Reality runners-up join 'Grease'

Keeling, Spencer take over lead roles

By DAVID ROONEY

Derek Keeling and Ashley Spencer, runners-up in NBC’s talent competition series “You’re the One That I Want,” will take over July 20 from that show’s winners, Max Crumm and Laura Osnes, in the Broadway revival of “Grease,” playing leads Danny and Sandy.

Kathleen Marshall’s production of the 1950s-set rock ‘n’ roll musical opened Aug. 19 at the Brooks Atkinson to withering reviews, many of which pointed out that neither of the reality show recruits had the charisma to carry a Broadway show.

But the nostalgic tuner proved a steady draw from the start, grossing $31.6 million to date. While sales have dipped slightly in recent months, attendance remains healthy in the 80%-90% range.