Spotlight On: Susan Smith
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast of Steel Magnolias. Get to know Susan Smith who is portraying M’Lynn Eatenton in our production!
Why did you want to be involved in this production?
I always wanted to be in Steel Magnolias and M’Lynn is one of my bucket list characters. I’m so happy to be doing it at a theater I love.
What do you love about your character?
I love that she considers herself a helper and I love how much she loves her family.
When you have a five-minute break during rehearsal, what do you spend that time doing?
Sometimes I go over lines. Sometimes I decompress and play games on my phone.
Can you describe a challenging scene you’ve played and how you tackled the emotional complexity?
The final scene is very challenging for me. I don’t want to give anything away, but I’ll just say that M’Lynn is really trying to keep herself composed. I think she prides herself on her composure and stoicism, and it’s challenging to balance that character trait with the situation. How I tackle it? I just lean in to the realism of how humans often try to suppress their big emotions (until they can’t anymore.)
How do you utilize stage blocking and movement to enhance your character’s story?
I struggle with movement to be honest, but I really try to think about how my character would move through life. Fortunately, M’lynn does a lot of sitting in this.
How do you build rapport and trust with your fellow cast members to create believable onstage dynamics?
I think in most shows that just kind of happens organically. Being that this is a small cast of 6 terrific women and a great production team, that happened fairly early on and I think our chemistry will just continue to grow.
What do you do to prepare mentally and physically before a performance?
Physically, I do tongue twisters and gentle stretches.
Mentally, I try to just “get zen” or sometimes I get coffee. That works too.
Have you ever faced stage fright or nervousness before a performance? How did you overcome it?
I’m always a little bit to a whole lot nervous before I perform. You know what they say: the only way out is through. I just do it.
Why should audiences come to see this production?
Because it will give them all the feels…and who doesn’t like all the feels?!
“Steel Magnolias” opens on March 14th and runs through March 23rd at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!
“Harling has given his women sharp, funny dialogue…The play builds to a conclusion that is deeply moving.” —New York Daily News.
“…a skillfully crafted, lovingly evoked picture of eccentricity in the small-town South…Robert Harling is a new voice in the theatre and the qualities of STEEL MAGNOLIAS suggest he may be an important one.” —Drama-Logue.
“…suffused with humor and tinged with tragedy.” —New York Post.
