By BRUCE DENNILL
Samantha Peo will star as Morticia Addams in MotherCity Theatre Productions‘ staging of The Addams Family: The Musical at The Homecoming Centre in Cape Town.
In the lead-up to a new production, how do you prepare physically, mentally and emotionally?
There is definitely a lot of stamina required as a performer for the intense rehearsal period and for the eight shows a week run, so I definitely try to get in the best shape health-wise prior to rehearsals even beginning. I personally love the strict routine of a rehearsal process and the almost ritualistic practice of both the physical and vocal warm-ups every day. It sets the tone and primes one for what is required. I am also always intensely aware of the physicality of the character I am to play, and I start thinking about that way ahead of the rehearsal process. How does she inhabit her body? How deliberate are her movements? Where does she lead from? Is she physically expressive? And so on. I love the process of building the foundation and then adding interesting character quirks on the floor. The prep is definitely mental and emotional too. Everything works together. Mentally, one is always having to negotiate those inner critical voices, while slowly finding the ‘way into the character’. There is always that moment in rehearsal when you think, ‘I just can’t do it!’ and that in itself, can be deeply unsettling emotionally. But it’s just part of the process that all performers know only too well. The thrill of everything coming together though is unmatched. There is also a lot of mental and emotional preparation needed to leave one’s home, friends, family and pets for a period of time! But I am looking forward to spending time in beautiful Cape Town.
What is the single most influential performance you’ve ever seen – the one that made you feel: “This is what I want to do with my life!”?
When I was younger I was definitely influenced initially by watching the old MGM musicals with my mom. I still love that style of performance and those movie musical goddesses to this day. But there are so many talented people around the globe and we are constantly being made aware of phenomenal performances through social media and Youtube – and across all genres! So it’s almost impossible to find one stand out performance, and easier to find standout moments that move me deeply. Joy Woods singing My Days from The Notebook is thrilling. Judy Garland singing The Man that Got Away still gets me, and recently I revisited some moments of Chita Riviera and was blown away!
What is your favourite aspect of the industry – be it specific people, parts of the production process, particular venues/locations or something else?
I love the community aspect of belonging to the industry. I love the gruelling process of rehearsals and the thrill of performing. And I really do love the ability to travel and live in other places for a while.
What is an aspect of the industry that you feel could be improved (even if that’s only an idealistic wish)?
Wouldn’t it be lovely to always earn abundantly? And how amazing if the importance of the arts was really celebrated and supported financially!
What has been your scariest onstage/on set moment so far (anything from forgetting words or cues to accidents or other unforeseen events)?
Some of the scariest moments are always the unforeseen ones! Picking up a bad case of viral laryngitis during the long haul flight to New Zealand for Chicago and not having a voice for the opening night in Wellington? Trauma! And then twisting my ankle badly before the opening night in Cape Town and having to perform with a strapped up ankle for the next nine months. Such joy!
Tell us about your current production, and what makes your character interesting to play?
Interestingly enough, I have had Morticia on my bucket list for a few years now. I even inserted my face onto Catherine Zeta-Jone’s in the reface app, when she played Morticia in 2022. So I guess you can say, I sent the message out very clearly! You can just imagine my shock, incredulity and deep gratitude when I got the call asking if I’d be interested. For some reason I just ‘get her’. Morticia is always together, fearless, loving, loyal, funny and strong and the style of the show almost harkens back to the older movie musicals I grew up watching.
