Virtual Remembrance Book
We have created this virtual Remembrance Book for those unable to attend the memorial event or anyone with a memory of Susan to share. These messages will be collected for presentation to Susan's family.
You may read others' memories of Susan below or click here to add your memory.
My memory is only of being in the audience to witness her directorial work. Knowing that she was so involved in the work of The Rep, caused me to be drawn to her. I admire an artist who respects herself and the artists with whom she works. This was Susan. She will be missed. —Jay V. Hall
Susan made the strongest, stand-a-spoon-in-it, coffee I have ever tasted, with Chock Full O’Nuts, no less. I worked with her twice at Purdue, where she demonstrated unending kindness, thoughtfulness and perfectionism. She was a terrific lady. —Lavonne Byers
I am deeply sorry to learn of Susan’s death. I know she was your valued friend and artistic collaborator for many years. Death leaves the rest of us unmoored, adrift in the ocean of grief that is unpredictable and violent. It seems impossible that life demands we continue, that we be responsible and responsive. I hope that you and your team can sustain one another and maintain the balance you need to continue. Remind everybody to look both ways before they cross, as it will be a little while before that becomes natural again. Go slow and remember to breathe. —Y York
While a student at Webster, I had the privilege of stage managing for Susan at the REP’s WiseWrite Festival. Her enthusiasm in presenting a day of plays written by fifth-graders was a catalyzing inspiration. It was also the attitude I believe she took with her to the theatre every day no matter how big or small the production or her role in bringing it to life. The theatre is ephemeral in that the moment of the play comes and then is gone forever. In Susan’s life you understand that the theatre is also something indelible - and lucky are we whose legacies bear Susan’s mark. —Andrew Schneider
We are deeply saddened by Susan’s death. She was a true professional and a wonderful artist Her interest in medically related plays, especially WIT, was something we greatly appreciated.
We will miss her wonderful insights, hoarse laugh and inspired directing. She will not be forgotten.
We send our sincere condolences to her family. —Joanne and Bill Fogarty
Susan was one of the reasons I keep coming back to the Rep. She seemed to have that special connection to us the audience as well as to the play and the players. She was so focused, but that focus included us.
What a gift she had and shared.
Thanks to her family and to the Rep for sharing her with us. —Dee Claire Anderson
Susan gave me my first job in a straight play (oh, the irony!). After 20 years in New York doing musicals, she cast me in SIDE MAN and I am eternally grateful to her for helping me make that transition.
At the end of our first week of rehearsal (doing TABLEWORK, something I had never done in a musical!) walking home, I asked another actor if ALL plays were done like this. She responded, “to a degree, yes, but Susan does it more than most”! At the time I was itching to get on my feet, but now I can honestly say, I have NEVER known a play as well as I did SIDE MAN by the time we did start to block it. Her interest and enthusiasm for exploring a text were contagious and I learned TONS from her. And to top it all off, Susan was just FUN.
I join you all in expressing my sadness at our loss and can only IMAGINE the joy she is experiencing as she assembles a most fascinating group for an eternity of tablework! XO —Scott Schafer
Susan was always bright, sassy and quick to laugh. She always made me laugh. I will always appreciate, and now miss, her honest insights and keen wit. —Jane Page
I will always remember Susan’s enthusiasm, her generosity with lending books, her incredibly prolific dramaturgy and first getting to know her while performing in a WiseWrite show. She was wonderful and encouraging with the kids. We had a great time and it’s still one of my favorite performances to date! Susan had such ZEST. She made a real difference in the lives of so many artists and future artists. She will be sadly missed. —Effie Johnson
The quality, breadth and volume of her play research work is undisputed. The artist for whom the Internet was invented…. It is rumored that Google once sent her a pop-up message to take 5 and let its servers cool down —Jerry Russo
I was blessed to know Susan as the most caring and intelligent director an actress could ever imagine, and as a friend. She taught me to play Bridge while I was in NYC and we spent many a Sat. eve playing Bridge. We were not allowed to have any alcohol until we had played a couple hrs of cards and then she brought out the scotch and we just talked and laughed and had a few drinks until the wee hours.
