Talking With Santino Fontana – January 29, 2024
This week, Ira Sternberg, host of the Talk About Las Vegas Podcast, welcomes Tony Award® winner Santino Fontana. In this captivating episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Santino Fontana discusses his upcoming performance at Myron’s at The Smith Center on February 3. Santino shares his journey into the world of musical theater, the influence of his grandfather, and his multifaceted career spanning stage, film, and television. This episode provides an intimate look into the life and career of one of Broadway’s brightest stars, Santino Fontana.
Santino Fontana: A Star is Born
Santino Fontana, widely recognized for his versatile talents in both stage and screen, delves into his decision to pursue a career in musical theater. Inspired by his grandfather, Santino knew from a young age that he didn’t want a typical 9-5 job. Instead, he wanted to immerse himself in the arts. With no connections in show business, Santino grabbed any opportunity that came his way, slowly but surely building his reputation. His perseverance paid off when he realized he could truly make it as a performer, leading to a flourishing career in musical theater, film, and television.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Tootsie and Broadway Accolades
In 2019, Santino Fontana won the Tony Award, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his brilliant performance as “Michael Dorsey”/”Dorothy Michaels” in Tootsie. This role showcased his exceptional talent and versatility, cementing his status as one of Broadway's leading stars. Santino also received a Tony Nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his role as “Prince Topher” in Cinderella.
Frozen and Voice Acting
Santino Fontana is widely known for his role as the villainous ‘Prince Hans’ in Disney’s Academy Award-winning animated feature, Frozen. His performance in the hit song “Love is an Open Door” remains a favorite among fans. Santino’s voice acting prowess extends to audiobooks, where he has narrated numerous titles, including Stephen King’s The Institute and Suzanne Collins’s The Ballad Of Songbirds and Snakes. He received the Audie Award for his work on The Institute and is the original voice of ‘Joe’ in Caroline Kepnes’s You series.
Film and Television Career
Santino Fontana’s screen credits are equally impressive. He starred opposite Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in Universal Studio’s Sisters and appeared in independent films such as the romantic comedy Off The Menu and the psychological thriller Impossible Monsters. His television appearances include roles in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” CW’s comedy “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” and NBC’s drama series “Shades of Blue,” opposite Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta. His diverse television credits also include “Fosse/Verdon,” “Mozart in the Jungle,” “The Good Wife,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Royal Pains,” and the popular web series “Submissions Only.”
Upcoming Projects
Santino Fontana will soon appear in the feature film Lost And Found In Cleveland, alongside Martin Sheen and Dennis Haysbert. Other upcoming projects include Stalking The Bogeyman and the Tribeca comedy Billy & Brenda and the Pothos Plant. His continuous work in various media highlights his dynamic range as an actor.
Personal Life and Influences
Santino Fontana shares insights into his personal life, including the significant influence of his grandfather and the constant support from his wife, Jessica Fontana. Balancing his professional career with his role as a father, Santino reflects on the impact of COVID-19 and how it has shaped his approach to his craft. He emphasizes the importance of relationships and the joy he finds in the “doing” of his work, whether on stage, in film, or in recording.
Performance at Myron’s at The Smith Center
Santino Fontana’s upcoming performance at Myron’s at The Smith Center on February 3 promises to be an engaging and interactive experience. Known for his dynamic stage presence and captivating performances, Santino plans to involve the audience in a memorable evening of music and storytelling. His passion for performing live shines through as he prepares to connect with fans in an intimate setting.
Engaging with Santino Fontana
For fans and followers who want to stay updated on Santino Fontana’s latest projects and performances, you can connect with him on social media. Follow Santino Fontana on Instagram and Twitter for behind-the-scenes glimpses and personal updates.
Santino Fontana: Accolades and Recognition
Santino Fontana’s career is marked by numerous accolades and recognition. He has received prestigious awards for his work on stage, including the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Highly regarded for his performances, Santino has been praised by The New York Times and New York Magazine. The New York Times hailed him as “one of the most promising actors to emerge in the New York theater,” while New York Magazine described him as an “indispensable stage star.”
Broadway and Off-Broadway Success
Santino Fontana’s Broadway credits include notable performances in Hello, Dolly! opposite Bernadette Peters, Act One opposite Tony Shalhoub, The Importance of Being Earnest (Clarence Derwent Award), A View from the Bridge, Brighton Beach Memoirs (Drama Desk Award), Billy Elliot, and Sunday in the Park with George. Off-Broadway, he received acclaim for his role in Stephen Karam’s Sons of the Prophet and starred as ‘John Adams’ in 1776 and ‘Elliot Rosewater’ in God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater for New York City Center Encores!
