Based on the high school subcultures of 1950s America, it takes its name from the 'tough guy' working-class greasers of the era. The musical, set in 1959 in fictional Rydell High in Chicago, tackles such social issues as teenage pregnancy and gang violence, its themes include love, friendship, teenage rebellion and sexual exploration during adolescence, and, to some degree, class consciousness/class conflict.
This songbook provides vocal selections from the stage version.