Christina Sajous is what many would refer to as an actor’s actor. The New York City native has been skillfully intermingling the worlds of stage, film, and television for the better part of two decades after training and honing her craft at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and the International Theatre Wing in Amsterdam.
Christina has a recurring role on the hit Starz series “Run The World” as Mia, and has appeared on a number of hit TV shows including Chicago Med, Blue Bloods, and One Life To Live. A veteran of the stage, Sajous’ theater credits include Spongebob SquarePants (Sandy Cheeks); Spider Man: Turn off the Dark (Arachne); American Idiot (Extraordinary Girl); Baby It’s You! (Shirley) and Tupac Shakur’s: Holler If Ya Hear Me. She’s also flexed her Director muscle by helming the Director’s chair for the national tour of R.E.S.P.E.C.T: Celebration of Aretha Franklin.
Sajous is currently starring as the Acid Queen in a fresh reinvention of The Who’s exhilarating 1969 rock concept album, Tommy. After witnessing his father shoot his rival, young Tommy Walker is lost in the universe, endlessly and obsessively staring into the mirror. An innate knack for pinball catapults him from reticent adolescent to celebrity savior. Tony Award-winning composer Pete Townshend and Tony Award-winning original director Des McAnuff find powerful resonance reexamining this iconic story for today.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the versatile actress to discuss her career, a very unique hidden talent she has, and what it’s like to step into the role of the legendary Acid Queen.
N’DIGO: Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?
Christina Sajous: I always knew that I loved performing. When I was a toddler, I would routinely play the movie Little Shop of Horrors and act/sing/dance along with the characters. At the time, I didn’t know I “wanted” to be an actor, but I knew I was genuinely living, loving, and breathing inside of the spirit of performing and playing.
Was there an a-ha moment when you knew for sure you could make a living doing this?
The “a-ha” moment comes in waves. But the two moments that recur in my experience is when I realize I am not only choosing this career, but this career is also choosing me. And lastly, when I can provide food on the table, clothes on my back, and a roof over my head. The “a-ha” reminds me I am not only making a living but also living my dream.
Please tell us about your current show, The Who’s Tommy, and what it’s like stepping into such an intense and iconic role as Acid Queen, a character that’s been portrayed by legends like Patti LaBelle, Bette Midler, and the late great Tina Turner?
I am honored to play the Acid Queen, especially since the legendary Tina Turner established the role, and the theatrical blueprint was played by Cheryl Freeman 30 years ago. I understand the responsibility of honoring the women who came before me, and every day I dedicate my performance to them out of pure gratitude. Tommy has not only been a spiritual experience for us, but we can also feel the spirited energy from the audience.
Do you have a specific pre-show routine or ritual that you must do before every performance?
I like to pray, express gratitude, and drink water.
Can you tell us three actors you’ve looked up and maybe served as an influence or inspiration to you?
This question is hard to answer because as I evolve, and as culture evolves, so do my interests. However, I have tremendous respect for the heroes and legends who have passed and whose work lives on.
Is there a dream role you’ve visualized yourself playing?
I believe that role hasn’t been written yet…
With experience acting in film, television, and theatre, can you talk a little about the subtle differences in performing in each medium that most fans might not pick up on?
I will say the most important lesson in all three mediums is to focus on the TRUTH. Who is the character? What are their intentions? What are their needs? Where are they? etc., and asking yourself questions while developing the character brings you closer to the truth. Yes, there are different physical techniques on how to perform” for each medium, but the authenticity of the character should be grounded in truth.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I can ride and jump rope on a unicycle.
Best advice to young and aspiring actors?
“Your breaking point is your making point.”
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art.” – Konstantin Stanislavski
What’s next for Christina Sajous?
Next, I am the Associate Director of a new musical about the life of legendary trumpet player Louis Armstrong called “A Wonderful World” that will premier at the Cadillac Palace Theatre this coming October.
Catch Christina as the Acid Queen in The Who’s Tommy, currently playing at the Goodman Theatre in downtown Chicago through August 6th.
For more information, please visit www.goodmantheatre.org/show/the-whos-tommy
