Meet the cast of Grease! Sam Ludeman as Sonny

GFO’s revival production of Grease is currently previewing at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre and we at AussieTheatre wanted to get to know the cast before the official opening night!

Today we chat with Sam Ludeman who will be starring as Rydell High School’s resident greaseball Sonny! Sam starred opposite Christie Whelan in Xanadu, appeared in An Officer and A Gentleman, and was a member of Team Seal in The Voice 2012.

What do you think it is about Grease that people love so much?

I think everyone can relate to Grease, we all remember school and the different people we went to school with. Grease reminds us of those characters and that amazing time of your life where nothing seems to matter and you’re invincible.

Describe your character – Sonny

Sonny is very slimy, sleazy and always saying the wrong things to girls. He thinks he is and wants to be Danny Zuko so much that he just comes off as a greaseball. Sonny is third on charge of the T-birds after Danny and Kenickie. He really likes Marty but can never say the right thing in front of her.

What’s your favourite song in the show?

My favourite song in the show would be Mooning, its cute to watch Jan and Roger's relationship develop throughout the whole show but it really takes a big step in this scene.

When you were at high school were you cool enough to be a T-Bird?

I was very much close to a couple of the T-Birds mixed together, basically a mash up of Danny, Sonny and Doodey.

What’s the most challenging thing about the show?

For me its mainly the choreography in We Go Together mixed with the singing. In saying that, nearly every song is a bit tricky to sing when you add the choreography of this show!

What’s the best thing about the performing arts community in Australia?

The people. I love meeting and being inspired by all the talented people in this industry. It means I never feel like I work a day of my life as it doesn’t feel like work.

If you could give one piece of advice to up and coming performers, what would it be?

Work hard and figure out what it is you truly enjoy; don’t be doing it for any other reason than it bringing you joy. Sometimes we can be expected to be doing something in our lives because of our parents or peers. Don’t listen to them, listen to your gut and your heart and follow what its telling you to do. Believe in yourself and be honest with yourself.

Most embarrassing thing to ever happen to you onstage?

One story is a bit too rude… So the second most embarrassing is the time in Damn Yankees at the State Theatre in front of 2000 people when I forgot my line completely. This in turn made the show pause for what felt like an eternity. When I finally realised I’d forgotten my line (as everyone was staring at me expectantly) I panicked and made up a line that made no sense at all… oooops!

If you weren’t treading the boards in Grease, what would you be doing?

I would be performing with my band or by myself with my guitar by my side

What are some of your dream roles?

Chris – Miss Saigon

Bat Boy – Bat Boy

Guy – Once

Grease will be playing at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC from 20 August. Visit greaseistheword.com.au for more details!