Meet the Cast of Herricks Production of ‘Mame’: Rachel Zampino

The following article was posted by Geoffrey Walter. It was written by Adina Genn.

Port Washington resident Rachel Zampino plays “Mame Dennis,” aka “Auntie Mame,” in the Herricks production of “Mame” at the Herricks Community Center in New Hyde Park.         

Patch: Have you ever had a lead role before? If so, what?   

Rachel Zampino: Yes, I have. Most recently at Herricks, I played M'Lynn in Steel Magnolias, the mother who loses her daughter – Sally Field played her in the movie.  Around Long Islaind, I've also played Dorothy Brock in "42nd Street," Nancy in "Oliver," Sarah in "Guys & Dolls," and others.  I used to perform with the Port Singers years ago, but when that disbanded, a few of us migrated over to Herricks and joined their wonderful group!

Patch: What can the audience expect from the show?

RZ: A lot of familiar, upbeat, and uplifting songs! Classic musical theater! Lots of dancing, comedy and feel-good fun! Together with some heartwarming moments.  It's really a special kind of love story, about a high-spirited, high-living woman of the world, who is suddenly faced with the responsibility of raising a child.  It turns out to be a gift  – "something I needed and yet never knew."  She instills in him her outlook on life and shows him all the richness that life has
to offer, and in return, he instills in her a depth of love that she
never knew possible.  A beautiful story, really.       

Patch: Were you nervous to audition - how did you get through it?   

RA: Always, always nervous!  Terrified!  For auditions and performances,  I get through it by preparing really really well, so that when I feel that grip in the gut, I just try to breathe and focus on what I have rehearsed.     

Patch: How are you managing the show and life?   

RZ: I am a lawyer and I work part-time for a Judge in the Nassau Supreme Court. I am very grateful to my husband, for picking up the slack at home, for my kids' support, and for the indulgence of the people at work!     

Patch: Will you be doing any theater after Mame? If so what?   

RZ: I sure hope so!  Don't have any immediate plans, but will keep auditioning!  

Mame opens Saturday at the Herricks Community Center, 999 Herricks Road in New Hyde Park. Showtimes: 8 p.m. on Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Other showtimes include May 10, 11, 17, 18; 3 p.m. May 19. For more information, visit herrickscommunityplayers.org.