'Idol' becomes 'Angel'

Taylor Hicks has been offered many opportunities to act in musical theater after winning “American Idol” and recording two albums.

Hicks chose to join the cast of the Broadway revival of “Grease” in New York in the small but signature role of Teen Angel. Every night, the Alabama native belted out the popular tune “Beauty School Dropout” to Pink Lady Frenchie in a dream sequence.

He opted not to imitate Frankie Avalon, who made the role famous in the hit film, Hicks said. His costume was re-designed when he became part of the show.

“We wanted to 'Taylorize’ it a little and that’s what we did,” said Taylor, calling from a tour stop.

When the musical finished its run last year, Hicks decided to perform the part again in the national tour, which stops Tuesday at Dodge Theatre in Phoenix.

“When I first took this on, I wanted to make sure this was a role where I could learn and not just be thrown out there,” Hicks said. “I’m really having a blast and an incredible time with a musical that almost everyone loves.”

The Season 5 winner of “American Idol” said he never would have thought about being in a Broadway show after the talent competition.

“It’s been quite a ride over the last few years, and doing this musical has helped me reach new people who might not know me,” he said.

Joseph Corella, an ensemble member and Glendale native, said he remembered watching when Hicks won “American Idol” that particular season.

“I never imagined that I’d be on tour with him after seeing him win on television in front of millions of people,” Corella said. “He brings such a great energy to this show, not to mention his fans, the Soul Patrol.”

Set in 1959 at Rydell High School, “Grease” follows a set of teenagers as they navigate their senior year through cars, love, drive-ins and acceptance. The original production of the show is the 12th-longest running musical in Broadway history.

Most people are familiar with the film, which helped launch the careers of Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta.

The new Broadway revival comes courtesy of the recent reality series, “You’re the One That I Want,” a competition which found actors to play Danny and Sandy for the production. Laura Osnes and Arizona native Max Crumm were chosen as the leads.

In addition, four songs from the movie were added to the show including “Grease,” “You’re the One That I Want,” “Sandy” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”

“I remember seeing the movie and loving it so much. Everyone can identify with what’s going on in high school,” Hicks said.

After the tour is finished in late June, Hicks said he might audition for other roles in theater.

“I’ve been very blessed to have so many opportunities after 'American Idol,’” he said. “I’m very thankful for all of my blessings.”

STUDENT RUSH TICKETS
Students with valid ID can purchase tickets to the Phoenix performances of the national tour of “Grease.” Student rush tickets are $20 and will be released for sale two hours prior to curtain time. Student rush tickets can only be purchased in person at the Dodge Theatre Box Office and are limited to two tickets per ID.  
KIDS GO FREE
Parents can share an afternoon of Broadway with their kids for free. Families can bring their children to the 2 p.m. Oct. 24 performance, with a special offer of one free child ticket with each adult ticket purchased. “Grease” is recommended for ages 10 and up. To purchase, go to www.livenation.com use promo code “KIDS,” call 1-877-598-6671 or visit the Dodge Theatre Box Office. Offer is not valid for previously purchased tickets or with any other offer.  Standard service fees apply to all tickets.
For information, visit www.greaseonbroadway.com.

IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Grease.”
WHEN: Tuesday through Oct. 25.
WHERE: Dodge Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix.
TICKETS: $44 to $79.
INFO: Call the box office at 602-379-2800 or visit www.livenation.com.
SPECIAL NOTE: Lauren Zakrin, a finalist of “Legally Blonde: The Search for the Next Elle Woods,” will join the cast as Sandy on Oct. 23.