Name: Neisha Cooper
Year: 11
House: Harington
Which character do you play?
I play Sandy Dumbrowski.
In a sentence or two, sum up who your character is in the context of the story:
My character is the new girl at Rydell High School, she is very sweet, innocent and naive. Sandy just wants to fit in and make friends with everyone at Rydell High. Being accepted is a struggle at times for Sandy, as she comes from a conservative background and is very different to the girls she hangs out with.
What do you like most about playing this character?
What I like most about playing Sandy, is the fact that she is a very shy and sweet girl who later on develops into a strong and confident young lady. The songs are very catchy and enjoyable to sing with some upbeat numbers, as well as some slower more emotional songs that tell the story.
Have there been any challenges taking on this role?
The challenges of taking on this role has been managing my time with my other school curricular commitments and ensuring I keep in character throughout the whole performance.
Grease is best known for its catchy musical tunes, do you have a favourite song?
My favourite song is Grease is the Word because this is the opening number of the show which is very upbeat and vibrant and it sets the scene of what is to come. It is a great introduction to the show which will draw in the audience right from the start.
If you were a high school student in the 1950s, which Grease character would you most relate to?
I think I would most relate to the character of Sandy, because she is super positive and likes to please people she comes into contact with.
Is this your first stage show/musical or have you performed before?
This will be my second musical. I performed in The Little Mermaid last year at Hillcrest High School. I am very excited to be playing my first lead role. I have performed numerous times on stage as a lead singer in bands over the past four years.
Who do you look up to (as an actor/singer/performer)?
I look up to Jennifer Lopez, because she is a multi-talented performer. Among her musical attributes is singing, acting and dancing. She has won so many awards over the years and is an excellent role model to all young performers.
Do you have plans to continue with any performing once you leave school?
I plan to continue with singing once I leave school and I am open to any opportunities that may come my way.
Is there anything additional you would like to share about your experience so far being
involved in this year’s school production?
I am thoroughly enjoying working with such an incredible and supportive cast. As I am the new girl to school I have found the seniors have made me feel very welcome. We always have a lot of laughs and fun times, but we all put in the hard yards so we can bring out our best performance on stage. I definitely recommend that everyone should come along to watch the show as it caters for all age groups and is a fun and upbeat musical that will have you singing along.
GREASE hits the stage at Southwell School Performing Arts Centre June 30 – July 4.
Snap up your tickets here.
