The Bodyguard musical is hitting stages across Australia as of today. AMNplify’s Pauli Dee spoke to Paulini about landing the lead role as Rachel Maron in what’s tipped to be the musical of the DECADE!

Pauli: How’s Melbourne treating you?

Paulini: It was really cold this morning, but now it’s absolutely beautiful.

You don’t get down here very often, do you?

No, I don’t actually, I was just telling that to the publicist.

Well you’ll be spending some time here very soon when The Bodyguard Musical comes in August.

Yes! I’ll be there for three whole months!

How did you get into The Bodyguard?
Did you have to audition for that?

Yes, I did. They called my agent and I had to send in a video of a few of the scenes and performances of a few of the songs and from there I had about three call-backs and then got the awesome phone call that I was Rachel Maron!

How amazing. You’ve got to be wrapped, right?

Oh, I think it’s still sinking in. Now that we’re doing the promo and that type of stuff, I think it’s now hitting home that I’ve got this role.

Oh mate, wait for rehearsals!

Oh my god, I know, right? (Laughs) I’m talking to a few of the other cast members and they’re like “when you get to rehearsals, it’s going to be so full-on” and I’m just like yeah, I know it’s going to be scary, but I’m so excited, I’m just ready!

Well you’d be so used to working on solo projects, working on a group project like this is something new to you, right?

That’s exactly right. It is. I guess in a way the pressure’s not all on me. I know I’m the lead role in it, but I like the thought of other people being around me while I’m on stage, it feels good, like I can share the load a little bit.

Working on solo projects of your own is very much a reflection of YOUR self and YOUR visions. How much of a group project like this is still your own vision, or is all someone elses?

It’s still my own, but in a different type of way. I think with my own stuff, I’m writing my own lyrics and I’m putting my own stories in there, but with this I can parts of myself in it… I think the biggest challenge for myself in this is trying to sustain it and give this role what it deserves.

So there’s pressure to do the role justice?

Exactly. The amount of people that have said to me; “What are you going to do? These are WHITNEY songs! How are you going to do that?” and I actually have no idea but all I know is I have to get so fit for it, I have to get my stamina up. I have to be super-fit to do 8 shows a week.

It’s a big acting role. Have you done much acting before?

I’ve dabbled a little bit in TV. I did a small part in a TV series called “sisters of war” but this is so different, you know it’s singing AND dancing.

Do you know if there’s going to be much dancing?

There’s going to be A LOT of dancing!

Oh shit!

I know! (Laughs) I actually had no idea until I met the choreographer and we went through the routine and I was like WOW! This is Beyonce kind of stuff! I was just like “I’m not sure I can do this!” and he assured me that once rehearsals kick-in, I’ll just get it! So I hope that happens!

Well I don’t know if you remember our last chat, I said you were Australia’s Beyonce!
So I think you’ll be fine and pull it off really well!

(Laughs) Yes! I remember that! You bought that into life for me! You put it out there and look at us now! Thank you!

I do what I can mate! Hey, is there going to be an on-stage kiss with Frank Farmer?

Oh my gosh, yes! I think not just once but twice! That’s another challenge for me! I’ve never done anything like that before and I’m freaking out. Kip’s such a nice guy and he’s been helping me through the whole thing and we get along great, so kissing him every now and then isn’t going to be so bad!

Have you seen the West End production?

I have! I saw it three years ago when I was over there, but it’s changed a lot. They’ve added a few more songs into it, changed a few of the scenes, so it’s not exactly the same as when I saw it three years ago. I hear that it’s better.

Since you’ve found out that you’re the lead role, have you thrown the DVD on and watched the movie?

Oh my gosh, I’ve watched it like fifty million times! Before I went in for my auditions, I think I was watching it every day, just to get the feel of it because I had watched it so long ago and I was reminded of how it’s just a beautiful love story.

Have you got any other projects you’re thinking about? Or is this pretty much taking up all your time at the moment?

This is talking up a whole year, so 2017 is all done for me. It’s bodyguard year! I hope that I can still do a little bit of writing maybe.

One Random Minute:

In three words or less, describe Prinnie Stevens

My sister. She’s actually my sister. We actually call each other sisters in real life.

If you were a Spice Girl, which one would you be?

Scary

What did you have for breakfast this morning?

Nothing! I’ve had coffee, but I’ve  been doing interviews all morning.

Favourite dessert?

creme brulee

Favourite Whitney Houston song?

Run To You

Apples or bananas?

Bananas

Tea or coffee?

Coffee

Summer or winter?

Winter

What animal makes the best pet?

Rabbit

Favourite super hero?

Captain America

Get tickets to The Bodyguard Musical HERE

AMNPLIFY – DB