Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young Take On Iconic Roles in Studio Tenn's GREASE

American Idol finalists - and real-life husband and wife - Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo will star as Danny and Sandy this spring as Studio Tenn's production of Grease hits the stage at Jamison Theater at the Factory at Franklin for a May 10-27 run.

Perhaps best known for their appearances on American Idol - DeGarmo was a finalist on the longtime reality series' third season, while Young was a season five finalist - the pair are Broadway veterans, having appeared in both Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Hair. DeGarmo and Young became engaged live onstage during American Idol's season 11.

A veteran of the stage, Grease will mark DeGarmo's return to Studio Tenn after first starring as Dorothy in the company's 2015 production of The Wizard of Oz. She has also appeared as a featured artist in Studio Tenn's annual fundraising gala, One Night Only.

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. She has also starred in leading roles in multiple national tours such as Brooklyn: The Musical and 9 to 5, The Musical (playing the role of Doralee, the character originally played by composer Dolly Parton in the film that inspired the stage musical), as well as numerous film and television appearances including Wyatt Earp's Revenge, All About Christmas Eve and The Young and the Restless.

DeGarmo's on-stage love interest and real-life husband, Ace Young, will make his Studio Tenn debut, playing Grease's leading man Danny Zuko.

Young found success as a musician following his American 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 Grease: He made his Broadway debut in September, 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 national tour of Grease to play Danny Zuko.

"I couldn't be more ecstatic about working alongside my beautiful, talented wife again," Young says. "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 says playing Sandy is a dream come true: "My childhood self cannot believe that I finally get to live out my Sandra Dee/Grease dream with my Studio Tenn family and friends. My life is always full of such great surprises; I am one lucky girl."

She also looks forward to working again with Studio Tenn: "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 details and to buy tickets, go to www.StudioTenn.com or call (615) 541-8200.

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