COVER STORY

THE REAL SUSAN EGAN

 

Photo from L to R: Eden Espinoza, Susan and Laura Bell Bundy.

Scott, a fan asked this question: "  This sounds dumb but my friend and I are fighting over it. We saw Millie and loved it but in the opening scene during Not for the Life of Me, when you have long hair. That's you correct?  Susan replied: "This cracks me up, Scott!!  YES it’s me at the beginning.  That’s the whole point of the play. [I’m laughing!]  Millie arrives in NY (looking decidedly farm-girlish), gets a new “do,” and makes it in the big city. =)  At the end of the show another girl arrives – remember Jimmy’s line “Girls like you arrive everyday …” – the play shows the truth of that.  So, I know I look a little frumpy and not Millie-ish in the opening moments, but it’s me!!  So go tell your friend. )  Paige, another fan asked: "Do have a boy friend or a husband? " And Susan replied: "Hi Paige.  Hee, hee.  Didn’t know I’d get personal questions!  Yes, I do have a boy friend, who one day may become a husband.  That is if my vocal exercises don’t drive him away! =)

Well? What did we learn so far about Ms Egan?  I underlined a few descriptively revealing and illustrative words she used in her answers. Here they are: dialogue, ummmm , FUN,  let it all fly , keeps that spine healthy!", [I’m laughing!] , Tests.  Obviously, Ms Egan is full of life, energy, highly motivated with a positive "outlook" at the world, blessed with a tender wit and warmth, a lot of honesty and touching humility.  Oh Yes, she is funny too.

Photo: Gary Beach, Susan, director Rob Roth and author Linda Woolverton.

 But are those attributes essential and required  for launching an artiste's career? You bet you gazebo! Charisma, guts, presence, a good sense of communication are a great asset, vehicle and stimulus for success, even amidst admitting  personal weaknesses and moody character. Once, Mae West said: "When I am good, I am really good. And when I am bad, I am better."

Why Susan Egan is quite unique?

Her unsophisticated and un-perplex  nature hides  and reveals a superb talent. With "brilliant naiveté" and well crafted "gamine charmante" looks, Susan takes on the most demanding and complex roles. In that context, she appears to her audience as the finest product of a blend of Simone Signoret, Audrey Hepburn, Carol Burnett and Liza Minelli. But she transcends them all. Although, she is academically trained and traditionally oriented, Susan frees herself from all rigid theatrical dogma to "let it fly" with fun, contemplating and laughing, engaging herself with an enriching dialogue with her audience and the character she portrays on stage, always with an pensive and stimulating ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, scoring high on all theatrical excellence tests and challenges while  reaching for the highest firmament, and on earth,  keeping her chin up and her spine healthy! This woman is a national treasure. Don't miss any of her breathtaking performances. Read more about Susan in the World Art Celebrities Journal at:   http://www.worldartcelebritiesjournal.com/Amu%201.htm . More photos of Susan at TELL PEGGY: Readers' Mail on  page 299.