Beautiful Star Chilina Kennedy's Dresser Samantha Newby on What Happens When Carole King Goes Rogue & More

Samantha Newby hails from a small town in Colorado. She moved to New York for college where she graduated cum laude from Hofstra University with a degree in costume design. Newby started dressing on Broadway at Rock of Ages. Since then, she has worked at Mamma Mia!, On the Town and is now Beautiful star Chilina Kennedy’s dresser. Here, Newby reveals her backstage essentials, the Carole King dress she’d like to own and the song she can’t get out of her head.

When did you first meet Chilina Kennedy, and what was your first impression of her?
I actually met her recently, December, I think. I remember being impressed by how professional she is. She can laugh and joke backstage and then be able to compose herself instantly for an emotionally charged scene. She also has the most incredible, expressive eyes I have ever seen.

What do you wish more people knew about dressers?
We do so much more than change clothes and do laundry. We become the confidant, friend, mother, personal cheerleader and voice of reason (or sass), depending on what the actor needs. We make sure that the actor doesn't have to think about anything besides the show; it takes a lot of concentration and optimism.

What makes the two of you laugh?
Everything and anything! We like to change the lyrics, tempos and pitches to songs backstage and imagine that Carole might “go rogue” that night. For instance, making Carole sound like a pop artist instead of herself. We end up laughing our heads off at random points during the show, usually right before she has to go back on stage.

What are some items you both like to have on hand backstage?
Well, I like to plan ahead for anything she might need, so I wear a utility belt. I carry around her water bottle, a neck light, a bite light, a couple Ricola, tissues, mints, scissors, safety pins, tights, medicine and a small notebook. Oh, and her makeup! I am not ready to go unless I have her makeup. She likes to reapply during the show to make sure she always has the nose and lips of Carole.

What’s the most challenging part of dressing Chilina?
All of her quick changes. Most dressers ask how many of the changes are quick—with her it is a matter of how many changes are leisurely! Luckily, each change is a well-oiled machine and is done on time with precision, so there are no mishaps.

Which of the Carole King costumes do you wish you had in your closet?
I absolutely adore her Carnegie Hall dress. She starts and finishes the show in it, so it really is a showstopper. I will say my favorite part is that you can hide anything under it because of how it flows. We hide a whole different outfit underneath it for her first change, and no one can tell!

What do you two bond over?
Chilina has 17 changes during the show. When she is not on stage, she is changing with me—there is literally no down time for her. It is natural that we became close because we spend the entire show together.

What's the best gift she's ever given you?
This might seem corny. Honestly, it is being able to see her become Carole King and give her all each night. There is a moment before each show where she takes a breath and then steps out on stage as Carole. It is magical to watch.

What's something she says all the time?
She is always telling the cast and crew to have a great show. She is full of positive energy and likes to share it so the show goes well.

What is something you do that makes her roll his eyes?
I used to constantly scare her, by accident, of course. She ended up calling me a ninja because I never made enough noise. So now I knock and announce my presence whenever I approach her, she just laughs and rolls her eyes each time.

What's the secret to your relationship?
Trust. We need to trust each other to make sure each change goes smoothly and that she makes it back on stage. We have to be on the same page so each change is perfect and stress-free.

What’s the Beautiful song you can never get out of your head?
The title song "Beautiful." Everyone in the cast quotes it and the lyrics are printed everywhere backstage as a reminder to love life. "You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face and show all the love in your heart" is inspirational, and I love hearing Chilina sing it.

Any fun anecdotes you want to share about your time working with Chilina?
Well, Chilina came offstage after her break-up moment with Gerry (played by Scott Campbell) one time and we were so focused on her change that I forgot to collect her wedding band. She ended up wearing the band until her very last change when I noticed it was still there. We just laughed about it and hoped that no one noticed.

What’s the best part about being part of Team Carole?
Coming together with the wig supervisor Pat Marcus to help Chilina tell the story of this amazing songwriter who touches so many people with her music. Every night we take something different away from the show and learn something about ourselves. It is such a fantastic experience and one that I would never give up.