By TIFFANY RAZZANO
Fans will be able to vote for Nolan as he takes part in a competition for the role of Danny Zuko in a Broadway production of Grease expected to debut this summer.
As a surprise twist, he was invited back for the Feb. 4 show, after being eliminated, to continue in the competition, as one of seven competing for the role of bad boy Danny Zuko. Nolan has continued to be one of the most intriguing participants on the show because he has never had any formal musical training.
"They surprised him," said his mother Arlene Nolan. "He's absolutely thrilled to have a second chance... It's very exciting for him.... He always had a love for music." Nicknamed "Second Chance Danny" because of unexpectedly being brought back into the competition, at the Feb. 4 show, this 2002 graduate of South Side High School, who was a New York State Class A pentathlon champion and also played on the soccer team, performed Pretty Woman for the ecstatic crowd.
"These two, at Grease Academy, were very green and very new," said David Ian, producer of the show, at the Feb. 4 live performance. "We thought, every one deserves a second chance, so why not bring them back." Ian has been a fan of Nolan's, repeatedly saying that he has the raw energy and talent for the part of Danny Zuko. At the Feb. 4 show, he added, "I really believe the Fifties is in [his] DNA. [He's] a Fifties kid... though I know [he's ] green. He's really got to work hard."
Jim Jacobs, one of the original writers of the musical Grease, told Nolan on Feb. 4, "I know you're a little bit nervous... but I must say I felt Roy Orbison was winking down on us [while you performed]."
The original Sandy from Grease, Olivia Newton-John, was also on hand for Nolan's performance. "The girls love you, my God," she said.
"It's certainly been an uphill battle for him, going against polished performers," said his father, Joseph Nolan, "but each time he appears, it gives him the chance to do something. He... is having a Cinderella experience."
Votes can still be made for Nolan during the next live airing of the show, on Sunday, Feb. 11. Go to http://www.nbc.com/Grease/ for more information about how to vote for Matt Nolan.
