Grease remains a staple of pop culture, defining a generation with its catchy music and memorable characters. This quiz covers the high-energy film and the gritty stage show that started it all.
The questions look at the main cast, specific musical numbers, and the differences between the 1978 movie and its original 1971 production. You might find a few details here that are trickier to remember than the main plot.
If you enjoy this, check out more on classic movie musicals, explore our cult classics collection, or read about iconic scores and soundtracks.
In which 1978 musical film did John Travolta portray a high school student?
Fame
Fame
Grease
Grease
High School Musical
High School Musical
Hairspray
Hairspray
How old was Stockard Channing when she played the high school senior Rizzo in the 1978 film Grease?
37
37
31
31
35
35
33
33
According to the lore of the film, what was the approximate age of Rizzo’s character in Grease?
19
19
20
20
17
17
18
18
What vehicle famously takes flight at the very end of the 1978 film Grease?
Pink Cadillac
Pink Cadillac
Chevrolet Bel Air
Chevrolet Bel Air
Ford De Luxe
Ford De Luxe
Ford Thunderbird
Ford Thunderbird
Where did the original production of the musical Grease premiere in 1971?
Broadway
Broadway
Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
West End Theater
West End Theater
Vaudeville circuits
Vaudeville circuits
How did the tone of the original 1971 stage version of Grease compare to the 1978 film?
It took place in the Victorian era
It took place in the Victorian era
It was a lighthearted TV variety show parody
It was a lighthearted TV variety show parody
It was performed entirely in shadow puppetry
It was performed entirely in shadow puppetry
It was a much grittier, darker, and more profane depiction of 1950s life
It was a much grittier, darker, and more profane depiction of 1950s life
Which of these individuals was an original creator responsible for writing the book, music, and lyrics for Grease?
Bob Fosse
Bob Fosse
Stephen Sondheim
Stephen Sondheim
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Warren Casey
Warren Casey
Which actress played the role of Sandy Olsson in the 1978 film version of Grease?
Dinah Manoff
Dinah Manoff
Stockard Channing
Stockard Channing
Didi Conn
Didi Conn
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John
In the movie, what habit does Rizzo participate in, highlighting the ‘delinquent’ nature of the characters?
Wearing leather jackets
Wearing leather jackets
Smoking cigarettes
Smoking cigarettes
Chewing bubblegum
Chewing bubblegum
Applying hair pomade
Applying hair pomade
What is the name of the high school where the events of the story take place?
West Side High
West Side High
Northside High
Northside High
Rydell High
Rydell High
Riverdale High
Riverdale High
Which famous singer performed the iconic theme song ‘Grease’ that opens the 1978 film?
Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly
Frankie Valli
Frankie Valli
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Paul Anka
Paul Anka
To which social clique at Rydell High School does Rizzo belong?
The T-Birds
The T-Birds
The Scorpions
The Scorpions
The Jets
The Jets
The Pink Ladies
The Pink Ladies
Which character is Rizzo’s primary romantic interest throughout the film?
Doody
Doody
Kenickie
Kenickie
Danny Zuko
Danny Zuko
Sonny LaTierri
Sonny LaTierri
What is the thematic significance of the song ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do’?
It is an upbeat song about joining the Pink Ladies
It is an upbeat song about joining the Pink Ladies
It is an instrumental dance-off anthem
It is an instrumental dance-off anthem
It is a duet performed by Danny and Sandy
It is a duet performed by Danny and Sandy
It is a ballad about Rizzo’s fears of pregnancy and social standing
It is a ballad about Rizzo’s fears of pregnancy and social standing
The original 1971 stage version of Grease was heavily inspired by working-class street culture in which major American city?
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
New York City
New York City
Chicago
Chicago
What major dance event serves as a central focal point in the movie Grease?
A high school football halftime show
A high school football halftime show
The National Bandstand dance-off
The National Bandstand dance-off
A local summer carnival
A local summer carnival
A beach party in Malibu
A beach party in Malibu
Which direct feature-film sequel to the original movie was released in 1982?
Grease: Live!
Grease: Live!
Summer Lovin’
Summer Lovin’
Grease 2
Grease 2
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies
What is the name of the climactic driving challenge between Danny Zuko and Leo Balmudo?
The Speedway Sprint
The Speedway Sprint
The Drag Strip Challenge
The Drag Strip Challenge
The Riverbed Rally
The Riverbed Rally
Thunder Road race
Thunder Road race
In what location does the emotional tension lead to a breakup between Danny and Sandy?
The school auditorium
The school auditorium
The school cafeteria
The school cafeteria
The T-Birds garage
The T-Birds garage
The drive-in movie theater
The drive-in movie theater
Which of these groups are the rival gangs featured in the movie?
T-Birds and Scorpions
T-Birds and Scorpions
Dragons and Cobras
Dragons and Cobras
Wolves and Eagles
Wolves and Eagles
Jets and Sharks
Jets and Sharks
In the movie Grease, what item does Danny give to Sandy that she later returns during a dramatic argument?
Friendship bracelet
Friendship bracelet
Class ring
Class ring
Leather jacket
Leather jacket
Letterman sweater
Letterman sweater
Which description best characterizes the original 1971 stage production of Grease?
A children’s puppet show adaptation
A children’s puppet show adaptation
A musical comedy featuring gritty, dark satire
A musical comedy featuring gritty, dark satire
A silent theatrical performance with piano
A silent theatrical performance with piano
A supernatural horror stage play
A supernatural horror stage play
What is the full title of the song in which Rizzo mocks Sandy’s innocent personality?
Sandra Dee Reprise
Sandra Dee Reprise
Sandra Dee
Sandra Dee
Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee
Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee
I’m a Good Girl, Sandra Dee
I’m a Good Girl, Sandra Dee
You can do better
Not bad
Great!
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