Call Redialed: NEW Carolee Carmello Interview: Saving Aimee by Kathie Lee Gifford

I first interviewed two-time Tony Award Nominated Actress, Carolee Carmello in 2009 when she was starring on Broadway in the mega-hit musical Mamma Mia. Since that time, Carolee left Mamma Mia to originate the role of "Alice Bienke" in the Broadway show The Addams Family for which she received an Outer Critics Circle Nomination as well as her third Drama Desk Award Nomination.

Now, Carolee is reprising her starring role of Aimee Semple McPherson in Kathie Lee Gifford's musical Saving Aimee, at 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, WA.

Carolee first originated the role in the world premiere at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, 2007, which I had the privilege of seeing. Carolee's performance was spectacular as she embodied Aimee and belted her way through the score written by Kathie Lee, David  Friedman, and David Pomeranz.

In this NEW interview, Carolee once again answered my call, but this time around she shares:

• What keeps her wanting to stay with Saving Aimee
• What she has learned from working with Kathie Lee Gifford
• Her favorite part to originating a theatrical role
• Her proudest moment
• So much more

Saving Aimee tells the true-life story of Aimee Semple McPherson, the first media superstar evangelist...before Bakker, before Swaggart, and before Robertson who's fall from grace is coupled with scandalous love affairs and a tabloid-frenzied trial.

Saving Aimee plays at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, WA (1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101) from September 30, 2013-October 29, 2013.

Carolee Carmello as Aimee McPherson
Kathie Lee Gifford’s Saving Aimee
5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, WA, 2011

1. What attracted you to Saving Aimee and what keeps you wanting to participate in these developmental runs? I didn't know anything about Aimee Semple McPherson before I started work on this show, but everything I've learned since has been fascinating. She offers everything you could want as an actress....she was passionate, smart, charismatic, sexy, and addicted to drugs!

2. How did you and Kathie Lee first come to work together? I first heard about the project when I was doing Urinetown and one of my cast-mates was doing a reading of the show. He was describing the story to me one night backstage, and I said, "I need to play that part." Kathie Lee and I spoke on the phone shortly after that and I proposed turning the role (which was then played by 2 actresses) into a one-woman part.

3. What have you learned from working with her? I've learned so much from Kathie Lee. She is incredibly tenacious and energetic and hard-working. And she is so completely committed to this piece.

4. How do you think Aimee's story relates to today's times? I think this story is incredibly timely. It deals with the way someone can be seduced by fame. She was as famous in her day as Madonna or Oprah is today. And she was a master at using the media to her advantage.

Carolee Carmello as Aime McPherson
Kathie Lee Gifford’s Saving Aimee
5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, WA, 2011

5. What do you hope audiences will come away learning from seeing you in the show? I'm not sure people will learn anything from me, but I think the piece will definitely peak their curiosity about Aimee and her life.

6. What is your favorite part of originating a role in a show? Well, when you originate a role, you have so much more freedom (of course, that can be scary!) and much more exposure, too.

7. What do you like best about taking over a role? Replacing in a role is tricky because you are squeezing into someone else's shoes, but it's also easier in a way, because that person has already worked out the kinks.

8. What is your favorite part of the rehearsal/preview period in a show? My favorite part of the rehearsal period is when it's over. I need the audience.

Carolee Carmello as Aime McPherson
Kathie Lee Gifford’s Saving Aimee
5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, WA, 2011

9. Favorite place to practice/rehearse on your own? I learn a lot of music while I'm driving in my car. Other drivers who look in, probably think I'm insane.

10. What have you learned about yourself from being a performer? I've learned that I like variety in my work. I like comedy, then drama; stage, then TV; employment, then unemployment!

11. What has kept you grounded in an industry that has lead others down a darker path? I think my family keeps me grounded. Nothing makes you behave more than being responsible for children.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

12. What has been your proudest moment so far? In the past couple of years, I have been very flattered by honors at both my college and my high school. There's something really gratifying about feeling successful in your hometown.

13. What's the best advice you've ever received? When I first moved to New York, someone told me to audition for everything that I could. It really proved helpful, not only because I got better at auditioning (which is the strangest/hardest part of this business), but because there are many times when a casting person or director will see you at one audition and bring you in for something else all together. It's advice that I've passed on to other actors. Don't decide you're not going to get the job before you go in for it. You may get something even better.

14. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? Right now, I would like to dream about Aimee Semple McPherson....I could use all the help I can get with this show!

15. Favorite way to stay in shape? I've been doing a lot of running lately. I find it really helps my endurance on stage. I decided to try a half-marathon this year. (I was pretty proud that I got through those 13 plus miles.) Next year, my goal is a full marathon. We'll see if I can do it. Something tells me that 26 is more than twice as hard as 13!

16. Favorite way to spend your day off? I love spending time with my kids....preferably doing something physical and getting some fresh air....then a great meal (which I don't have to cook or clean up!) and, if I'm really fantasizing, a full 8 hours of sleep!

17. "Mary" or "Rhoda"? "Rhoda," for sure!  I love a good head scarf!

More Carolee Carmello Interviews:

2009 (Read Here): 10 Things You Don’t Know About This Two-Time Tony Nominated Actress
2019 (Read Here): Hello Dolly! Putting On Her Sunday Best

 Carolee Carmello as Aime McPherson
Kathie Lee Gifford’s Saving Aimee
5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, WA, 2011