Interview with Mike Miller & Fayhe-Louise Mitchell (Danny & Sandy)

Style caught up with Mike Miller (Danny Zuko) and Fayhe-Louise Mitchell (Sandy Dumbrowski), from Rochdale Musical Theatre Company (RMTC) ahead of Grease The Musical arriving in Rochdale Town Centre this spring!

The company are set to transform the iconic Champness Hall into Rydell High from 5th-13th May.

With a talented cast, live band and one of the most popular musical soundtracks of all time, RMTC'S high energy, all-singing, all-dancing production definitely isn't one to be missed!

The company's 2023 production follows their hugely successful, award-winning productions of Legally Blonde The Musical in October 2021 and The Producers in May 2022.

Directed by Zac Grenier, with musical direction by Chris Addington and choreography by Nikki Cooke of Legacy Dance Academy, the production will truly showcase the incredible talent we have locally.

Style Magazine are delighted to be sponsoring this fantastic production and Style readers can receive 10% off all tickets by using the code "style10" when booking online at rochdalemtc.co.uk.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your family and friends together for a spectacular musical experience right here on your doorstep!

Grease runs from 5th - 13th May 2023 at Champness Hall, Drake St, Rochdale. Tickets £17.50, available now at: www.rochdalemtc.co.uk

Use code 'style10" for 10% off all tickets Other enquiries (inc disabled/wheelchair access): 01706 643543

Style: How does it feel to step into such iconic roles?

Fayhe (Sandy): Quite surreal to be honest! Grease is one of my mum's favourite films so growing up we had it on tape and watched it a lot (along with my mum singing “Sandy, can’t you see, I’m in misery…” at the top of her lungs). I also feel I have a duty on my shoulders to ensure I do the role justice with Sandy being such an icon. I can’t wait to bring her to life on stage, especially boss Sandy!

Mike (Danny): I think every man growing up at one point or another thought of himself as a bit of a ‘Danny Zuko’ or aspired to be like him. It has been a bucket list role for me since performing in my first ever musical as Kenickie back in 2019 and I am extremely excited to be able to make it happen! Danny Zuko is both confident and charismatic but also has a softer and more loveable side and I can’t wait to bring that to the stage.

So you were both big fans of Grease before you auditioned for RMTC?

Fayhe: Yes I have always loved it! The pink ladies were and still are my favourite characters! Along with Eugene - bless him!

Mike: I remember closing my bedroom door and screaming ‘Greased Lightnin’ at the top of my lungs as a young boy so yes, I have always been a fan. I was always a little bit gutted that I wasn’t in a group at High School or College like the T-Birds but hey, this is as close as I’m going to get and that’ll do for me.

Are rehearsals as much fun as we imagine?

Fayhe: Yes! Everyone is so lovely and we have such a laugh! I love rehearsals even if we’re working on a number that I’m not needed for. As the musical is ever so slightly different to the film, Sandy does not go to the dance but I absolutely love watching that dance number being rehearsed! The dancing and choreography is incredible!

Mike: I can honestly say I’ve never been involved in a show where the cast has gelled so quickly. The production team are fantastic to work with as well which makes our job as performers so much easier. I have known about RMTC for a couple of years and always had the opinion that it’s a fun and welcoming society and I can confirm that this is true! If you’re intrigued or would like to get involved, this a great place to take that leap in a future show!

What can people expect from RMTC’s production of Grease?

Fayhe: Everything you would want and more! All of the iconic songs you can sing along with, the big dance numbers and some extra little surprises thrown in there!

Mike: The only three things you would ever want or need from a production of Grease:

1 - Incredible amounts of energy

2 - Emphatic dance numbers

3 - Excellent vocals to your favourite songs

Tell us an interesting fact about you...

Fayhe: I’ve represented England both as a coach/choreographer and an athlete at the USASF and ICU All Star Cheerleading and Dance World Championships in Disneyworld, Florida a few times!

Mike: At least once a month, me and my fiancée have a heated debate due to the fact she believes Grease 2 is better than the original Grease and… IT JUST ISN’T TRUE!

Favourite line from the show…

Fayhe: My favourite which I say is “tell me about it… stud” however, my favourite line is so random but it tickles me everytime. It’s right at the beginning and it’s the T birds Doody - “Hey rump, I'll swap you half a sardine for a liver sausages”

Mike: “Thanks a lot, kid.” - Kenickie

The first time you see a crack in Kenickie’s character and really cuts through like a knife.

Favourite song from the show…

Fayhe: This is a hard question! As much as I love You’re The One That I Want and Sandy, my favourite song didn’t actually make the film version - well it did but in a different context - it's Doody’s song with his guitar “Those Magic Changes”.

Mike: It would be easy to say ‘You’re The One That I Want’ or ‘Greased Lightnin’ but my favourites are ones that you may not have heard before due to them not making the film. ‘Mooning’ and ‘Freddy My Love’ are definitely my favourite songs and the vocals on these by our cast are just superb!

Why should people buy tickets?

Fayhe: If I wasn’t in this production I would 100% have my tickets booked for a night out with my friends and the prosecco on ice. It’s so much fun, such a feel good show and I think everybody can relate to the characters in one way or another.

Mike: Because you can be guaranteed you are going to love the music, the characters, the storyline and I’m sure there will be moments during the show that will jog a memory or two from the first time you ever saw the film. How many other musicals can guarantee you that?