A Versatile Screen Talent
In addition to his stage work, Santino Fontana has made significant contributions to film and television. He was seen in the critically acclaimed series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” CW’s comedy “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” and NBC’s drama series “Shades of Blue,” opposite Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta. His diverse television credits also include “Fosse/Verdon,” “Mozart in the Jungle,” “The Good Wife,” “Nurse Jackie,” and “Royal Pains.”
Critically Acclaimed Narrator
Santino Fontana is also a critically acclaimed narrator of audiobooks. He has narrated dozens of titles, including works by Tom Perrotta, Cara Bastone, Frederik Backman, Stephen Crane, Jennifer Weiner, Alice Hoffman, and Naomi Alderman. His narration of Stephen King’s The Institute earned him the Audie Award, and he was chosen to read Suzanne Collins’s The Ballad Of Songbirds and Snakes.
Conclusion of our converstaion with actor santino fontana
This episode of Talk About Las Vegas Podcast with Ira Sternberg offers an in-depth look at the life and career of Santino Fontana. From his Tony Award-winning performance in Tootsie to his voice role as ‘Prince Hans’ in Frozen, Santino’s journey is a testament to his talent and dedication. Tune in to hear Santino discuss his career, personal life, and upcoming performance at Myron’s at The Smith Center.
FAQs About Santino Fontana
Who is Santino Fontana?
Santino Fontana is an American actor and singer known for his work in both theater and television. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Greg Serrano on the TV show "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" and as the voice of Prince Hans in Disney's "Frozen." Fontana is also acclaimed for his stage performances, particularly his Tony Award-winning role as Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels in the Broadway musical "Tootsie."
Who is Santino Fontana's Wife?
Santino Fontana is married to Jessica Hershberg, an actress and Broadway performer. The couple got married in September 2015. They have since worked together on various projects and share a strong connection both personally and professionally.
What is Santino Fontana's Age?
Santino Fontana was born on March 21, 1982. As of now, he is 42 years old.
What Religion is Santino Fontana?
Santino Fontana's religious beliefs are not widely publicized, and he has not prominently discussed his faith in public forums. Therefore, his specific religious affiliation, if any, is not well-documented.
Did Santino Fontana Play Piano?
Yes, Santino Fontana is known to play the piano. He has demonstrated his musical skills in various performances, both on stage and in television appearances. His musical talents complement his acting and singing abilities, contributing to his versatility as a performer.
Watch the full Podcast Video
Read The Full Transcript
Talking with Santino Fontana Full Transcript
Ira Sternberg: It’s always great when Broadway comes to Las Vegas, and Broadway, in this case, is in the person of my guest, Tony Award winner Santino Fontana, performing in Myron’s at the Smith Center this Saturday, February 3rd, at 7 PM. For ticket information, go to thesmithcenter.com. You can follow Santino on Instagram and X. Santino, welcome to the show.
Santino Fontana: Thank you so much for having me.
Ira Sternberg: My pleasure! I’m delighted that you were able to join me. Now, there’s this rumor—one that I may have started—that you were thinking of performing on Broadway before you were even born. Is that true?
Santino Fontana: [Laughs] I don’t know. I’d have to ask my embryonic self. No, I have no idea.
Ira Sternberg: I know, I know. The only reason I say that is because you’ve had such a great career on Broadway and in other media as well. Clearly, you were destined for the stage. When did you decide to pursue a musical career? How old were you at the time?
Santino Fontana: Oh, gosh. I don’t know exactly when I decided to pursue it seriously. I guess it was in high school, toward the end. That was the first time anyone said, “Do you really want to do this? You probably could, or at least you could try.” I remember thinking that was huge—hearing someone say, “You could try.” That was a teacher at Interlochen Arts Camp. His name was Brad Creswell, and another teacher, Carrie Linn. That summer before my senior year of high school, I was in West Side Story. Michael Arden played Tony, Alex Michaels was Bernardo—people now know Alex as Alexis Michelle, the very popular drag queen. That summer, people said, “If you want to do this, you could have a shot.”
Ira Sternberg: And you obviously followed that advice. You also won the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at 18, which is incredible. Did those kinds of experiences solidify your desire to pursue a career in the arts?