So many good memories of Susan, I will never forget her. —Carol Mansell
I always admire and respect people who have anything to do with theater…..an essential part of our world that broadens us and brings us all together in some strange way.
Susan waas one of those staunch, terrific types that did this with ease, grace and determination. I only knew her to be strong, focused, and objective in how she proceeded.
Another star on the stage and in her case off the stage….shining brightly in our hearts and souls. What a dear person….I did not want to miss her so soon!
My love to you Susan, you did well. —Boyd Babbitt
I had the opportunity of being a part of the ensemble of the first Wit workshop at Washington University directed by Susan. The event helped me to realize the true power of theatre and the value of outreach work in the arts. Thank you Susan. —Jennifer Wintzer
Years of following her work at the Rep has endeared her to all of St. Louis. Although I didn’t get to know her well, I feel that, through her work, I know her intimately. She was always gracious and her work was impeccable. Her passing not only leaves a hole in our hearts, it leaves a huge hole in the life of theatre in our town. We will miss her and we will always love her. —Steve Allen
I first met Susan when I was exploring a way to bring theater to the Washington University Medical Center as an opportunity to impact medical ethics education. Starting with a seemingly one time concert reading of “Wit”, a professional relationship and friendship developed which allowed Susan to enrich our medical “universe” and lives of our students and staff for almost ten years. —Stephen S. Lefrak, MD
Meeting Susan was such a relief - another woman in theatre land who just LOVED nerding out and researching. My favorite memories were of her throwing quarters at the cast as we figured out blocking. If we figured out a blocking problem, we got quarters… we were all hoping for laundry money! She will be greatly missed. What an amazing woman… —Roni Geva Orlina
Unfortunately, I never knew Susan, but having been a subscriber almost from the time of The Rep’s founding, I do have a deep apprecition for what she contributed to its vibrancy. —Gary Ferguson
I worked with Susan on WiseWrite to which she gave her unending energy and expertise. We had many a laugh and exchanged some lively emails about the almost impossible schedule she had to organize each year. But she did it and did it with aplomb.
She directed the marvelous play “The Miracle Worker” last season and I was fortunate to be cast by her and I marveled at her knowledge and intensity. Her favorite name for me was “smart ass” and I knew it was not only true but said always with genuine affection. I will miss her and value her memory. —Donna Weinsting
I maintain, as I presume all actors do, a special place in my heart for those directors who have hired me. It is such a statement, a commitment of trust, faith and understanding on their part. To feel that this person gets you, values you and your approach, understands who you are and what you are doing so much so that they are willing to put themselves and their project into your hands is, ultimately, so incredibly gratifying. To lose someone like that in a professional actor’s life is devastating. I know how unabashedly selfish that may sound but at times like this, one must be honest. Susan Gregg chose me to be her Pablo Picasso at the Rep. Her ability and guidance through her legendary research, preparation and persuasion empowered me to soar to a level of personal best as an artist I feel I have rarely achieved on any stage. As enriching as that experience was, I feel all the poorer now. I have lost a champion, a guide and a friend. Thank you, Susan for believing in me and for your lifetime contribution and commitment to American Theatre. —Matt Landers
I met Susan through my brother, Bruce Summers. They had worked together at the Rep for many years. We enjoyed many plays, that they had worked on together. She also opened her home up to us to stay when we were in St. Louis visiting. She was wonderful person and will be greatly missed. —Brenda Mott
I worked with Susan (officially) on 4 plays; but I saw her work, and she came to see mine. I never got over the desire to please her with my work - and I hope I never do.
The gift of believing in something that isn’t true - it is the fundamental premise of the theatre. We call it the “willing suspension of disbelief” or a dozen other names. The thing is, to make it work - the Artist in the theatre must find some transcendental truth, and as it turns out, the only place to do that is within one’s own being and experience. I think that is why for so many, theatre is their religion - it is the place where they touch their souls, and connect that to the common experience.
