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[0:00] Alan Seales: Welcome to The Theatre Podcast. Intimate personal conversations with theatre's biggest names. I'm your host Alan Seales and this is the first episode of May, which is kicking off our Quarren Queen Takeover series. Special thanks to Parody Bill who made this month's episode graphics for us. This month will be all about SIX the Musical and this first episode is being kicked off with Broadway cast member Samantha Pauly, who's going to make her debut as Katherine Howard once Broadway returns. If you want to see the complete video version of this episode, I did record it. We used Skype so you can see the whole thing on video. Head on over to ttp.fm slash patreon p-a-t-r-e-o-n and the lowest tier will get you complete access to all of the video interviews past, present, and future.

Remember to follow me on social media at theatre underscore podcast on Facebook at slash official theatre podcast. Tell your friends, leave a rating, leave a review. Remember to please stay home if you can, wash your hands, be safe, stay healthy, and now everyone please enjoy this episode with Samantha Pauly.

[1:36] Alan Seales: My guest today is no stranger to the stage, performing regionally since 2010 in shows such as Honeymoon in Vegas, Elf the Musical, Seussical, and Godspell. She's played the title role of Eva Peron in Evita three times, which included making her West End debut last year in Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. She was Valkyrie in the national tour of Bat Out of Hell and is now Katherine Howard in SIX on Broadway. Samantha Pauly, welcome to The Theatre Podcast.

[2:07] Samantha Pauly: Thank you. Thanks for having me.

[2:14] Alan Seales: How are you holding up here in quarantine?

[2:14] Samantha Pauly: I'm pretty good. I'm really not that bad. I'm lucky that I live right next to my sister. She's just in the building right next to me so if either of us goes anywhere it's just to each other's apartments to hang out and I have my dog here in the city with me too so I don't feel too alone, which is nice. But you know, I have my days where I get really bored.

[2:36] Alan Seales: So are you still in Manhattan in the area?

[2:43] Samantha Pauly: Yeah, I thought about going home to Chicago where that's where my husband is and we have a house there but I didn't leave right away because, you know, originally no one was really sure how long this was going to last and they were like April 13th, that's when we're planning on coming back. And so I was like, okay, I'll just hang out and wait. And that didn't happen.

[3:10] Alan Seales: Like you just hanging out, you were robbed of your Broadway debut.

[3:19] Samantha Pauly: I know, it was just such a weird day too because so many other things had already started to get cancelled but like no one told us anything and we were all kind of hoping that like surely everything, you know, will go dark tomorrow, we'll at least open tonight and have the party and then that's fine. Like if we have to take a month off, that's cool, just let us open and let us have the party. And then I don't think any of us, none of us really heard anything until maybe like 3:30, almost four o'clock in the afternoon. Yeah, it was March 12th and I was like sixth or seventh row center March 11th, your final preview.

[4:10] Alan Seales: Oh great, so I was there and I was like this is gonna be great, they're gonna open, they're gonna get their Tony, they'll be in Tony contention, it's gonna be awesome. And then the next morning, yeah, Moulin Rouge was like both shows are cancelled today and I said, oh something's, somebody's got it. Like there's no way they would close early unless, you know, the producers knew somebody had it or whatnot. And then all of a sudden, you know, just came out that afternoon and immediately I thought of you and the cast, like just, oh, I felt so sad because there are so many of you who are making Broadway debuts and the show has had so much of a build-up and it's been going everywhere, it is so popular and so many people are anticipating this and then it was just like, nope, sorry, we have no idea.

[5:06] Samantha Pauly: Yeah, um, I think one thing that helped a little is that, I mean obviously we'd have been in previews for about a month, so I feel like I already made my Broadway debut. Like we did the thing, I had like our first preview, I was very emotional and cried. But then, you know, during previews we're in rehearsals almost every day still working and then doing the show at night. So I was disappointed, I was sad, you know, I was excited to officially open because like you said, there's been a lot of anticipation for SIX. But I guess I also consider this somewhat of a, not a blessing, but something that was meant to happen maybe for us because a lot of us had been sick or had, you know, vocal fatigue and just needed some time because we've also been doing the show for almost a year and our time off from it has been very limited.

