Mario Lopez is joining Dancing With the Stars judge Julianne Hough, actress Vanessa Hudgens, and singer Carly Rae Jepsen in Fox’s first foray into live performances. He will play the role of Vince Fontaine when Grease: Live airs in January.
The Extra host has a smaller part than his famous counterparts. Vince Fontaine is a DJ who emcees a Rydell High dance competition that will showcase Julianne Hough, in her role as Sandy, showing off her amazing dance skills.
#Grease is the word for Mario Lopez https://t.co/BfLgyWSHOa pic.twitter.com/RhB55QUSe8
— Variety (@Variety) October 23, 2015
No stranger to musicals, Mario Lopez danced his way through A Chorus Line on Broadway in 2008 during the show’s revival. He played the role of Zach.
In addition to Extra, Mario Lopez hosts two MTV productions–America’s Best Dance Crew and MTV’s Top Pop Group. He played the role of A.C. Slater on Saved by the Bell, and reprised the role on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon earlier this year.
Yes! @MPG and @MarioLopezExtra reunited — #FriendsForever http://t.co/oa86GBDEWV pic.twitter.com/wqk1iVoiot
— POPSUGAR (@POPSUGAR) October 14, 2015
Mario Lopez is part of an impressive lineup for the TV version of the cult classic film. In addition to his role as Vince Fontaine, Julianne Hough plays Sandy–played in the film by Olivia Newton-John. Aaron Tveit plays Danny–the role brought to life on the big screen by John Travolta. Vanessa Hudgens is Rizzo and Carly Rae Jepsen plays Frenchy. Jessie J will open the show performing of a new version of the Bee Gees hit “Grease (Is the Word).”
Grease: Live airs on Fox on January 31st, and follows NBC’s lead in airing live productions. The Sound of Music Live aired in 2013, followed by Peter Pan Live in December of 2014.
Will you tune in to see Mario Lopez, Julianne Hough, Vanessa Hudgens, and more bring Grease to the small screen?