Susan Gregg had that ability. When Susan approached a play it was with childlike enthusiasm and curiosity - and with mental acuity that made connections others often could not see. Her technique was encompassing and gave everyone around her maximum “work space” - whether “algonquin” (at the table) or al fresco (on the stage). But there was not doubt that in the end, the work would be hers as a great unifying force. I’d like to add a term to Susan’s process: Al Dente. Whatever she did, she did with teeth! There was always something to “chew on”. Once, when I was working with her on a musical she asked the question: “Do these characters know they are singing?” I’d been around a few musicals - I’d never had a director ask me that. Working alongside Susan meant you were going to learn - and I love learning.
But for me - if I am to be honest - Susan was mostly a mentor. I learned more about theatre from her in a few short years than I think I learned from any single individual. And she believed in me, as she believed in so many things - even when questions were many and answers were few. She made a phone call to help me get into a graduate program - we were talking about dramaturgy, we were talking about directing - and I remember her saying “We don’t really know WHAT he is…yet.” That was typical Susan Gregg. The anticipation of an answer, but until it came…belief. There are so many things I learned (new play process, research, paying attention to the times as a director your thoughts drift off, expanded definitions of comedy, the importance of acknowledging “not knowing” over accepting an easy answer) that these few words could never do her justice. So I hope she will be understanding of the many spaces I have left in the story - they are not unfilled, they are just “tucked in” my heart. She gave a great gift to me…she believed, and she took me - and the rest of us - with her to places we did not see coming. Thanks for everything, Susan - thank you for making me feel like I belonged. —Michael Traas
I am so sorry to hear of the loss the the theatre at large of one of its shining stars.
Her wonderful work with playwrights and their new work and her support of actors as they assisted playwrights in growing their work was amazing. Her humor, her gentle honesty, her compassion for the playwrights as they tried to find their best words, characters, stories, intentions AND for actors as they tried and succeeded and failed in helping playwrights find their ways through characters and language and storylines….
I was fortunate enough to work with Susan when Mr. Pielmeier was working on one of his plays. I was fortunate to work on one of his monologues, an actress dealing with her father’s death through an acting exercise. Both Susan and Mr. Pielmeier were so gracious and so supportive and listened so carefully to what I had to say about the character and the psychological development and linguistic precision of the character through the development of her story.
I can honestly say that working with Susan on that show is one of my fondest acting memories. I was part of the process of walking on new snow and Susan knew how to help me help Mr. Pielmeier.
She is now a precious jewel in the theatre firmament. Thank God for true artists: Susan, I salute you! Peace. —BettyAnn Leeseberg-Lange
Susan’s infectious laugh always bright a smile to my face. Her warmth, her generosity of spirit and her deep respect and regard for the art we call theater will never be forgotten. I know she is smiling and shining her joy down on all of her family, friends and colleagues. —Stafford Arima
Susan cast me in my big first show back in the early 1990s as “girl” in Cyrano. I will never forget when she called my mother to tell me I got the part. She told my mother that they were “smitten” with me, and it was the first time I had ever heard that word. Every single time I hear that word, I think of Susan. —Amanda R. Sher
Susan has a special place in my heart, and had a great impact on my life. She believed in me as a performer, and gave me chances that no one else would. She encouraged me artistically in every way. She laughed at my jokes, good or bad, and listened with interest and concern to my ideas both on stage and off.
Her enthusiasm for her work, and the people around her was infectious.
I am grateful that our lives crossed.
I know she will be missed by many.
Sending my prayers along with this note —Sherry Skinker
Many years ago in New York City, Susan directed my first play, “Florida Girls”, a one-woman show. As I believe many others can attest, she made me feel both safe and daring at the same time. I remember the wind chimes in her Waverly Place apartment as we hunkered down at a long wooden table as director and playwright. I recall endless rehearsals with just the two of us in a studio, as director and actress. She introduced me to countless people, championed one of my plays to a developmental workshop at Cornell University and I followed her to Primary Stages. It seems impossible that she has been in St. Louis all these years—how all of you there must miss her. She was talented, kind, open-hearted and just a hell of a lot of fun. I will never forget her. —Nancy Hasty
Susan lived a life of respect and value for every person she met. Courageously, she spoke truth to power, and settled for nothing less than giving her best, and extracting the best from others.
