Show People with Paul Wontorek: Samantha Barks of PRETTY WOMAN

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PRETTY WOMAN star Samantha Barks discusses her breakout role as Eponine in the LES MIZ film, exactly what happened when Julia Roberts saw the show and more on SHOW PEOPLE WITH PAUL WONTOREK.

Here are some of the must-read highlights:

ON TONING DOWN HER BIG BELT FOR THE BIG SCREEN
“The way they wanted [me to sing] for the LES MISERABLES film was very different. [Director] Tom Hooper wanted it almost spoken. You have to leave your vocal vanity at the door: It was a different style. I feel lucky to have gotten to do it on stage and on film because they were two very different beasts.”

ON MEETING JULIA ROBERTS
“She’s so beautiful. She hugged me, and we just stayed in a hug. I was like, ‘Is this real life? Is this actually happening?’ She’s such a warm person. She was so kind to me about what I’d done in the role. To have her blessing was a dream come true. You can’t ask for more. She created this incredible character. She is magic. They are magic together. It was a surreal moment.”

ON ADAM PASCAL'S STINT IN PRETTY WOMAN
“This was my Mimi dream. Honestly! I was pretending I was Mimi. He’s just the nicest guy. He was so lovely. But like, it’s Roger! It was insane. I grew up obsessed with RENT.”

ON DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER JERRY MITCHELL
“He is steering this ship. He is so full of energy and life. That really trickles down. He is so fun and enthusiastic. Being a director, there are so many things constantly being thrown at you. But he’s really upbeat, and it’s amazing to have that energy in the room. It’s so crazy. Years ago, randomly, I met with Jerry in the Covent Garden Hotel for a cup of tea. I’m a huge fan of all of his work. We had the best time.”

ON STARRING IN PRETTY WOMAN
“I’ve always wanted to be on Broadway. This is such a dream. The minute I found out they were doing Pretty Woman as a musical, I was like, ‘Get me in.’ Growing up on the Isle of Man, you dream of being on Broadway, but it’s almost like a dream that you would never say out loud. This was just a role I was desperate to get my hands on. She’s such an amazing female character. This show—it’s the most fun I’ve ever had. I’m giddy to go to work every night.”