Who is Samantha Dodemaide?
She/her, 32 years old, currently living in Sydney, from Melbourne, but based on the Gold Coast… I love coffee, animals, the beach, reading, Seinfeld, early nights, chocolate, cuddles on the couch, laughing and attempting to make other people laugh (although I’m not overly funny, I try). I love my family and friends, my partner Mark, and I love my job (which is currently performing in Moulin Rouge! The Musical).
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Spend more time with my family and friends. I travel a lot with work, so that isn’t always possible. I could probably also eat better – Vegemite toast, chocolate and coffee for most meals isn’t particularly ideal. My friend Chris Scalzo makes sure he eats his veggies before he eats his chocolate or Vegemite toast – I should follow in his footsteps a little more!
Who inspires you and why?
The people around me. My family, my friends, my partner, my work family; they all inspire me daily for many different reasons. But something that they all have in common is that they are all really good humans.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Be kind, forgive fast, listen and learn, judge less and try to understand more.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Well, it’s been a LONG time since I’ve been on a ‘holiday’… I’m sure I’m not alone in that. But… My favourite local holiday destination has actually become my home. My partner and I moved to the south end of the Gold Coast during the pandemic. His family have been holidaying there for ever, it’s paradise! We love the beach, the weather, the community and the amount of time we are able to spend outdoors there! When I am able to travel a little further, I can’t wait to get back to NYC.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I am currently living in Sydney on tour with Moulin Rouge! The Musical. My partner Mark and I actually lived in Sydney for 7 years, moving there when he was a student at NIDA, so we know it well. Sydney has so many beautiful things to offer, stunning beaches, the iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour, but something we discovered in more recent years is the beautiful nature walks it has to offer. Some of our favourites are ‘the Spit Bridge to Manly Coastal Walk’ and the ‘La Perouse’ walking tracks.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover and have just started The Guest List by Lucy Foley. I love reading, and I have a couple of friends with whom I share reading lists with. I love a recommendation of a book that someone I know has enjoyed!
What are you currently listening to?
I work with some VERY talented performers. A few of them have some of their music on iTunes and Spotify, so I have been listening to their incredible voices – Timomatic, Ruva, Olivia Vásquez and Kahlia Davis (look them up – I’m a big fan!)
Happiness is?
Giving and receiving love and kindness.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m not sure… but I hope it has lots of laughing in it, minimal crying (unless they are happy tears), swims in the ocean, time with my family, minimal injuries, good health, coffee and chats with my friends, hugs from Mark, snuggles with my cat, and a little singing and dancing on stage would be great too!
Samantha stars as Nini in Moulin Rouge! The Musical – playing Sydney’s Capitol Theatre from Friday 28 May (Sydney premiere – Saturday 4 June). For more information, visit: www.moulinrougemusical.com for details.
Image: Samantha Dodemaide (supplied)