Susan was BIG THINK! Theatre was the love of her life, and she shared it generously with everyone. Through her, so many of us “civilians” experienced and later learned the true transporting power of good theatre.
Susan loved life and living…every, single kernel and every, single moment. Her zest for life and fierce fidelity to truth and goodness will live in my heart forever. —Flossie Henderson
Susan was a special person to our family. In fact, I met her through my mother, June Smith. As my mother provided professional services for Susan’s home, Susan became her friend. She made sure that my mother was in tuned to the theatre and my mother made certain that she was up on the most effective process for caring for her home.
Susan cared for others and it was so easy to care for her. She filled a special place in my mother’s heart and her contributions to the greater St. Louis community will not be forgotten. My family will miss Susan but we are glad that she was a part of our lives. —Rose Coleman
Susan was fantastic—she had insight into any and every show that went light years beyond brilliant, and was always willing to 1) tell you what she really, REALLY thought and 2) gently tell you [me] that maybe you [I] should be thinking a little harder before you [I] speak. I learned more as Hazel than just about anywhere else… —Andy Ottoson
I am the Mother of Bruce Summers, Bruce was at the Rep for several years with Susan. He was the Costume Shop Director, then later he started his own business as a Commerical Photographer. He also designed some shows that Susan directed. They were great friends and he had so much respect for Susan. She was a great friend of our family. We lost Bruce to esophageal cancer in Aug. of 2006. Susan sit with us at the hospital as we were losing Bruce. She taught Bruce to play Bridge he also insisted I learn as well, we played Bridge at Susan’s home on many occassions. She would always cook us a fabulous meal. She was a special person, and will be truly missed. In Christian Sympathy —Mona Summers
A remarkable and unique human being, so savvy and smart, with a keen eye and ear for the theatrically compelling choice. I, and the theatre world in general, will miss her greatly. —Eric Forsythe
I last saw Susan in St Louis 2 summers ago when I was working at the MUNY. She and I spent a lovely afternoon together, catching up with those missing years since Penn State and New York City. Susan took me in when I re-settled to NYC. She set me up with digs above the Perry Street Theater and then found survival jobs for both Garet and me. Thank you again, Susan.
We had brunch at her fabulous apartment. Afterwards Sue gave me a grand tour beginning at the Rep and around St Louis (even driving into unauthorized areas of the Busch brewery). She excitedly pointed out the apartment building and its fire escape that Tennessee Williams referenced incorporated in THE GLASS MENAGERIE.
Besides being an impressive tour guide, She proudly talked about her work at the Rep and her accomplishments as a director and mentor. It was a wonderful afternoon to catch up and get re-acquainted after so many years. Looking back I felt especially lucky to have spent that time with her.
I know she will leaves us with a huge void and will be missed by all who treasured her as a friend and collaborator. Her life and work made a difference for all of us.
And didn’t Susan have a wonderfully infectious laugh.
My wife, Garet and I send our condolences to her family and to those who knew and loved her. We hope we all find comfort and strength at this time. —Fredric H. Orner
I will always remember Susan’s passion for her projects—new and old. The Woman In Black was our last together. She was, without doubt, the most intense collaborator that I’ve had the pleasure to work with. I won’t ever forget the many, many confabs on Lake Ave.
And I’m sorry, Susan—I never did master bridge. —Arthur Ridley
Susan was so generous with her time and certainly helped bring Thomas Jefferson School students to the Rep. She allowed me to be an observer for her production of Black Coffee, teaching me so much about directing and stage management. I will miss her greatly. —Karen Fairbank
I met Susan Gregg more than half a life ago at Penn State.
We were all grad students with production or teaching assistantships in the Department of Theatre. Living hand to mouth as we were, Susan would sustain us late night southwest feasts after rehearsals (and a bit of drinking and always lively conversation.
I had the honor of creating the scenic design for Susan’s MFA directing monograph project, a production of THE AMOUROUS FLEA which was staged in the three quarter round in the Pavilion Theater at PSU.
