Jennifer Kern
Staff Writer

Forest Lake High School teacher Tim Newcomb understands why former FLHS student, Jordis Unga, is performing so solidly on the CBS reality show, Rock Star: INXS.

He recognized her talent to command a stage back when she was in high school.

Jordis is the daughter of Tati and Donna Unga, of Forest Lake. She graduated from Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley.

In 1999 though, Newcomb served as director of the FLHS play ìAnnie,î and he worked with Unga as she played the role of Miss Hannigan.

A junior at FLHS at the time, Unga stepped into Miss Hanniganís shoes just three weeks before opening night. The student who had the role originally had to back out due to a medical problem and Jordis had the part.

Newcomb describes Unga an easygoing personality who was easy to direct and brought her own flair to the role.

ìShe was able to pick something up so fast,î said Newcomb.

He has been following Ungaís run on the show, which has 15 performers competing for the opportunity to front the world famous band, INXS.

ìItís exciting for anyone that worked with her (to watch), Newcomb commented.

Remembering Ungaís voice to be ìpowerfulî in ìAnnie,î he has noticed subtleties in her vocal delivery on the reality show.

ìIt looks like sheís been doing a lot to develop that,î mentioned Newcomb.

One similarity he has noticed from Ungaís current gig on CBS compared to his time working with her on ìAnnieî is her stage presence.

ìShe knew how to come in and work the crowd and work the part,î Newcomb said.

Apparently others are noticing that ability as well. Unga is one of nine people still in the reality show competition. Six have been eliminated.

Regardless of how far she continues in the competition and where her talent takes her in life, Newcomb believes Ungaís time on national television will help her musical career.

ìSheís gained a lot of exposure,î he noted.

Rock Star:INXS can be seen on Tuesday and Wednesday nights on CBS.

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