In the stage version she is Sandy Dumbrowski. Of Polish descent.
In the 1978 film-version, since Olivia Newton-John is Australian, they chose to make the character Australian as well. They changed her name to Sandy Olsen.
Changing character's nationalities isn't a rare thing when Broadway shows are made into films.
Sally Bowles was British in the stage version of CABARET. She was American in Bob Fosse's 1972 film-version with Liza Minnelli.
In the stage version of MAMMA MIA!, Bill is from Australia. He was Swedish in the 2008 film-version.
And in the play, Rydell High School is in Chicago, not California.
The movie Cabaret made Sally an American because Liza couldn't do an English accent. When she subbed for Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria, they had to make Victoria a Canadian for the same reason.
Can you name even 5 American actors who are uncontroversially regarded as doing a near-perfect British accent of any kind? ("English" is a bit broad - do you mean RP? Generic London Mockney? Or something more "regional" like Georgie or Manc?)
Jeffrey Dean Morgan put on a almost perfect Irish accent. I had no idea he was american.
I'm originally British but lived in America most of my life and I think putting on a British accent is pretty easy. I mean, like, proper english or cockney. I can't perfect regional.
It's funny cause I can think of like 3 or 4 British actors who can put on perfect American accents: Hugh Laurie (House), Damian Lewis (Dreamcatcher), James Frain (Where the Heart Is).
<--- the set of A Midsummer Night's Dream that I was assistant stage manager for during the 2007 season at the STNJ outdoor stage.
-Dre-
You must remember all the same that at the crux of every game is knowing when it's time to leave the table... And it's important to be artful in your exit. No turning back, you must accept the con is done... It was a ball, it was a blast. And it's a shame it couldn't last. But every chapter has to end, you must agree. ~Dirty Rotten Scoundrels~
There's a special kind of people known as show people. We live in a world full of dreams. Sometimes we're not too certain what's false and what's real. But we're seldom in doubt about what we feel. ~Curtains~
It is a far, far better thing I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest I go to, than I have ever known. ~A Tale of Two Cities ~
where does it ever say in the script that the show takes place in Chicago? I thik it could take place anywhere in america. Updated On: 12/14/08 at 10:49 AM
I think it's just a generally understood consensus that since the show was written and premiered in Chicago, by natives of Chicago, that Rydell is located somewhere in that city, but yes, it could be anywhere if you so choose to make it, as I think you are right and it is not specifically stated in the script.
(formerly bronte604)
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