BWW Interviews: Amanda Lamb, A Life in the Theatre

Amanda Lamb is just as sweet, funny and charming as you might imagine if you've seen her onstage or dealt with her on the telephone when making a reservation for a show at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre. When she's not onstage performing, she's working for the venerable Nashville dinner theatre as one of its much-loved and hardest working employees.

The East Tennessee native has called Nashville home for the past several years, following her graduation from nearby Middle Tennessee State University, and earlier this season she won great critical acclaim (which means I absolutely raved about her performance) in GroundWorks Theatre's production of Neil LaBute's Fat Pig, a show perfectly tailored for her talents. And I wasn't the only person - or critic, for that matter - to be totally enraptured by her courageously drawn portrayal of the play's plus-sized heroine Helen. After her appearances as the matriarch in A Sanders Family Christmas at Chaffin's Backstage at the Barn, the role of Helen gave Amanda Lamb the opportunity to show another side of her immense talent.

The effervescent nature of Amanda Lamb's winning personality can be keenly felt this week in her answers to our questions about her "Life in the Theatre," which she so generously answered during some downtime in her always busy, always active schedule. Enjoy...

What was your first taste of theatre?

I grew up in church every time the doors were open as a kid, so my first taste was definitely there. My parents sang in a gospel group, and I remember "taking over" a song that my Dad wrote, and singing it at each of their appointments. I loved it.

What was your first real job or responsibility in the theatre?

I did my first "real play" as a senior at Cherokee High School in Rogersville, Tennessee. It was Annie Get Your Gun, and I played Dolly Tate for half the performances, and third wild west show person from the left for the other half. It was my favorite experience from high school.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in theatre?

I considered it a "fun way to pass the time" until right before I graduated from Walters State Community College. My professor/mentor, Dr Dennis Elkins, sat me down and basically told me that I had talent and to realize it and use it. It was kind of a "bells ringing in my mind" moment for me, and I haven't looked back since.
Why do you pursue your art in Nashville? What are the best parts of working here?
I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2004, and I just fell in love with the area. I feel like it's an area that is rich in culture, but it still maintains a warmth that you wouldn't find in a larger market. I feel like the theatre community here still maintains a love for the art, and is not cold and business at all times. I like that.

If you could play any role, direct any work, design any production, mount any production...what would it be and why?

I would love to play Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray but I am afraid that that clock is ticking on down.

Who would play you in the film version of your life story?

Toni Collette - She looks nothing like me, but I think she is amazing.

What's your favorite play/musical?

Rent is very sentimental to me. It was the first Broadway show I ever saw, and it seriously changed me. The most rewarding show that I have done in recent history was Fat Pig with Groundworks. I loved the process from beginning to end.

If you could have dinner with any three figures (living or dead, real or fictional) who are a part of the theatre who would you choose and why?

Layne Sasser, Dolly Parton and The Bad Idea Bears from Avenue Q, because tell me that wouldn't be the best day ever. I mean, really.

Imagine a young person seeing you onstage or seeing a production in which you played a major role coming up to you and asking you for advice in pursuing their own theatrical dream...what would you say?

Don't wear your heart on your sleeve, know your type, and enjoy every minute of it.

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