I think the most amount of time we've had off, I mean I went away to London and had like months away from the show but I was still doing another show, which was not easy either. It was not easy, but you know, I think the most amount of time we had off from the show was maybe two and a half, three weeks because we had some time but then we had to come to New York and do press in October. So I think a lot of us are using this time to rest and take care of ourselves the way that we've probably needed to for a while.

[7:00] Alan Seales: Yeah, yeah, and which I mean it's kind of a blessing in disguise in that respect, you know, the voices are going to come back stronger and there's going to be a certain amount of conditioning, you know, like cardiovascularly for your show and shows like Moulin Rouge, the dancers, I mean like come on, that's something you can't just go back into. But you said something too that you're still in rehearsals while you're in previews, but this show like SIX has been around for years and multiple incarnations already. What's changing? What's being worked on?

[7:27] Samantha Pauly: Nothing, nothing in terms of songs or, you know, choreography really changed that much. There are a couple things that change, like snippets of lines or there was some music that got rewritten to just like amp it up for Broadway, if that makes sense. And there were a couple things with the choreography that had changed that we may have like originally been taught incorrectly that then the choreographer from London was with us now for all of these rehearsals. We only had her in Chicago when we first started for a week and then she had to leave, she was doing Hamilton in the UK.

[8:23] Alan Seales: Oh that old thing.

[8:23] Samantha Pauly: That old chestnut, you know. But we had a lot of time with her so she was able to get like really picky and really specific with how she wanted things to look. But Lucy and Toby were also using that time I think to just like play around with stuff and, you know, the show is good as it is and Lucy has told us this many times, like the show could work like in a basement with no audience, like the show is fine and it's good and we could open, you know, tomorrow and be okay. But we have the time so they wanted to use the time to like maybe we'll try this joke this way or maybe we'll try seeing it this way. Like we have the time so let's experiment and see what works and what doesn't, which is what previews are for.

So nothing changed like drastically, but they had the time so they were using it to get really particular and really specific. And I mean, you saw the show, there are so many lights, there is so much tech wise that they were doing a lot of stuff with that too. They added a couple extra things with lights that sometimes would work and sometimes wouldn't, so they were doing...

[9:43] Alan Seales: Yeah, it's beautiful. It's a rock concert about history on Broadway. Like it's such a unique kind of thing. We definitely want to come back to SIX, but normally on the podcast where I start is kind of like your beginnings about you and, you know, who you are. So you said you grew up in Chicago, right? Or Chicago was home? Is that where you grew up?

[10:01] Samantha Pauly: Chicago has been home for me for the last five years. I am originally from Iowa, that's where my parents are still. But I moved to Chicago after college because I wasn't really into just the New York audition scene in general. I had been out here a couple times like as a non-equity actor trying to pound the pavement and, you know, wake up at 4 AM and go wait in line only to probably not get seen and that's just not, that wasn't ever something that I was interested in doing. And while I was still in college is when I met my now husband and Chicago was kind of our compromise. He went to college at Illinois Wesleyan and he went to law school at Notre Dame, so he knew a lot of people still in the Chicago area and I just kind of did my research about what the best theaters were to work at and open calls and this and this and that. So we decided on Chicago.

[11:18] Samantha Pauly: I think we've been there for like two months and I booked my first job. I didn't have any equity points, I had never worked in an equity house before. I booked Godspell at the Marriott Theater and they just offered me my equity card to do the show, which I was kind of reluctant about but was a good decision in the end. And I've been fortunate since then to be working pretty regularly in Chicago, which was another reason that I didn't really feel like I needed to move out to New York because about a year after being in Chicago I got an agent, I signed with an agency and they were sending me out to New York enough for things where I was getting called out here for enough stuff that I was like, well if I can work regularly in Chicago and, you know, book an $80 flight to go to New York for 48 hours and then come back, I'll do that. I'll continue to do that. So we've been there ever since and then I finally did book something and it brought me out here.

[12:26] Alan Seales: Well, when like the singing and the acting, where did the love for theater come in? Have you, like as a kid, were you always singing and performing?

