Isaac Kocher, son of Leon and Jennifer Kocher, will portray Harry Bright in the NCHS Musical production of Mamma Mia on March 30 through April 2.
What musicals have you been in at NCHS and what characters/roles did you play?
The first musical I was in was Thoroughly Modern Millie and I was cast as one of Muzzy’s boys. The following year I was in Cinderella as “A Lord”. I was also in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat both years portraying Dan. In White Christmas I was a solider and last year for Beauty and the Beast I was Belle’s father, Maurice. This year for Mamma Mia I am playing Harry, one of the potential dads.
What was your favorite musical and why?
I honestly can’t say that I have a favorite musical. Musicals seem much different now then they did when I first started in 7th grade, so it is difficult to compare them. They all have both good and things about but if it came down to it, I would say Thourougly Modern Millie, Joseph, and Mamma Mia are my favorites.
What scene in Mamma Mia is your favorite and why? (This does not have to be a scene you are in)
Since we just started practice and I am still unfamiliar with the show, Mamma Mia is my favorite scene as of now because it is a full cast scene with one of the most well known songs
What are three things being in the musical has taught you? and how have you learned these?
Three things musical has taught is that if you want to see results, you have to put it the work, sometimes you have to work with difficult people that make you want to quit, but you can’t let them ruin it for you, and the final thing is that not everything in life should be taken so seriously and we should just try to enjoy things while they last.
What are two pieces of advice you would give young people who want to start performing in musicals at NCHS?
The first piece of advice I would give is to try new things. You never know what may come out of it. The second thing I would say is don’t worry about what others think of you. Even if you aren’t the best performer out there, as long as you are trying your best to improve, and enjoying it while doing it, then you should be happy with yourself.
What qualities do you see exemplified in the adults who help put on this show that you will take with you as you leave NCHS and how do they demonstrate these qualities?
Perserverance is one of the things I have learned from our directors because even when we are mentally and physically drained and want to quit, we can’t, but instead we have to continue to push ourselves. I have also learned that communication and coordination is very important. As we get closer to show time, thanks to the hard work put in by the cast, the costumers, and the set crew, everything falls into place and the show starts to come together.
What will you miss the most once the final curtain closes on your NCHS musical career?
The thing that I will miss the most about musical is the people that are in it with me.The six years I have been in musical seems like such a long time, yet somehow it flew by. The people that I have gotten to spend those years with, and the memories I have made with them is what I am undoubtedly going to miss the most.
