Beginning March 13, NBC has a new kid in town: Rise. Inspired by the book Drama High: The Incredible True Story of a Brilliant Teacher, a Struggling Town, and the Magic of Theater, the series hails from creator Jason Katims (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood) and Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller.
The drama stars Josh Radnor, Rosie Perez, Auli’i Cravalho, and Damon J. Gillespie.
Radnor plays Lou Mazzuchelli, an English teacher looking for more passion in his life who decides he has a vision for the Stanton High theatre program. After assuming the director position—over decades-long assistant director Tracey Wolfe (Perez)—novice Mr. Mazzu tosses out Grease in favor of the controversial Duncan Sheik-Steven Sater musical Spring Awakening. The leads to a backlash from the more conservative school district and an exploration of gender politics and personal awakenings of teenage theatre students.
The cast also features Marley Shelton, Rarmian Newton, Ted Sutherland, Amy Forsyth, Casey W. Johnson, Taylor Richardson, Joe Tippett, and Shirley Rumierk.
Tune in to the series premiere of Rise on NBC at 10PM ET.
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