Interview by Jana Letonja

Madison Lagares stars as Fran ‘Frenchy’ Facciano in Paramount+’s ‘Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies’. A classically trained singer, the multi-hyphenate found her passion for performing at a very young age. This past winter, the singer-songwriter dropped ‘The Holidays’, written and composed by Bailey Bass, and recently released ‘Us Against the World’.

Madison, we’ve just been able to watch you in Paramount+’s ‘Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies’. How excited were you when you got cast on this musical series that is a prequel to the 1978 film ‘Grease’?  

I was over the moon excited. My mom pulled me out of school for a ‘doctor’s appointment’ only to surprise me with my manager and agent on the phone giving me the amazing news that I was cast as Frenchy. It’s still very surreal and a memory I will never forget.

In the series you play Fran ‘Frenchy’ Facciano, Jane’s high-spirited, fast-talking, younger sister. How fun was it portraying such an iconic character, that we all got to know in the original film?

I was so excited and scared at the same time. Just the thought of being able to play such an iconic role was a bit nerve-racking and I wanted to do it justice.

Have you been familiar with the 1978 film or did you watch it shortly before you started filming ‘Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies’?

Yes. My parents are musical theater buffs, so I had watched the film about 10 times before I got the news I had been cast and 38 times by the time we started filming.

The season ended on a cliffhanger. What are your thought on a possible upcoming second season? What would you personally like to see in it?

I personally would like to see Frenchy explore the relationship with her sister Jane. I know she really looks up to her,so would love to see what Frenchy learns from Jane that starts making her the Frenchy we all love from the OG ‘Grease’. I would also love to see Frenchy and Rizzo keep building on that great friendship they share. And lastly, just be able to keep seeing those amazing musical numbers that we all love so much. I’m so incredibly proud to be part of this show.

You found your passion for performing at a very young age and are a classically trained singer. Tell us more about how it all started for you.

I had been training with a vocal coach since I was six because my parents found out I had perfect pitch and wanted to foster that ability. I was trained in all genres and especially enjoyed opera, which helped develop my range. Performing has always been a part of my life. It truly is my passion.

How exciting was it to be able to do two of your passions, acting and singing, at the same time on ‘Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies’?

That was like winning the lottery for me. I love acting and singing, but to be part of a show that allows us to do both, it doesn’t get any better than that.

You were hand-picked by Gloria Estefan for your Broadway debut as Little Gloria in ‘On Your Feet‘. How did it feel to got this honor?

It was unbelievable. The breakdown on the audition said you had to be 12 – 14 years old to play Little Gloria and I was 9. So just having them consider me at that point was insane, but to hear her say she hand-picked me gave me the confidence I needed to take on that role at such a young age.

How does performing on Broadway compare to being on set and filming?

Broadway is more dramatic and bigger in movements and facial expressions. You also can’t miss your mark and you don’t get another take, so you have to give 100 % every second so the show flows perfectly. You get used to the pressure the more performances you do and then it becomes second nature. Filming is more natural and you get to take your time a bit more to try different things, so the scenes come out perfect. You feed off each other’s energy, it really is different and just as wonderful.

You are also kickstarting your solo recording career. This past winter you dropped your single ‘The Holidays’, that was written and composed by Bailey Bass and recently released ‘Us Against the World’. What’s next for your music career?

I am in the process of finishing more new songs and working with a well-known composer on a song he wrote that he wants me to make my own. I am so excited about this amazing opportunity.

Madison, what is coming up next for you? What can you share with us about your upcoming projects?

Well, crossing my fingers and toes for a second season of ‘Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies’. I’m up for two shows that are in the last stages for going to Broadway, so will hopefully update everyone on that soon. There are many great things on the horizon. I’m very blessed.

photography CORRINE LOUIE