[12:32] Samantha Pauly: Not really. I know, you know, there's a lot of people that are like, I've just been doing this since I was three years old. I think my love for singing just came from watching Disney movies. I just wanted to be Jasmine and I wanted to be Ariel. I didn't see my first Broadway show I think until my junior year of high school, but that's also when I did my first show. The end of my junior year, they had auditions for like The Pajama Game. Didn't know the show, didn't know what it was. I sang in choir and I did choir in like junior high and, you know, stuff like that. But yeah, and then my junior year I auditioned for the musical. I thought it was fun. The choir took a trip to New York and we saw Drowsy Chaperone and Wicked and me being really dumb, I didn't know what Wicked was, you know, any of it.

And we saw Wicked and intermission happened and I thought that was the end of the show. I'm not kidding you. I was like, cool, so now what? Like where we, I was like putting my coat on to leave. But like, but seeing that and doing, you know, the show and having fun, I was like, this seems pretty cool. Like this seems like something that I could do. I think that maybe I could go to college for this and I could try it out. And I think because of that, because I got started so late, my parents were very like, well, but what if it doesn't work? Like what's your backup plan? You know, they say stuff like that. And I just kept saying, I don't know, I don't know because I'm not very good at like math or science. Like I honestly didn't...

[14:44] Samantha Pauly: I think the biggest thing that I learned from that experience was just how important it is to be adaptable and to be flexible. You know, when you're in a situation like that, you have to be able to pivot and change your mindset and your approach to things. And I think that really helped me when I was transitioning into SIX.

[14:59] Samantha Pauly: I also learned a lot about the importance of community and support. I had such an amazing group of friends and fellow performers who really rallied around me during that time. And I think that made all the difference in helping me get through it.

[15:19] Samantha Pauly: When I finally got the call for SIX, it felt like everything had come full circle. I had been waiting for that opportunity, and it was just such a relief to finally be able to step back into the world of performing.

[15:39] Samantha Pauly: I remember my first rehearsal for SIX. I was so nervous but also so excited. The energy in the room was electric, and I just felt so grateful to be a part of it.

[15:59] Samantha Pauly: The show itself is such a unique experience. It's a celebration of these incredible women, and I love being able to tell their stories every night. It feels empowering, and I think that's something that resonates with the audience as well.

[16:19] Samantha Pauly: One of my favorite moments in the show is when we get to really connect with the audience. There's something so special about that energy exchange, and I think it makes the performance even more impactful.

[16:39] Samantha Pauly: I also love the choreography in the show. It's so dynamic and fun, and it really allows us to showcase our personalities as performers. I think the audience can feel that joy when we're on stage.

[16:59] Samantha Pauly: Being in a Broadway show is definitely a dream come true, but it also comes with its challenges. Performing eight shows a week can be tough, but I try to stay focused on the joy of the experience.

[17:19] Samantha Pauly: I think it's important to find balance in your life, especially when you're in such a demanding role. I make sure to take time for myself and do things that bring me joy outside of performing.

[17:39] Samantha Pauly: I also love spending time with my sister, who lives nearby. We've been able to support each other during this time, and it's been such a blessing to have that connection.

[17:59] Samantha Pauly: Quarantine was definitely a strange time for all of us, but I tried to focus on the positives. It gave me a chance to reflect on what I really wanted and to appreciate the little things in life.

[18:19] Samantha Pauly: I think that break from performing really helped me grow as a person and as an artist. It taught me to be grateful for every opportunity and to never take anything for granted.

[18:39] Samantha Pauly: Now that I'm back on stage, I feel more grounded and focused than ever. I'm excited to continue this journey with SIX and to see where it takes me.

[19:09] Samantha Pauly: I think one of the most important things I've learned is to trust the process. Sometimes things don't go as planned, but that doesn't mean that something amazing isn't waiting for you just around the corner.

[19:29] Samantha Pauly: I also believe that everything happens for a reason. Even the tough times can lead to incredible opportunities if you're open to them.

[19:49] Samantha Pauly: I'm just so grateful to be a part of this incredible show and to share these stories with the world. It's truly a privilege.

[20:09] Samantha Pauly: I think the audience really connects with the music and the message of the show. It's all about empowerment and celebrating these women's stories, and I think that's something that resonates with everyone.

[20:29] Samantha Pauly: I love hearing the audience's reactions after the show. It's always so rewarding to know that we've made an impact on someone, even if it's just for a moment.