We also worked together as teaching assistants for Kelly Yeaton’s family of theater classes. Susan taught directing and I taught production.
My first day in NYC after PSU I was pounding the pavement looking for my first job. I contacted Susan who had just moved into Hells Kitchen…. of course she said to come over as other PSUers were stopping by. That evening must have been my good luck charm as I found that I was hired that same day for a job that lasted for six years.
My condolences to her family and all of the many lives that Susan’s spirit touched. —Michael Smanko
Susan and I met when I participated as a medical consultant for the production of Wit. It was the most fun and insightful experience I have ever had. I knew I liked the theatre, but it was Susan who showed me the compassion, hard work, and love of the arts. She lived it and her compassion and enthusiasm came out of each actor whose life she touched. We used to tease about her and I entering each other’s worlds, if only for a little while to share, laugh, and think of more ways to make them mesh. Our friendship continued and I’ll never forget the “wolfie” head she let my son Jacob wear in his kindergarten play, “The Three Little Pigs”. Jacob is fifteen now and I only wish that he could’ve been around Susan more. Her love of life and love of the theatre was and continues to be so contagious and I will forever be grateful for the love of the arts that she instilled in me. She kept telling me I could audition when I got my “card”. Ha, ha, you can hear that laugh. I met with her a few months ago on a project we were to embark and words cannot describe how sad I am. I am even more determined to continue because she would’ve wanted me to, but it won’t be the same without her expertise. Since we didn’t have alot of mutual friends, it was through the grapevine that I heard about Susan. I still can’t believe it and keep her family in my prayers everyday as well as her close family of friends at the Rep. The memory of her laugh and love of the theatre will only make us work that much harder in an effort to make her proud. Susan, I will miss you so much and I thank you for letting me into your world. —Pam Ostby
I am among the lucky ones who knew Susan for almost 40 years, starting at Penn State…over the years our friendship deepened as we worked together at her beloved Rep. But we were always friends first. She was incredibly generous, sharing her home (of whatever size), her kitchen (which included two rice cookers and a gadget she called “the hair dryer”), her library, her computer, her music (what an astonishingly large and eclectic collection), her family, her friends, her bridge skills, her car (even when it was brand new!), her fireplace! She was always there for me with an open ear, heart, mind; a thought, a favor, a gift, even a role; and that lovely guestroom. If I told her I was coming to St. Louis her response was always “your room is ready, Diana”. Her first reaction to every problem, obstacle, road block, glitch was positive – what is it, how can we fix it, when do we start! And she loved puzzles and words and RESEARCH…I can still hear her say in rehearsal “let’s rummage around in here and see what we come up with”…meaning a script/text. We shared countless hours talking, eating, drinking, playing cards, shopping, going on field trips—a wolf farm, James Dean’s hometown. She set the friendship bar very, very high. And as all remember, oh, that laugh! If I could make her laugh, it made my day. And the coffee pot was always on!
Mary Oliver has written “When it’s over, I don’t want to wonder if I have made of my life something particular and real… I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world”. Susan didn’t visit. She occupied. She lived and savored every moment. My love and condolences go out to Roger, Marci, Margy and her sons, and to all of us who were enriched by her wonderful presence in our lives. —Darrie Lawrence
I still can’t believe Susan won’t be sitting there at the table when we start rehearsals for “Anne Frank” with all her wonderful research and pile of books to share with the company. I have fond memories of first getting to know Susan at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival when she recruited me as a fourth bridge player – never did really get the hang of it –but we had some fun evenings. —Liz Covey
I think one of the most valuable gifts Susan gave to the Rep, is her undying LOVE of theatre…whether she was directing a play, doing dramaturgy, finding music for a production, or simply sitting in on a run through in rehearsal, I always felt her positive, loving, giving spirit…and her LAUGH!!!! Thank God for that fabulous LAUGH!!! We love you Susan. —Timothy McCracken
Oh, the laughter and smile of Susan Gregg. I will never forget being a young 20 something and meeting this fantastically kind woman who was beyond passionate about theater. Susan always made me feel so appreciated and loved. She opened her heart and home to me and my husband and on many occasions and filled our bellies with food, drink and laughter. Thank you, Susan. You will indeed be missed. —Tara Falk
On reflection, I realized what I will miss most about Susan is her laugh, her true laugh,
the laugh that came barrelling out of her, taking even her by surprise.
