Hello, AOK-ers!
And just like that… the first month of the year is in the books. How do you feel? Does it feel like it’s been more than a month to anyone else? Maybe that’s because I’ve been trying to personally ease into 2024. To not rush. And I gotta admit, it’s hard for me to actually slow down, but now that I’ve pumped the breaks a bit… I don’t hate it. Hahaha…
So take a moment to slow down with me right now and listen to a fantastic interview with today’s guest, who feels like a new friend honestly… we have Broadway star Caesar Samayoa in the studio.
Caesar Samayoa is an actor and overall ray of sunshine. He has appeared in the original Broadway companies of Sister Act, The Pee-wee Herman Show and, one of my favorites, Come From Away. Even though the show closed you can see him in the stunning version they filmed for Apple TV.
If you hurry you can also see Caesar as Dr. Emilio Amigo in the remarkable Broadway show How to Dance in Ohio before it closes February 11. Based on a true story, this heart-filled new musical follows a group of young adults, played by seven autistic performers, navigating change and preparing for a spring formal dance in Columbus, Ohio.
Caesar and I discuss this beautiful show, kindness throughout his career and much more.
As always, stay tuned after the interview for your kindness tip of the week.
Caesar! I’m so excited to chat with you today. I’ve had the privilege of seeing you perform many times now with How to Dance in Ohio being the latest, and you’re just such a bright light on stage.
I always start out asking - how are you at taking compliments?
To unlock the door to our conversation, what is your definition of kindness?
Was being kind to yourself and others something you feel like you learned growing up in Spanish Harlem?
Dream-wise/ career-wise is there an act of kindness that you think put you on this path or changed your trajectory?
Flying over your career, I have to touch on Come From Away. Like many, I LOVE this show. The story is just brimming with kindness. I’m sure there are tons, but is there an act of kindness from being in that show that you have imprinted on your heart?
Now let’s boogie woogie on over to How to Dance in Ohio…
I know you had a roundabout journey with the show and had to miss out on some initial development. I was reading how the show was really shaped by the actors more so than other shows perhaps. What was the creative process like for you?
Being ourselves is something we’re taught at a young age, but can be one of the toughest things to do.. How did you infuse yourself into the role?
Did you get to speak with the real Dr. Amigo at all?
In a way, your character deals with a really important storyline in these times, which is performative activism. While it’s his work and he has good intentions, he sort of gets caught up in the limelight of it all. What do you think is the lesson for audiences to take away in this world where people are doing that on social media?
As a performer, how do you show yourself kindness while working the rigorous broadway schedule?
Sitting in the Belasco theatre for this show, the audience was unlike any I had experienced. People were so engaged and sometimes speaking back to the folks onstage. Do you have a touching audience interaction you can share?
I mentioned the Belasco… which is known to be one of the most haunted theatres on Broadway LOL can you share any ghost stories with us? I love them.
How to Dance… Come from Away… I’ve heard you speak about working on projects that spotlight the importance of lifting each other up as people… What do you believe is the best way to lift someone up?
Surprise Compliment Game
“When you meet Caesar, you immediately see that he is a kind person, his warm and sparkling eyes and charming smile put you at ease. His joyful personality… And His mischievous wit is delightful and you look forward to being in his presence. And though I haven’t seen him in a while, my memories of our time together always make me smile. He is a true GIANT of kindness.”
