Spotlight On: Susan Smith

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Prom. Get to know Susan Smith who is portraying Dee Dee Allen in our production!

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi, I’m Susan and I’m playing Dee Dee Allen.

 

What drew you to your specific role, and what has been the most rewarding part of playing them?

I mean what’s not to love about Dee Dee? She’s adorably narcissistic and she gets to sing great songs and wear great clothes.

 

What was your biggest “pinch-me” moment during the rehearsal or opening process?

The realization that “sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone to grow” isn’t just a meaningless platitude.

 

What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why?

At the time of me answering these questions, it’s still a bit early in the rehearsal process.  I want to say, “It’s Not About Me” but that could change.

 

Do you approach your character by finding similarities to yourself, or by focusing on how they are different from you?

This is a super complex question but the short answer is: both

 

Do you have any pre-show rituals to calm your nerves before going on stage?

Not really.  If anything, I warm up my singing voice and do tongue twisters, but I don’t really think of either of those things as rituals so much as exercises.

 

If you could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, what would it be?

DO IT!! I think some people are afraid that they’re not good enough at singing, or acting, or dancing, but the truth is the theater is filled with people with all different strengths and abilities, and it’s a great place to learn and grow. You do not need to be a Broadway star to audition! (This may surprise some people, but I’m not really much of a dancer.) Theater is also a super welcoming and inclusive community. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

 

What was your experience at your own high school prom?

Well, I wanted to take my girlfriend, but the conservative PTA would have none of it, and then 4 Broadway stars got involved…oh wait… But seriously, I don’t really remember the Prom being anything special for me, but I was kind of a weird kid, so there’s that.

 

What does it mean to you to perform a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self?

I love any stories with beautiful meanings and I love building bridges and celebrating love in all of its forms.  So this is a project I’m really proud to be a part of!

 

 

“The Prom” opens on May 22nd and runs through May 31st at Connecticut Theatre Company.  Tickets on sale now!

 

“It’s a 21st century “Bye Bye Birdie,” with showbiz interlopers causing havoc before finding their better selves — but re-imagined with a millennial slant and an echo of “Dear Evan Hansen” empowerment.” — FRANK RIZZO of Variety

 

“The Prom is hilarious, entertaining, and most importantly, moving. It highlights the ongoing cruelty in communities across the country. It highlights the ongoing barriers that minorities, specifically youth minorities, face daily.”  —  JESSICA NEU of onStage Pittsburgh

 

“What makes The Prom “more than entertainment” is the way its social messages are seamlessly threaded throughout a compelling storyline. The drama clearly offers a lesson in how a series of individuals and a whole town (surrogate for a nation or the world?) can be transformed from homophobia to an acceptance of life-affirming inclusivity.” —  JOAN LANCOURT of the arts fuse