When Mamma Mia! opened at Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Theatre, Victor Wallace and Jill Paice starred as the show's young fiancés Sky and Sophie.
Flash forward to 2008: Wallace returns to the Vegas production, this time as Sam Carmichael, one of Sophie’s potential dads, and stays with the ABBA musical through its closing. Later that year, he arrives in New York to make his Broadway debut in the show, and now he stars as Mamma Mia!’s final Sam. Below, BroadwayBox chats with him about making the jump from Sky to Sam, playing Sin City and his love for Miss Piggy.
1. What’s something you’ve realized about Mamma Mia! as Sam that you didn’t know when you were Sky?
Hmmm... A few things. I realize now I truly am old enough to have a 20-year-old daughter. Wow, time flies. I also think Sam sees Sky as a younger version of himself. Interesting, huh? Easy for me to say. And, somehow Tanya and Rosie change their outfits after they first arrive on the island and before they're even shown to their guest room. When does that happen? How does that happen?
2. What’s a typical day like for a performer in a Vegas show?
There's no such thing as daytime in Vegas. We didn't even have matinees. If I remember correctly, a two-show Saturday consisted of a 6:30pm evening show and a 10pm "twilight" show. Our 2nd show wouldn't even come down until 12:30am. And don't ask me what time I usually got to bed if I decided to be social with castmates post-show. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
3. What did you do to celebrate your long-awaited Broadway debut?
I cried and I think I had a celebratory gathering afterward with a few friends. But, for the most part, it was just a private victory reflecting on how long and hard I had worked. Showbiz is challenging. I'm just so glad I had the belief and patience that someday it would happen. I feel grateful it was with Mamma Mia!
4. You had an awesome transformation with MuscleforLife. What’s your go-to food for a ball-out, cheat day meal?
A sausage, mushroom & black olive pizza with extra cheese. Or maybe a good steak dinner accompanied with an extra dry vodka martini with blue cheese stuffed olives. Cheesecake for dessert. Or how about those donuts from Dough? So delicious. Full disclosure, I may have been cheating far too much lately. Oops.
5. What’s the most embarrassing TV show that you just love?
I seem to have an unhealthy addiction to cable news and anything with a political slant. MSNBC, The Daily Show, Real Time with Bill Maher, etc. But, if we're talking embarrassing, well, perhaps maybe The Muppet Show and my weird obsession with Miss Piggy. Needless to say, I have high hopes for the new series coming this fall. "Hi-yah!" (That was my Miss Piggy karate chop impression)
Go let loose with Victor Wallace at Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre, where ‘Mamma Mia!’ keeps audiences on its feet until September 12.
