Rehearsals for Fiorello! are well under way. We have a wonderful cast of new actors and old favorites for this historical, inspirational, musical. Pamela Parry is one of our newcomers to Live Arts theatre. Pamela’s day job is being a Spanish teacher at a private elementary academy in Decatur. She has a B.S. in Elementary education, and has been singing and acting her entire life.
Let’s get to know her better:
Q: What is your theatre and performance background?
A: I’ve been singing since I was a child. Involved in church choirs and school choirs growing up. I starting leading worship for my youth group when I was a teen. I was a part of multiple worship teams as I grew older, including being part of the leadership team with my university’s gospel choir. I’ve been a worship leader at my church, Atlanta Vineyard Church, for the past two years.
My first theatre work was through church productions, Christmas, Easter, those types of things. In middle school, I had my first “lead”, playing the main role of a radio play that my drama class did. We actually went to a radio station to record it and everything, it was pretty fun. I did a couple of shows in high school, and in university. My real leap back into the theatre world was when I was living in South Korea. One of my friends was directing a show, and asked me to audition for it. I did four shows that year, before moving back to the States to try for more performing opportunities. Since moving to Georgia, I’ve been in five shows, four in Atlanta, and one in Savannah.
I also play percussion. In university, I was part of a junk percussion team (think Stomp!) for four years. During that time, I got to travel to five different countries with our group, sharing our music around the world.
Q: Is this your first show at Live Arts, and what other shows have you done with us?
A: This is my first!
Q: What attracted you to audition for Fiorello?
A: Relatively unknown shows always interest me, because I love learning new information in the theatre world. Also, with the timeframe of show, I knew it would have some fun music/dance opportunities. And fashion. And I’m all about putting myself out there. You never know what other opportunities will arise from a performance!
Q: Name two fun facts about you:
A: 1. I can say the alphabet backwards, in less than 10 seconds. (That’s my “stupid human trick.) 2. I’ve traveled to 5 of the 7 continents (I haven’t been to Africa or Antarctica).
Q: What is your dream acting role?
A: Oh gosh, this is never an easy question. Elphaba, in Wicked, is definitely a top dream role. The Lady of the Lake, in Spamalot, would be another.
Q: What musical would you most like to be in?
A: See above. Wicked has some great songs which have become iconic in the theatre world. And Spamalot is just a super fun, hilarious show, and it would be delightful to be a part of it in any context.
Q: What makes Fiorello! different from other shows you have done?
A: This is the first show I’ve done where my character actually existed in history. That’s a fun new aspect, because Marie did so much in helping Fiorello with his work, and it’s an honor to be able to represent someone on stage whose real life positively impacted those around her. Also, I love the 3/4 thrust stage aspect of the show. I’ve never done a show in that manner before, and I’m excited to see how the show plays out in that element!
Fiorello is the final show of our Death and Taxes season (2016-2017)
Q: Tell us about your character in Fiorello! and how does that character compare to you.
A: Marie is the faithful secretary of Fiorello (although she’s really does so much more than just being a secretary). She’s loyal, mostly outspoken (although not always to the people she needs to be honestly outspoken with), and strong-willed. During the course of the show, she learns that sometimes, it’s better to take care of your own life than waiting around for others. I can relate a lot to her personality. I’m very straightforward with what I say, have a strong sense of independence and self-direction, and am fiercely loyal with my friends and family (I’m totally a Hufflepuff). In my life, I had to learn to let go of certain “loyalties”, in order to make sure I was taking care of myself and happy with myself. I can connect with some of the feelings Marie goes though, feelings of inadequacy, of being overlooked, and of having that strong conviction to speak my mind when things are unjust or unfair.
Q: Fiorello! is based on a true story of an honest politician taking on a corrupt establishment. How does this resonate with you as you prepare for this show?
A: Well, one thing I can’t stand is injustice, especially towards the “underdog”. Having grown up in a lower-class family, I know what it’s like to be judged and mistreated based on where you came from, or your family income. I love that Fiorello is a man who worked for the “underdog” and who truly wanted to make sure people were taking care of, and not taken advantage of. I think it’s a great story of how much good change can happen, when you work hard, and keep trying, even in the face of failure.
Fiorello! runs weekends, from July 14 to July 29. Get your tickets now. We are still operating out of the Belfry Playhouse (inside Norcross Presbyterian Church), but Fiorello! will be performed in the sanctuary, just inside the front door. The address is 3324 Medlock Bridge Rd
Norcross, GA 30092.