Broadway’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ Star Samantha Pauly Shares Her New York Loves

26.04.2024 - 22:05 / forbes.com

Actress Samantha Pauly is starring as Jordan Baker in the hot new Broadway musical “The Great Gatsby,” based on the famous F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. The show opened April 25th.

Pauly, who made her debut on Broadway as Katherine Howard in the musical “Six,” shares her New York loves below.

Where do you live in the city?

Roosevelt Island. It’s nice and quiet and plenty of green space for my dogs.

What is your favorite neighborhood in New York and why?

It's a tie between the West Village and SoHo. I feel like I could walk around those neighborhoods for hours and never get bored. They're also home to some of my favorite restaurants and my go-to tattoo parlor.

Can you share some of your favorite spots in the Theater District and what makes them so great?

There are a few spots in the Theater District I frequent after a show, mostly because they're dark inside and I can hide in a corner. Hold Fast, Dutch Fred's, Flute Champagne Bar, and Lillie's Victorian Establishment.

Where is the best place for a pre-or post-theater meal and why? What are go-to dishes at each?

If you're looking for a nice pre-show dinner, I would recommend Gallagher's Steakhouse on 52^nd. They make one of the best cosmopolitans I've ever had, they're always perfect, and their filet is to die for. Fushimi on 43rd is amazing, I love a good lychee martini. All of their special rolls are delicious too, you can't go wrong. My favorite post-show spot is Hold Fast, for the staff, the food, and the atmosphere. My go-to order there is wings (all flats with extra white sauce on the side), fries, and a round of green tea shots.

What is the best Theater District watering hole and the drink to get?

If you're coming to see The Great Gatsby and want to continue the theme, you can find some really fun cocktails at Flute Champagne Bar. It's an old speakeasy, very small and dark inside. I love their pomegranate margarita. Dolly Varden is a great bar to hit up too. I'm a vodka girl and I love their Pinky Tuscadero. They also have some fun Gatsby themed cocktails at the moment!

Please share your insider tips for enjoying a Broadway show. Anything to make the experience better as an audience member?

Biggest tip: make sure your phone is on silent or off altogether! And don't forget that taking photos and videos during the show isn't allowed at any point. You’re never as sneaky as you think you are, we can always see you. Get there early enough to grab and drink and not feel like you're rushing to your seat. If you want any autographs from the cast, you can hit up the stage door after the show! I try to make sure I'm out there every night to sign and say “hi” to everyone.

What’s the New York City theater you love to go to and why?

Honest