[20:49] Samantha Pauly: I also enjoy meeting fans at the stage door after performances. It's always nice to hear their thoughts and to connect with them on a personal level.

[21:09] Samantha Pauly: I think that connection is so important in this industry. We're all in this together, and supporting each other is what makes it all worthwhile.

[21:29] Samantha Pauly: I'm excited to see where my journey takes me next. I have so many dreams and aspirations, and I can't wait to continue pursuing them.

[21:49] Samantha Pauly: I think the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and to never lose sight of what makes you passionate about performing.

[22:09] Samantha Pauly: I also believe in the power of collaboration. Working with other talented artists can lead to incredible opportunities and experiences.

[22:29] Samantha Pauly: I'm just so grateful for the support I've received along the way. It's made all the difference in my journey.

[22:49] Samantha Pauly: I think it's important to remember that everyone's journey is different. We all have our own paths to follow, and that's what makes this industry so unique.

[23:09] Samantha Pauly: I'm excited to continue sharing my story and to inspire others to follow their dreams as well.

[23:29] Samantha Pauly: I think that if you stay focused and dedicated, anything is possible. You just have to believe in yourself and keep pushing forward.

[23:49] Samantha Pauly: I'm looking forward to what the future holds, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next.

[24:09] Samantha Pauly: Thank you so much for having me on the podcast. It's been a pleasure sharing my story with you.

[24:29] Samantha Pauly: I hope that my experiences can inspire others to keep pursuing their passions and to never give up on their dreams.

[24:49] Samantha Pauly: Remember to always stay true to yourself and to embrace the journey, no matter where it takes you.

[25:19] Samantha Pauly: Thank you again for this opportunity. I'm so grateful to be able to share my journey with you and your listeners.

[25:49] Samantha Pauly: I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of us in this incredible industry.

[26:09] Samantha Pauly: Let's keep supporting each other and lifting each other up as we continue on our paths.

[26:29] Samantha Pauly: I'm excited to see where this journey takes us all, and I can't wait to share more stories along the way.

[26:59] Samantha Pauly: Thank you for listening, and I hope to connect with everyone soon!

[27:19] Samantha Pauly: Remember to follow your dreams and to never lose sight of what makes you passionate about performing.

[27:39] Samantha Pauly: I'm looking forward to continuing this journey and to sharing more of my story with all of you.

[27:59] Samantha Pauly: Thank you again for having me on the podcast. It's been such a pleasure!

[28:19] Samantha Pauly: I hope that my experiences can inspire others to keep pursuing their passions and to never give up on their dreams.

[28:39] Samantha Pauly: Let's keep supporting each other and lifting each other up as we continue on our paths.

[29:09] Samantha Pauly: Thank you for listening, and I hope to connect with everyone soon!

[38:39] Samantha Pauly: Definitely since then I have realized that the problem within that relationship was not me. It was something with him and insecurities that he had that he took out on me, and I think since then my mentality has definitely changed where I am aware of people like that, if that makes sense. Like, I'm willing to trust people like my husband or people that I work with because I can see that they're inherently good and I know that they are not like this guy because I can recognize in other people when I see those characteristics that he had, if that makes sense.

[39:36] Alan Seales: Absolutely. I especially in terms of like, because you know, within a relationship like that, I think the trust comes in other forms. Whereas like, if I'm trusting the people that I work with or, you know, producers or directors or whoever, that I think at least for me is a different kind of trust. Like, I know that you're gonna take care of my paycheck and you're gonna make sure that the stage is safe and this and this and that, and then that we're doing what we're supposed to be doing on this day and we're ending rehearsal at this time. Like that to me is, I've been able to like mentally, that is different. Whereas I guess with this guy in college that was just like, he was just, I don't know, I think like, I think it was just an insecurity within himself.

[40:30] Samantha Pauly: I don't know, like I said that he would get so mad, like if I booked something and he didn't or we went to auditions together and I got more callbacks for something than he did. It took me a while to figure out in that relationship that like, oh, he's got a problem with himself that he's taking out on me. And I think in terms of work trust, that's something totally different.

[41:11] Alan Seales: Yeah, I mean, I guess where I was going with this was, I'm speculating that it may be hard for you to make close relationships with new people now, and the people once you do let that wall down, it's, you know, it's like you're very loyal, right?

