Hometown: Queens, NYC
Education: I went to Columbia University and got BAs in Theater and Psychology
Who do you play in The Mysteries?: I play Noah's Wife, Debbie, and Pontius Pilate's brilliant wife Claudia.
Tell us about The Mysteries: It's Biblical but it's not necessarily religious. The show takes these epic stories that we're all (on some level) familiar with and reframes them in a beautifully human way. They become just strange enough that we have to actively listen and critically engage with them. I think everyone leaves the show with a deeper since of faith - in theater, God, humanity.
Describe The Mysteries in three words: Episodic biblical realness
What's the wildest costume you wear in The Mysteries?: **Spoilers** I spend about 15 minutes caking on some pretty elaborate geisha make up for Yussef El Guindi's episode "The Conspiracy." Yeah...how's that for wild.
If you could be anyone from The Bible, who would you be?: I went to 10 years of Catholic school and I've always thought the man crucified next to Jesus was a pretty amazing character. They have a lovely chat, become friends, and just before he dies he gets told he'll go to heaven.
Which company member is most likely to actually have lived during Biblical times?: Kyle Hines. He can build things, and he knows natural remedies, and he's strong.
Which company member is most likely to be the Messiah?: I was having a rough time one day and while on stage in the group Baptism scene Colin Waitt smiled at me and blessed me and I just bust into tears. So I'm thinking that makes him the Messiah...right?
Most likely to become an angel?: Dominique Brillon
Most likely to hear voices in their head?: Peter Sansbury, I've seen his pre-show ritual for our Noah scene.
Who's the most spiritual?: Rebecca Rad.
On the 8th day god said_____: This might be overkill
Are you going to heaven or hell?: I don't think it's that literal. God put's it really nicely in a scene with Adam and Eve in our show: "Only want the things you have. I can have anything and everything. Believe me...it’s Hell."
Which of the Seven Deadly Sins are you?: On my days off I am all about Sloth.
What's the biggest inside joke at The Mysteries?: Ed's notes.
What's your favorite moment from The Mysteries?: The angel's music in general and Addie and her base guitar in particular.
What is the most rewarding part about being a member of The Mysteries?: It's actor boot camp. I joke with my friends that I decided not to do grad school this year to get some rest but the universe sent The Mysteries my way instead. Working on this show you really have to stay sharp for 6 hours. It's exhausting but it wouldn't be rewarding otherwise. Many of us have been working on the show for over 4 months and in this process you learn a lot about your limits and how they're much further than you think.
Why should we come see The Mysteries?: All the work, energy, and effort that went into making this show was done for the joy of getting to share it with you. And there will never be anything like it again. Be a part of this magic.
For more on Tara, visit www.tnpacheco.com