How Pamela Anderson Is Finding Her Power

Growing up Pamela Anderson didn’t consider herself a “musical theater” person. “I was too shy and wouldn’t dare,” she explains.

However, she did act out commercials for her parents. “My favorite was a perfume ad for Enjoli,” shares Anderson. “I would be in my mom’s Velcro rollers singing, “I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan and never let you forget you’re a man, because I’m a woman.”

And even though she wasn’t dabbling in musical theater, Anderson did perform in her school chorus and jazz band. “I sang soprano, did the scat solos and played saxophone,” she shares. She got some of that talent from her father. “My Dad is musical. He plays piano, the accordion and the spoons a little like Jerry Lee Lewis,” explains Anderson.

All this would ultimately help prep Anderson to play the role of a lifetime, Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago, on Broadway at the Ambassador Theatre. As the song goes Roxie is “The name on everybody’s lips…. The lady raking in the chips.”

For Anderson, who is making her Broadway debut, it was a herculean task, but so worth it. “Technically it is tremendous work: the choreography, the script, the singing,” says Anderson who rehearsed every day for two weeks in Los Angeles and then one month in New York. “I was determined. I am determined,” adds Anderson who is playing Roxie though June 5. “The character grows, and I never stop learning. I just need to stay open and know the work is in me. It’s such an incredible and worthwhile challenge.”

This sultry gem of a show about “murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery” and the power of believing in your magic was created by the theater’s greatest geniuses. John Kander and Fred Ebb wrote the music and lyrics. The show’s director and choreographer, Bob Fosse, along with Ebb, wrote the book. Ann Reinking, who replaced Gwen Verdon as Roxie in the original 1975 production, adapted Fosse’s choreography for the revival and starred as Roxie. Walter Bobbie directed this revival that won six 1996 Tony awards and has broken records as the longest running American musical on Broadway.

Anderson doesn’t take a minute of this opportunity for granted. And she feels a deep kinship with Roxy who wants the world to understand her on her own terms. “I feel like we are eerily similar…we vibrate together,” says Anderson. [Playing Roxy] is a way to express my pain, my insecurities, fame and confusion about all that. Applause equals love. I understand that when it’s been hard to find elsewhere.”

At the end of the show when Anderson stands before the audience how does she feel? “There is so much going through me, a lightning bolt,” she reveals. “I stand there frozen and take it in. It’s emotional. I’m actually doing this. It is all coming straight from my heart.”

Jeryl Brunner: What went through your mind when you were approached with the opportunity to play Roxie Hart on Broadway in Chicago?

Pamela Anderson: I thought of the Ginger Rogers movie, Roxie Hart. I remember reading somewhere how Ms. Rogers was the hardest working woman in show business. I believe in hard work. I don’t feel I’ve had the opportunity in the past to really dig into something. And I thought, oh my God. Here it is and at the perfect time. As they say, “timing is everything.” My kids are grown and so supportive. I’m surrounded by good people. Because you need that to take on something like this. It’s a group effort.

And to be on Broadway? In Fosse’s Chicago? Even I couldn’t dream this up. I am grateful, honored and I just didn’t want to let anyone down.

Brunner: What qualities does Roxie have that you adore?

Anderson: She’s a survivor. She is quick on her feet, street smart and turns on a dime. She lives in the moment and realizes and acts in real time. She is child-like and innocent in a debaucherous world. She has angels around her, is protected and believes in God. And it’s empowering to see her transform and mature from start to finish. I can honestly say I relate.

Brunner: In the show you all work together so beautifully as an ensemble. That is especially true with Lana Gordon, who plays Velma Kelly.

Anderson: Lana and the rest of the cast are incredible. I stay a bit disconnected from Lana, because it’s built a true chemistry on stage. But I adore her. Worship her. Just don’t tell her…yet.

Brunner: The show is such a great celebration of Bob Fosse, Ann Reinking, John Kander and Fred Ebb and Gwen Verdon. Is there something you wish you could ask Bob Fosse?

Anderson: I wish I could have met Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. I love them and all they have done. I read interviews, watch interviews and watch all their dances. I was actually watching the Fosse/Verdon TV series when [Chicago’s producer] Barry Weissler called me. It felt meant to be.

Brunner: What did your sons say after seeing you perform in Chicago?

Anderson: My sons agreed that I needed this. I needed it for my soul. But they are kind of blown away that I’ve pulled it off in this way and how people are responding to it. They are both very talented and their blessing and pride, that this is what mom is capable of, has meant a lot.

Brunner: What do you love to do in New York City when you are not working?

Anderson: I’m in Central Park every day. I just adopted a tree, The Tree of Heaven. It wasn’t planted. It grew on its own out of a rock and is close to the statue of William Shakespeare. It is surrounded by American elms and is a fish out of water. The plaque will say: “For Brandon and Dylan. Dreams come true. Love, Mom.”