[41:31] Samantha Pauly: Yeah, and with them, yeah, with them forever. Yeah, and so, you know, you're trusting for these producers this time in your life, you're like, okay, a year, I'm putting my eggs in this basket now and I'm going to not have a place in New York. And if I was, you know, let your other actors sublet and didn't have places to go back to because they were trusting that the next steps would be taken care of. And so that now he has to why at the end of the year he said Tony 18 almost broke you. Theater wasn't making you happy. Theater, you know, he wanted to take a break because you basically got like used and thrown away in this tour scenario that never happened.

[42:15] Samantha Pauly: Yes, yeah, I totally get what you're saying and I guess that does definitely harken back to that because, you know, if anything, I love theater and it's, for a lot of people, I think most people, it's an escape from real life, whether you're watching the show or you're on stage and you're a part of it. But yeah, then, yeah, to have all of that and I was like, okay then, like what am I doing? Why if I can't feel safe here, where am I supposed, am I never supposed to leave my house? Like where am I, what am I supposed to do?

[43:06] Alan Seales: Well, so now that like the rug was pulled out from under all of you for in this pandemic, like are you okay? Is it kind of like memories of before? Is it different now?

[43:14] Samantha Pauly: I guess a little bit. This seems to be different in that like I know, I know that SIX already had a lot of anticipation. People were very excited for it to come to Broadway and I know that, you know, anything can happen and nothing is guaranteed obviously in theater. I definitely know that now, but I think that I have faith in the show itself and I have faith in what we've created and I have faith in the ticket sales that we've had for a while that I know that we will come back. The only thing that makes me nervous or gives me anxiety is that it's not now. It's not like Broadway that's uncertain, it's all...

[44:44] Samantha Pauly: Of course, of course, but I think I have also learned since 2018 that, like I said, everything happens for a reason. And I am a firm believer that you are always exactly where you are meant to be in this moment. And if I am not proof of that in the theatre world, I don't know what is. Like, if Bat Out of Hell hadn't been cancelled, then I wouldn't have had time to audition for SIX and all of this other stuff wouldn't have happened. So that all, you usually can't see it while it's happening, but everything definitely happens for a reason. Absolutely. You're doing, on your Instagram page, you're also doing a song a day, right?

[45:36] Alan Seales: Yeah. So is that, was that something to keep yourself, just to keep yourself busy or keep yourself singing?

[45:41] Samantha Pauly: I think both. Now, after the first week, I figured out that like, okay, if I wake up at this time and I like wake up and I work out and I eat breakfast, then I can usually start filming my song around this time and I can edit it and then post it if I try and post right at four o'clock every day. So that has definitely kept me sane because it's made me feel like I have a schedule. And then getting added in like, like this podcast or, you know, whatever kind of phone interview and stuff like that, or like a Zoom class, that's just like an added bonus where I feel like I'm doing something with my day. So it was part of that, that I was like, I'm, I need, I'm going to have to do something. Otherwise I'm going to, I'm going to go nuts. So it's part of that, but it's also part like I, it's making me be better about being active on social media and engaging with fans that I have, I guess, which is.

[46:46] Alan Seales: Why do you put that in air quotes? You have fans, you have fans.

[46:52] Samantha Pauly: It's just a weird thing for me to say, because I just think I'm like a dumb little potato from Iowa that like, you know, like why do I have fans? God, it's so weird. So it's made me better about that too, because I've, I've never been particularly good at like posting on Instagram or using these hashtags or whatever. So it's been good for me to do that too and just like get more involved. But it's fun. Now I'm like picking songs and like putting on outfits and making it funny and it's.

[47:32] Alan Seales: Well, you're, you're, you're explaining, you're talking to the fans, you're getting feedback, you're being, but you're being authentic, which, which I think, especially for, for people in this industry, you know, you're on stage because you need, you're finding a way to express yourself. You're finding a way to, to deal with whatever's going inside your head anyway, by embodying these other characters. And it's giving you this, this way to still perform. You're still performing every day. It's, it's, I've been singing, you know, the same thing for like a year. So it's fun to get song suggestions from people and sing something that maybe I haven't sung in a while or I I've had to learn a lot of new stuff because like I said, I'm not good at keeping up with new stuff on Broadway.

