Grease

The 1971 musical, Grease, made a Broadway debut in 1972 after an initial appearance at a Chicago club, and has since produced Broadway revivals and international tours and experienced huge success on London's West End. The very popular stage performance was adapted to film seven years after its birth year. The film, which starred Olivia Newton John and John Travolta, was also a rave success. Both versions follow a group of high school peers during the late 1950's, and the story tackles complex issues including first loves and teen pregnancy, gang rivalry and peer pressure. Toned down a bit from its original raw, aggressive and risky nature, the performance has evolved over the years and is one of Broadway's longest running shows.