Samantha Hill/photo by Mike Deal, Winnipeg Free Press
UWinnipeg theatre graduate Samantha Hill performed on the Tony Awards broadcast on Sunday, June 9, 2013. Samantha graduated in 2008 and then went on to pursue additional studies with University of Alberta’s BFA program. Last fall, she was contracted to understudy the female lead in Phantom of the Opera and has since taken over the role full time. Now in its 25th year, Phantom has surpassed Cats as the longest running show in Broadway history. and Samantha and Peter Joback, who plays the Phantom , were selected to perform at this year’s Tony Awards. View a short video of their performance at http://vimeo.com/68031813.
Two more UWinnipeg alumna are finding TV fame. Recent graduate Amanda Couldwell (BA Honours 2012) has been cast in a recurring role, joining Lisa Durupt (BA 2007) in the cast of Less Than Kind. The edgy original situation comedy is set in Winnipeg and currently airs on HBO Canada. The show features many local performers who form a dysfunctional family and their circle of friends. Lisa has had a major role as Shandra and has been featured in 26 episodes while Amanda has just joined the cast and will be seen in three upcoming episodes. Less Than Kind received the 2010 Gemini Award for Best Comedy Program or Series.
