alongside season five co-star Chris Daughtry, Young co-wrote Daughtry’s hit song “It’s Not Over,” which was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 50th Annual GRAMMY® Awards.

Though Studio Tenn’s production of Grease will mark Young’s first performance with the company, he is no stranger to the roll of Danny Zuko. He made his Broadway debut in September of 2008 as Kenickie in the revival of Grease, playing the role until the show closed in January 2009. Later that same year, he joined the production’s national tour playing Danny.

“I couldn’t be more ecstatic about working alongside my beautiful, talented wife again,” Young said. “Not to mention my excitement to be taking the stage in this all-American classic with the ever so talented performers that not only live right here in our hometown, but across the country as well.”

DeGarmo, who has had long time dreams of starring as the incomparable Sandra Dee, mentioned how lucky she feels to be cast in the role.

“My childhood self cannot believe that I finally get to live out my Sandra Dee/Grease dream with my Studio Tenn family and friends,” DeGarmo said. “My life is always full of such great surprises; I am one lucky girl.”

She also commented on her excitement to be returning to the Studio Tenn stage. “I am thrilled to once again be working with Matt Logan and his team of creative experts, alongside my fabulously talented Nashville and New York friends. I cherish my past experiences with Studio Tenn and know that Grease will be just as wonderful.”

She also commented on returning to the Studio Tenn stage. “I am thrilled to once again be working with Matt Logan and his team of creative experts, alongside my fabulously talented Nashville and New York friends. I cherish my past experiences with Studio Tenn and know that Grease will be just as wonderful.”

Grease takes the stage at the Jamison Theater in the Factory at Franklin May 10-27, with performances Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m., and 2 p.m. performances on Saturday and Sunday. For tickets, visit studiotenn.com or call (615) 541-8200.

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