The Arrow
interviews Felissa Rose
Felissa Rose (Angela)
was the star of the cult
classic slasher flick “Sleepaway Camp”. That movie’s ending
kicked my arse all over the place and I’ll always remember it. Arrow
caught up with Felissa to see what she’s been up to and this is how it
turned out.
1-
What’s
your favorite horror movie?
Wow, that’s a great question! I just started getting into horror films,
I was always really terrified by them, so I’d have to say “The
Shining”!
Jack Nicholson just blew my mind and I’ve never gotten that image out of
my head when he’s chasing Shelly Duvall with the axe! I also loved
“Amityville Horror”, which I saw when we were filming “Sleepaway
Camp”…it
brings back fond memories!
2- You were 13 when u tackled the part of
Angela. What kind of preparation does a 13 year old do for a part like
that?
Robert
Hiltzik, the director, was amazing in helping me play such a
twisted little devil. We rehearsed prior to filming and I really
understood Angela because what teenager doesn’t have feelings of
insecurities and anxiety!? Although Angela’s behavior was totally nuts,
I just magnified my own personality quirks and felt like I understood
where she was coming from. I guess when we’re kids we have great
imaginations and I believed I was her. Don’t I sound like a psycho….?
3- Any funny set story you can share with us?
There were so many stories and such great people
attached to this film, but the one thing I can remember is when we were
filming the scene in the rec hall with John Dunn and Tom VanDell. They
were supposed to be making fun of me and I had the quiet stare going.
John and I could not stop laughing at Tom because he was trying to play
his character like a smooth operator and every time he spoke we just
burst out laughing, so that one shot pretty much took all night to film.
After a while I couldn’t stop giggling, let alone stare so we stopped
shooting and collected ourselves, but if you look at that scene (they
want me to go skinny dipping) you can see that I just want to laugh my
ass off!!
4- Were you asked to play Angela in the two sequels? I was bummed
that
you didn’t return…
That’s so sweet! I did read for the role and was asked to do it by Jerry
Silva (the producer for 1,2 &3) but it was going to be 6 months in
Georgia and I just got into college so I turned it down. I think it turned out for the best and I’d love to meet Pamela
Springsteen, maybe a
little Angela get together!
5-
Rumor has it that a fourth sequel might come our way. If it happens
would you be interested in being attached to the project? Would you play
Angela one more time?
I
would love to do another Sleepaway Camp! Playing
Angela again would definitely be a trip, especially to play her as an
adult.
6- What have you been up to since? Are u still
acting?
I’m still acting. Recently I did a short horror film called, “Birds of a
Feather”, and I played a killer, hmmm…something about my personality!?
I’ve done a lot of theatre in NY and I have a few film projects ready to
go. I’m working with Dante Tomaselli (writer director of
“Desecration” — check it out!) on his new feature “Horror”. This
film is going to be a totally wild ride. All horror fans will love this
movie! Another film I’m in rehearsal for right now is “In Lies We
Trust” a political thriller. Both are set to film in the next
couple of months. I’m so excited about both projects because these
scripts are incredible and I play two great characters!
7- Are you surprised that horror fans remember
this film to this day?
I’m soooooo surprised and grateful! It feels awesome that people
remember it after all these years!
8- What was your reaction when you first saw
the film?
Sheer excitement! I didn’t feel like I was watching myself so I really
got to experience the story and the creepiness. It seemed totally
different from what we filmed. I enjoyed it and saw it with all my friends and family, so that was cool!
9- When she’s not killing people, what does
Angela do in her spare time?
Well, she likes to knit and play hopscotch….only kidding! I’d say
Angela pretty much stays home, watches TV (like the X-Files) and just
removes people when they get in her way! She’s really cool, just don’t
mess with her!
10-
Have you seen the two sequels? If so, what did you think?
I own them and I’ve been too scared to watch them, but I’m going to curl
up in my pj’s, make some popcorn, and put them on. Hopefully, I’ll be
O.K. and come out of it alive…..
What
a classy lady. Thanks Felissa, come back anytime. I also would like to
thank Jeff for hooking me up with Felissa. You guys should all check out
Jeff and John’s massive Sleepaway Camp site, happy camping…