And so I get a lot of requests for like stuff from Mean Girls or Beetlejuice. And I, those are, I saw Mean Girls last year, but it's not like a cast recording I listened to. So that's just another thing that it's an activity for me to sit and try and learn a song without having the sheet music, by just like listening to it on YouTube and looking at the lyrics, you know?

[48:48] Alan Seales: Well, Spring, Spring Awakening, you need to know. Spring Awakening is good.

[48:52] Samantha Pauly: I want to know it. I do. I do.

[48:55] Alan Seales: But I enjoyed the like, okay, I guess I just am in pajamas because that's what people do. But yeah. And like, and that was, you know, I, I feel like a lot of times for theater performers, there's an expectation of, of looking how you do on stage or like being that person or being perfect. And I am more than willing to put videos on my Instagram of me like forgetting the words or making a mistake or doing, or my voice cracking, because like, that's, that's just what it is. For a while I was taping these and I was like, oh, that sounded like garbage. I need to do it again. And finally, over the last two weeks, I've just been like, whatever, I'll just do one take. And if it's good, it's good. And we're going to use it. And if it's not, then we'll make it funny. And now I'm just like dressing up and making it ridiculous.

[49:51] Alan Seales: Well, I think, I think it's fun and it, it gives the rest of us who can't go see shows and who, like, we, we crave this content. So to still be able to, to, to connect with the people that we'd rather see on stage, you know, this is like the next best thing because we can't leave our houses right now and there is no Broadway.

[50:07] Samantha Pauly: Yeah. So, well, there is Broadway. It's just, it's absolutely changed, of course. Yeah. But, uh, six being like very women empowerment, it's all the, the band is female. Uh, like is, is it a different, is it a different vibe for you? A different dynamic or different energy on stage? Cause the whole show is about women's empowerment anyway.

[50:34] Samantha Pauly: Um, I guess it's not, it's not like a, well, it is, it is a different vibe on stage. It, but only in the sense that like, now that the six of us have been together for a solid year, um, that we are all best friends. And I, and I say that very genuinely, it, there isn't anyone that doesn't get along. Um, we all love each other so much and we, we always support each other. And a lot of people that come to see the show say that they can see that on stage. Um, so I guess it is, it does feel different in that sense because we've also been encouraged to be ourselves and bring ourselves to the character, um, so that we can create something very unique. But there are so many times that we are just ourselves on stage with each other, like trying to make each other laugh or, you know, giving each other a look or dancing and being silly.

Um, so it definitely does feel different to other shows because we've been given that freedom. And because we, there are so many times that, and I know it will happen when we all come back, that we'll look around at each other. Like while someone's singing their solo or while we're all sitting together, that I'm just like, we are all just really good friends, aren't we? Um, so yeah, it does, it does feel different compared to other things I've done where, you know, the show might not have as much freedom, um, in terms of connecting with each other or, you know, having fun. And it is, it's very cool to be all women up there. That is just nuts. It's really cool.

[52:37] Alan Seales: Uh, so you had like four weeks of, of possible stage door feedback so far. Is there anything that like sticks out from your mind from the New York, the New York stage door?

[52:48] Samantha Pauly: Um, I think the only, the only thing that like really sticks out is like the security that we have that's out there with us, which just racks me up because, um, a couple nights a week there will be, um, the same, like two or three guys that come, that have like stacks of programs or posters that, um, they go and then sell on eBay.

[53:16] Alan Seales: Yeah. Yeah.

[53:17] Samantha Pauly: Security guys know who they are. So they'll come out and they'll like, they'll announce everybody like, Oh, the girls are doing selfies tonight or they're not doing selfies or make sure you have your, your cameras ready and whatever. And they're these huge guys. Like they are scary and security and it's always the thing that always sticks out that I find hilarious is when like, they'll be talking to like the little fan girls and they'll be like, okay, sweetie, you have to get this and this, this out. And then they'll see one of the guys like standing in the back and they'll just start cursing them and be like, Hey, like yelling at these guys, like their demeanor just changes. And it's so funny to me because I'll stand there and I'll be like, Oh my God, T G's. But, um, I think that's the only thing that's different.

