It is 1961, two years after the events of the prior film, and the first day of school has arrived ("Alma Mater" from the original stage musical). Principal McGee and her secretary Blanche react as the students, including the ruffian T-Birds and Pink Ladies, arrive at high school ("Back to School Again"). The Pink Ladies are now led by Stephanie Zinone, who feels she has "outgrown" her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Johnny Nogerelli, the arrogant, chauvinistic, and rather immature leader of the motorcycle riding T-Birds.