Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Trevor Brady
Alexis Sides has been acting since he played one of the Lost Boys in a school musical adaptation of Peter Pan. Now, he can be seen playing a T-Bird in the Grease prequel series, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. Sides talked to NYOTA about his character Potato, paying homage to Grease, and his advice for aspiring actors.
What initially got you interested in performing?
I’ve always loved performing, ever since I was a kid. It all started when I played one of the Lost Boys in a school production of Peter Pan. I remember feeling so alive and energized when I was on stage, and I knew from that moment on that I wanted to pursue acting as a career. I continued to participate in school productions and local theater throughout my childhood and into my teenage years. Eventually, I made the move to Vancouver to attend acting school and study with some incredible teachers. Now, here I am living my dream, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s such a rush to be able to tell stories and connect with people through my work as an actor. I’m just grateful for every opportunity I get to perform, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.
Tell our readers about your character Potato in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. What do you do to step into his shoes?
Potato is a member of the T-Birds and a Mexican immigrant navigating the struggles of English as a second language. He loves cars and has a light-hearted and funny personality. When I step into Potato’s shoes, I try to understand the experiences and struggles that come with being an immigrant, learning a new language, and navigating life as a teenager. I also try to understand the effects of PTSD and the impact it can have on family dynamics. It’s important to approach these issues with sensitivity and empathy, and I hope to bring awareness to them through my portrayal of Potato. Ultimately, I want to use my platform to shed light on the challenges that marginalized communities face, and to inspire others to use their voices for positive change.
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies pays homage to Grease while still being original and creative. Was it important to you and your castmates to honor the original material?
Absolutely. As a team, we wanted to honor the original Grease material while also creating something fresh and new. With Jamal Sims’s incredible choreography and Justin Tranter’s amazing original songs, we were able to capture the spirit of the original while still making our own mark on the story. Annabel Oakes did a fantastic job of creating a world that felt true to the ’50s while still feeling relevant and relatable today. It was important for us to pay homage to the original Grease, which is a beloved classic, while also bringing something new and exciting to the table. I think viewers will love the way we’ve blended the old and the new in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.
Potato deals with being an immigrant, taking care of his family, and living with someone who suffers from PTSD which gives him a very unique perspective. Have you enjoyed being able to explore the different sides of him?
Playing Potato in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies has allowed me to explore a range of emotions and experiences that are often overlooked in mainstream media. Being an immigrant and having to navigate a new country while taking care of his family and dealing with his father’s PTSD has given me a unique perspective on the challenges that many people face in real life. It’s important for these stories to be told because they bring attention to issues that are often swept under the rug. I feel honored to have the opportunity to portray a character like Potato who represents so many individuals who have similar experiences. It has been a truly humbling and eye-opening experience.
T-Bird’s have such an iconic place in pop culture. Did you try to “study” John Travolta or Jeff Conaway to bring a certain attitude or swagger to the character?
While it’s impossible to ignore the influence of John Travolta and Jeff Conaway on the T-Birds and the original Grease, I believe it’s important to approach the role with a fresh perspective. As actors, it’s our job to create unique and compelling characters that are grounded in reality, even when working within a well-known and beloved universe. So, rather than trying to emulate previous portrayals, I focused on bringing my own experiences and perspective to the character of Potato. In doing so, I hope to have created a T-Bird that feels both familiar and new, and one that audiences can connect with on a deeper level.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
For aspiring actors, my biggest piece of advice is to always stay true to yourself and your own unique style. Don’t try to fit into any specific mold or stereotype, because your individuality is what will set you apart and make you stand out. Also, always be willing to take risks and try new things, whether it’s taking on a challenging role or exploring a new aspect of the craft. And of course, never give up on your dreams. It can be a tough and competitive industry, but if you have a true passion for acting and the drive to succeed, you can make it happen. Surround yourself with supportive and positive people who believe in you, and keep working hard towards your goals. Lastly, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the journey, because that’s what it’s all about.