Like we had at other theaters that we were at, you know, earlier in the year, I, I don't think any of them were, were ready for a stage door type thing. Um, I don't think they anticipated that the fan base would be so large. So like when we got to Canada, we had like a meeting on the first day in the theater. And I was like, so what's the stage door protocol? And they were like the, what? And I was like, you're going to have, you're going to have to do something. You're going to have to like rope off an area or do or make a line.

[54:43] Alan Seales: Um, but it's been, it's been pretty, pretty chill. And like, you know, I mean, for all I know there, there could have been things that happened that I just wasn't aware of, but I, you know what though? Sometimes, sometimes people are very intense. Like fans will yell at each other, like, don't push me or like, I'm trying to get through. And it's, it's sometimes people can get a little, People come sometimes from miles and miles and miles away to see their favorite person and their favorite show to get the signature. And if they don't get that selfie or that signature or whatever it is, then like life over.

[55:18] Alan Seales: Yeah. Yeah. And sometimes it's more like, um, the moms of some of these kids, like wouldn't really care less. Like if we say we're not doing selfies, because that, if sometimes if we do a selfie with everyone that wants one, we could be out there for an hour and a half. It could take a long time. So sometimes we'll just say like, as we're walking, you guys feel free to snap photos, but we're not going to stop for individual people. And sometimes it's, it's more the moms that, uh, that are kind of out of control. They get a little intense and the kids are like, whatever, that's fine. And the moms are like, no, no, no, get in there for a picture.

[56:06] Samantha Pauly: Um, but otherwise it's really, it really hasn't been that bad stage parents, man. I'm happy. I'm happy. I'm happy. I'm happy. I'm happy.

[56:12] Alan Seales: Stage parents, man. I'm happy. Happy. I didn't have to do that.

[56:18] Samantha Pauly: I'm happy. I'm happy. I'm happy. I'm happy. I'm happy.

[56:22] Alan Seales: So, yeah, whatever. They're more, they're always more excited to see like the other people that I'm in shows with instead of me, it'd be like, where's so-and-so I want to see that person from the show. Where's the guy that played Che and Evita. Where's Trent? Where's he? And I'm like, what about me? I just did the show. I'm just as cool. I'm just as cool. Mom and dad. Come on.

[56:41] Alan Seales: All right. Well, let's wrap this up here. And I have three standard closing questions that I ask everybody on the podcast. The first one is what motivates you?

[56:46] Samantha Pauly: Um, as cliche as it sounds, um, the fans and my husband, he's good at keeping me on days when I'm like, I just don't want it. He's like, but look at what you get to do. Go do it. I'm like, okay, you're right. I love that. Okay. So the second question is what advice would you give to your younger self and younger people listening now starting out down a similar path?

[57:09] Samantha Pauly: Uh, be patient. You have to be patient. Um, and like I said before, you are always exactly where you are meant to be. Even if you can't see it in this moment, you have to trust that.

[57:30] Alan Seales: All right. So last question. Hardest one. If you could only see one show for the rest of your life, but you can see it as many times as you want, what would you see?

[57:36] Samantha Pauly: I would see, I would see Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party.

[57:46] Alan Seales: Ooh. I feel like I've gotten in the last week, I've gotten questions from like newspapers or other people that are like, what is one show that you've never done that you want to do? What is one Broadway cast recording that you would recommend people listen to? And that's my answer for everything. I just love it. It's underrated. Yeah. It's very, very good.

[58:06] Samantha Pauly: So we can find you online on Instagram at Sam Pauly, P-A-U-L-Y and your samanthapauly.com. And that's it. Right. You don't do Twitter.

[58:16] Samantha Pauly: I don't have a Twitter. Makes me nervous.

[58:21] Alan Seales: Yeah. Yeah. It's dirty. Twitter, Twitter is like, like the back alley of the internet.

[58:25] Samantha Pauly: Yeah. Twitter is like kind of scary.

[58:29] Alan Seales: We can get more of me at thetheaterpodcast.com show your support at theaterpodcast.com slash Patreon. You can find me on Instagram and back alley Twitter at theater underscore podcast. Please leave a rating, leave a review. This is edited by Matthew Hendershot and Sam. Thank you so much. This has been so much fun.

[58:47] Samantha Pauly: Thank you. Thanks for having me.