On The Road: Samantha Pollino
Today's edition of On The Road features my beautiful friend Samantha Pollino! Sam hails from Baltimore, Maryland and earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Cincinnati. In 2006 she made her Broadway debut in the musical Hot Feet. Since then she was an original member of the 2016 Hamilton Chicago cast (ensemble), in 2018 came back to Broadway in Head Over Heels (ensemble and Philoclea understudy), and has been a member of the touring Hamilton Philip company since 2019. Sam recently took a leave of absence from tour so she could originate an ensemble role in the new musical Bliss, which just finished a successful run in Seattle! I am so proud of this dynamic beauty and am excited for you to get to know her better!
How long have you been a performer?
I started dancing when I was 3, and started competing at dance competitions when I was 6.
What was the first show you ever saw that changed your life?
Phantom of the Opera. I am such a nerd, but its my favorite show of all time. I’ve seen it multiple times and know every word by heart. The first time I saw it, when the chandelier started moving, I started sobbing immediately. To this day the soundtrack still gives me chills and I would do anything to be in it.
What is your favorite show you’ve ever worked on?
This is a hard question! It’s a divide between Hamilton Chicago and Head Over Heels. Hamilton was really cool because it was my first job out of college, and we were the first company to learn and mount the show other than the original Broadway cast. It felt like a master class to learn the show directly from the people who created it, and to get to do it with a bunch of crazy talented people. Head Over Heels was cool because it was my first time originating a track in a Broadway show as an adult (I did Hot Feet on Broadway in 2006). I had a lot more to bring to the table as an adult and was able to utilize the training I had gotten in college. Our creative time gave all of us the opportunity to bring our uniqueness to our tracks and make choices for ourselves. I will forever be proud of what we got to create.
Who is the coolest celebrity you’ve ever met at work?
In MY opinion, John Waters. He is an icon in Baltimore and I grew up worshipping his name. He saw Head Over Heels when I was on for my understudy track, Philoclea, and took the time to talk to me for awhile. I freaked out and sent a picture of us to all of my high school teachers.
How did you feel the night you made your Broadway debut?
It was... incredible. I was 11 and had no idea what to expect, so I didn’t really expect anything. And I had the time of my life. I will never take that feeling for granted either. It’s been 14 years and I still get butterflies sometimes when I step onstage.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in Hamilton Chicago?
Honestly, I think the Cubs winning the World Series. It was so cool that it happened while we were there and had just opened. We sang “Go Cubs Go” during our curtain call and waves a Cubs flag around everywhere. It went viral!
What has been your most memorable moment on tour so far?
I think my favorite day so far was in Memphis, when we did a cast wide photo shoot with Karl Magnussen. It was just before there was a lot of turnover in the cast, and we got to capture everyone together before a lot of the original company left. Those pictures came out stunning and we had such an incredible time.
What are some items you absolutely can't live without backstage?
My hydroflask, my foam roller, and my iPad (with coloring apps)
Do you have a favorite fun fact about Hamilton?
So many things. There are so many things! My favorite little nuggets of knowledge all come from the movement because I’m definitely biased. Moments like in “The World Was Wide Enough” where Burr passes the Woman 2 track as he says “I get a drink” because she was the barwench in My Shot. Or in the opening number where we do a step inspired by someone reacting to racist comments. Or in “Room Where It Happens” when we all switch to Burr’s point of view at once. Or in “Hurricane” where Burr is holding the book he was holding during “Pardon me, are you Aaron Burr, sir?”... I could go on and on...!
What is your favorite number to perform in your show?
Room Where It Happens, every time!
What is your favorite part about telling this story every night?
Seeing how it still affects people 4 years after it opened.
What piece of advice would you give your 18 year old self?
Stop trying to prove yourself to everyone, and just trust in your ability.
What is the best advice you've ever been given?
To enjoy every moment of everything instead of stressing. I am a very anxious person and often forget to enjoy the little moments because I’m worrying about something else!
Fun Facts:
How do you keep your dog on the road with you?
Its easier than it seems! I travel a bed, toys, bowls, and other necessities for her with me. We find pet friendly Airbnb’s or hotels and that’s about it!
What was the first Broadway show you ever saw?
Movin’ Out!
What is your favorite Broadway show you’ve ever seen?
Carousel, Phantom of the Opera, and Harry Potter!
What is your favorite costume in Hamilton?
My ball gown I wear in Helpless/Satisfied!
What is your favorite costume you've ever worn?
My Philoclea dress in Head Over Heels!