Santino Fontana: Not exactly. I grew up with my grandfather playing jazz all the time, so I was surrounded by it. I played piano and was in the jazz band. At that time, Harry Connick Jr. was a big inspiration. When I won the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, it was an amazing experience. Diane Reeves was there, Lionel Hampton was still alive, and I got to sing on stage with these legends. For a moment, I thought, “Maybe this is what I’ll do.” Then I went to Interlochen, and people said, “You could pursue theater too.” It wasn’t a clear path. I was fumbling around, figuring it out. I just knew I didn’t want a nine-to-five job.
Ira Sternberg: So there wasn’t one defining moment, but there were opportunities that opened doors for you.
Santino Fontana: Exactly. Another big moment came after college. I attended the University of Minnesota’s Guthrie Theater Actor Training Program. After graduation, I became a company member at the Guthrie Theater, and in 2006, I played Hamlet there. That was the first time I thought, “Maybe I can make a living at this.”
Ira Sternberg: So, it was both Lionel Hampton and Shakespeare that gave you a start. That’s an eclectic mix.
Santino Fontana: [Laughs] Yeah, it’s a real grab bag of experiences.
Ira Sternberg: I have to go back for a second. Lionel Hampton was still alive, and you got to perform with him. That’s impressive.
Santino Fontana: It was incredible. A surreal experience for sure.
Ira Sternberg: Clearly, Shakespeare wasn’t alive when you performed him, though.
Santino Fontana: No, he was long gone. [Laughs]
Ira Sternberg: When did you decide to explore multiple aspects of entertainment—stage, voice work, film, television? Was that intentional, or did it happen organically?
Santino Fontana: It was a bit of both. I didn’t know anyone who made a living in the arts, so I felt I needed to be able to do as many things as possible to survive. I also genuinely enjoy the variety—whether it’s singing with orchestras, performing in jazz clubs, doing audiobooks, or acting on stage. It keeps things interesting for me.
Ira Sternberg: And you’ve been successful at all of it! You seem to find joy in your work, which not everyone can say. Has anyone ever mentioned how happy you sound when you talk about your career?
Santino Fontana: Yes, people have told me that. I think it’s because I genuinely love what I do. Talking about it reminds me of why I love it, especially since most of the time, I’m just focused on doing it.
Ira Sternberg: When you’re working on a project, are you aware of the collaborative nature of it? And how do you deal with the inevitable egos that come with creative endeavors?
Santino Fontana: Collaboration is essential, and I thrive on it. I also actively fight against developing superstitions or rituals. They can make you crazy. I focus on the work and the relationships—that’s what matters.
Ira Sternberg: You’re remarkably grounded. How do you stay uncynical in an industry that can be so tough?
Santino Fontana: I’ve had highs and lows, but I’ve learned to focus on the constants—the work and the relationships. The rest is out of my control. Becoming a father and living through the pandemic also put things in perspective.
Ira Sternberg: Speaking of work, let’s talk about your upcoming performance at Myron’s this Saturday, February 3rd, at 7 PM. What can the audience expect?
Santino Fontana: It’s an interactive show. I’ve picked 25 to 30 songs—Broadway, jazz, movie songs—and the audience will help guide the evening by choosing numbers. Each number corresponds to a song. It keeps things spontaneous and fun.
Ira Sternberg: That sounds perfect for Myron’s—intimate and engaging.
Santino Fontana: Absolutely. I performed there before and loved it. I’m excited to be back.
Ira Sternberg: Are you working on any other projects?
Santino Fontana: I have a performance in Worcester, Massachusetts, on March 1st. In mid-March, I’m part of The Broadway Cruise with Bernadette Peters and others. I also filmed a movie with Martin Sheen, June Squibb, Stacy Keach, and others that hasn’t been released yet. So, a few things are in the works!
Ira Sternberg: That’s a lot! But I’m sure more opportunities are coming your way.
Santino Fontana: I hope so! You never know in this business.
Ira Sternberg: Well, that’s a great way to leave it. My guest has been Santino Fontana, performing at Myron’s at the Smith Center this Saturday, February 3rd, at 7 PM. For ticket information, go to thesmithcenter.com. You can follow Santino on Instagram and X. Santino, thanks for being on the show.
Santino Fontana: Thank you for having me.
Ira Sternberg: My pleasure. See you next time.
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