On the eve of publishing this column, I witnessed Pamela Anderson as Marguerite Gautier – otherwise known as Camille.  But she wasn’t in Camille – oh, that would be so pedestrian.  No, she was in Tennessee Williams’ Camino Real at the Williamstown Theatre Festival.  While the play is minor Williams, the role was once notably played by Jessica Tandy.  And I ask you, when else do you think you’re going to get to see Pamela Anderson play a role previously played by Jessica Tandy?  Sure, I long for her Streetcar (I mean…Ann-Margret), but it likely won’t happen.  I wouldn’t rule out Driving Miss Daisy – with George Wallace as Hoke!  “Miss Daisy – the tassel just fell off your right breast.  Please cover your areola, for pity’s sake!”  Oh, that Southern gentility.

Back to Camino Real.  I give Pamela enormous credit for the venture.  Yes, there is some prestige to this festival, but it’s off the beaten path, no big press, no big money.  But the chance to act in a Tennessee Williams play.  And act she does.  OK, in quiet, conversational scenes, she needs to work on projecting.  But her intentions are always clear and committed.  Physically she throws herself into the role fearlessly – the end of Act 1 is staggering and ferocious.  It’s a stylized, over-the-top approach that might make her a good fit for a project with Charles Busch (who himself made a fetching Camille).  Alongside Miss Anderson was Nicholas Alexander Chavez, who you may know from General Hospital, or from his pink Speedo as Lyle Menendez.  Here he plays Kilroy, a faded boxer who looks better in a wet T-shirt than his co-star!  Yes, he has the look and the attitude.  But it was his performance that astounded.  He’s the real deal.  Swagger and charisma alongside charm and sincerity.  There are comparisons to Brando and talk of him being a future Stanley.  But personally, I’d love to see him as Tom in Glass Menagerie.  Chavez and Anderson share a lovely scene near the end of Camino Real.  And the only place you can see it is on BillyMasters.com.