Gammage Goers
A panel of ASU Gammage theatregoers shares their opinions throughout the season.
Meet Pamela
Pamela
Where do you live? Gilbert, AZ
Age: 24
Occupation: Theater Student/Hotel Front Desk Agent
Marital Status? Single
Children and Grandchildren: One tabby cat, Oliver Peeps, and one Terrier pup, Peter Parker
Where did you grow up? I grew up partially in Dorado, Puerto Rico, partially in Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX, and the remainder in Gilbert, AZ.
First Broadway show, and where you saw it: The first Broadway production I ever experienced was The Phantom of the Opera and it was at ASU’s Gammage Theater.
At what age did you see your first Broadway show? 13 years old
What is your favorite Broadway show? My favorite Broadway production has to be Phantom of the Opera, because it is what ignited my love for Broadway. I also truly enjoyed In the Heights this past season, so much so that took my #2 spot.
What are your hobbies? I love to act, and perform. I also enjoy hiking, traveling, spending time with my family, dancing, and relaxing when I get a moment.
A song and artist that speaks to you: A song that speaks to me would be ‘Say Hey’ by Michael Franti. In it he says “the more I see, the less I know,” which I have found so true when you broaden your horizons to encompass more than what you are already familiar with. Also, it’s fun to dance to!
Something Unique about yourself that defines you: I am unique because of my upbringing and culture. Being a proud Boricua (Puerto Rican), yet coming to the United States and learning English, I appreciate culture and opportunity and believe that the arts are the most important way that people around the world communicate and gain a true understanding of one another.
Pamela's Video Reviews
Pamela's Written Reviews
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Pamela's Billy Elliot The Musical Review
I went to see Billy Elliot at ASU Gammage opening night. Let me just say that if you have not been out to Gammage this season to see a show, this is the show to go to! Everything from the music, to all the unbelievable dancing is a must see. If you are not familiar with the film Billy Elliot, it is a story of a young boy with a natural ability and passion for dance. The story is the turmoil and ultimately triumph he experiences while discovering his new found talent. The story takes place in a small mining town in England experiencing its own turmoil do to Margaret Thatcher. There is a strike going on with the miners throughout the show, along with Billy’s fight to do what he loves. These two conflicts parallel each other to create a moving story.
The reason you have to get tickets to the show is because the show will blow you away. How they have presented this young boys story will make you laugh, cry, and be in awe. Let me start off with what the show is mainly known for; dance! The cast of the show is split between adults and children, all of which are incredible dancers. Billy of course being the most magnificent of these will keep you at the edge of your seat with some of his stunts and perfect moves. Particularly there is a moment where they use a fly system and this young boy is doing perfect dance moves while in the air. I must admit I was a little scared for a moment, but the beauty of it quickly turned my fears into inspiring awe. In addition to Billy’s incredible solo performances, the entire cast puts on top of the line routines, from tap to ballet, which will not disappoint you.
The music went perfectly with the story and created the perfect mood to support the story. Written by Sir Elton John, I didn’t expect anything less! The set design was innovative in ways. For the most part it as stagnate set, which transforms with additions rolled on during certain scenes. There are also some moments where the set is completely transformed into a magnificent “put-on-a show” type of design. There is one particular moment involving haze and lighting that took my breath away. It was a moment in which Billy is dancing to Swan Lake, and the effects could not fit it more perfectly. It was by far one of my favorite dances in the show.
Billy Elliot is a great show which is comical yet dramatic. It’s a great show for any art enthusiast and anybody looking for great entertainment. In other words, go get yourself tickets to this show, it will not disappoint!
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Pamela reviews Mamma Mia!
Time for a Girl’s Night Out!! Mamma Mia is in town and if you loved the movie, you are sure to enjoy this show. I went last night for the opening night with my two sisters and my mom, as a mother’s day present, and it was a blast. Everything from the costumes to the music is sure to fill your night with fun! In comparison to the movie, the show was really similar in the numbers done and how they were done. However, seeing the performance live is in itself a different experience.The cast was entertaining and kept the energy going throughout the entire performance. I especially loved the actress playing Donna Sheridan (Kaye Tuckerman). Her voice was spot on for the role, and this is saying a lot since she was up against Meryl. I would also give praise to all three actors playing the fathers (John Bisom, Paul De Boy, and John-Michael Zuerlein). I was not particularly fond of Pierce Brosnan’s voice in the film, so Bisom’s talents definitely brought the production value up for me. The vocals of Rosie (Mary Callanan) and Tanya (Alison Ewing) were also a great addition to this show! Both Callanan and Ewing steal the show several times with their comical abilities. The overall cast was very comical; the show will have you laughing the whole time. I will say that I wanted to be a little more involved with the actual dancing and music, since it is such a fun show, but there was not very much audience involvement until the very end. The orchestra, however, was awesome! I felt the energy coming from the musicians the entire show! If anything you should go watch this production solely for the music. The set design was pretty simple, and again reminded me of the movie a lot. It was very serene, and felt as if they were truly on an island. The use of lighting was huge with this production. Each number had its own journey of lighting sequences, all well fitting to the moments happening on stage.
Three of my favorite numbers which I am sure you will enjoy as well were Voulez-Vous, Winner Takes it All, and Take a Chance on Me. All three numbers had great energy by the cast! The show runs through May 22, so grab your girls and go have yourself a good time at Mamma Mia!
