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.