
This breezy, arch but boneless musical adaptation by Tina Fey of her milestone high school comedy demonstrates the law of diminishing returns. The 2004 film set a bracingly acerbic marker on the familiar story arc of a naïve newcomer’s journey through some permutation of acceptance, betrayal and redemption.
Since then, countless other smart, sassy entertainment products have explored the territory, many of them (Glee, High School Musical) through song. Countless revivals have reminded us that Grease did it first and best back in 1971.