PAM RECKAMP is happy to return for her third show at OAT. This St. Louis-based Equity actress will be appearing as RONA LISA PERETTI in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Recently Pam chatted with OAT Producing Artistic Director Jason Cannon about her career and her upcoming summer in Rolla.
1. So, Pam, talk about this adaption you are working on. What is your goal and your approach to this project?
Two years ago, sitting in church, listening to the Passion being read, I began to see it in my mind: the bewilderment of the Disciples at the Last Supper; the sheer physicality of the walk to Golgotha and the crucifixion; the technical aspects of the eclipse and earthquake. The story itself contains all the elements of a great drama: love, betrayal, violence, redemption, and my theatre training really crystallized the movement of the piece. We don’t have to look far to see the very human themes of love between a mother and child, betrayal by a trusted friend, or a legal system that is politically swayed. The entire text is taken from the Bible, Old and New Testament, and contains music ranging from Taize to spirituals to classical. Using only the bible, I was able to create the piece without any specific religious doctrine or anti-Semitic references, which opens it up to a much wider audience. My goals aren’t to convert or evangelize, but let the story of Christ stand on its own.
2. Where are you from and how did you decide to spend the summer at OAT?
I was born and raised in south St. Louis and am thrilled to return to OAT for my third show. I currently live in Webster Groves and Rolla is a lovely getaway, yet still close enough if I need to get home for my kids. The cast for 25th Annual includes the daughter of one of my Rolla friends from OAT’s production of Gypsy in 2006. I’m guessing she’s really grown up!
3. How did you get in to the theatre?
I have always performed. My best friend and I used to create shows in the backyard and sell tickets to the neighbors, or if they couldn’t come to the show, we’d give them a preview on their front porch. My family was always very supportive, Never pushy, encouraging me to take dance or learn an instrument . I started doing shows in high school and it just continued from there. It’s the only place, the only job that has ever really given me a personal fulfillment. There’s a superstition that you’re not supposed to whistle in the theatre because of how the fly systems used to work, but it’s the only place I ever feel happy enough to whistle. Sooner or later, I expect to get whacked in the head with a sandbag by a sailor.
4. What’s one of your fondest theatrical memories as a performer?
This is an easy one for me. In 2003, I was in a production of Big! The Musical at STAGES. Early into Cross That Line, the finale of Act I, our music went out. This was a huge dance number , contained six part harmonies and we had no music! No one freaked, just moved into a hyper-aware state and we continued for nearly 5 minutes with a full-on dance break, humming notes to each other to resume singing. The music never did come back in and we finished the number and the Act to thunderous applause. No one in the audience even knew the music had gone out, such was the amazing commitment and professionalism from the 26 people onstage. It was one of those moments that make theatre soooo exciting!
5. What are you most looking forward to experiencing in Rolla?
I saw 25th Annual about 7 years ago in New York and I remember when I walked out, my face hurt from smiling and laughing so much. The show is so funny and touching and I loved the music. That I get to be a part of this show is really more than I could have wished for. I’m also excited to see my friends from shows past and just revel in the slower pace that is Rolla. That, and Slice of Pie. ‘Nuf said.