I always counted it a privilege to be around her when that happened, and an even rarer one if I could elicit it.
For all her brilliance, what will abide in me the longest is when she let her joy take over.
I give thanks to have known it and to have known her. —Irene O’Garden
I believe all artists to be lifelong learners. Having been directed by Susan, I learned the importance of research and the quest for that infinitesimal,perfect moment that would illuminate the script and character. She had a profound understanding of the special bond between women as they tried to re-define their place in a changing world. I am saddened that I will never get another chance to sit in a rehearsal roomwith her once again to experience her intelligence, guidance, and good humor. But I celebrate the time we did share. —Jodie Lynne McClintock
I was an intern for Susan in 2000. She was such an inspration to me, and such a fun person to be around. I loved hearing her stories of past productions and life in the theatre world. She changed the way I viewed theatre. Susan help me to see that theatre has the capability to truly change people, it wasn’t just entertainment or art. She told me about about Wit and the work she did with doctors and medical students and she allowed me to activly participate in the Wisewite program that year. Those programs have given so much beyond the performance.
Susan also went above and beyond for me. When I was planning a Washington University young alumni night at the Rep, she gave a pre-performance “lecture” for ten little indians to help the alumni become better prepared to understand what they see. Another year she supported me as I worked to link a physics professor from Wash U to give a pre-peformance talk before Copenhagen.
She was a wonderful person, full of laughter, oozing with talent, and passionate about her work.
I miss you Susan —Katie Brown
I had the privilege of working with Susan on “The Miracle Worker” last season. I will forever be grateful to her for taking a chance on me and giving me one of my most fulfilling, joyful theatrical experiences to date. I loved that a month before rehearsals started we began a lengthy research discussion via e-mail, each trying to one-up each other with obscure books, facts and passages.
I will miss her laugh. Her direct, barbed humor. I will miss the half an hour that we both shared in the rehearsal room before anyone else would show up, too excited to start the day to stay at home any longer. I loved too, her willingness to play and play and play and never get frustrated by something that didn’t work, but rather rise to the challenge.
I will miss her. —Amy Landon
The WiseWrite Festival is an experiences that enriches and empowers not only the 5th grade playrights but the people on stage as well. I’ve always loved appearing in the festival and I when I asked Susan if my daughter, Madison, could participate as well she gave an enthusiastic “Yes, we’d love to have her!”. Madison appeared in 2 WiseWrite productions that Susan directed. Susan treated her like a pro and made rehearsals a blast. It was a wonderful experience for Madison not only because Susan made it fun, but knowing she helped make a 5th grader smile and stand a little taller because she volunteered her time and talent. It was an invaluable lesson in giving back. Thank you, Susan for teaching her a lesson that will last a lifetime. —Michele Burdette Elmore
I am sure that everyone who knew Susan felt like they had a unique relationship with her. I certainly felt that way! She was always so present, always kind, intensely funny, the very definition of generosity and brilliant(in all senses of the word) As I was just her financial advisor I didn’t get to see her as often as I liked—attention to her finances being rather low on her priority list! But when I did, the meetings always went so much beyond (if we ever even got there!) their stated purpose—meandering between such disparate topics as quantum physics, psychology, skin care, love and politics (don’t get me started!)—and always with a reading list! Our heads exploded together and I was looking forward to extending our friendship after my retirement (when at least, presumably, one of us would have more time for such things!) She was the only person in the world who ever made me regret that I didn’t play bridge. Susan, thanks for being the extraordinary person you were, I miss you, many will miss you, and all who knew you benefitted immensely from your shining self!
With love, Carol —Carol Snyder
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Susan Gregg. As a St. Louis native I followed Miss. Gregg’s career from a young age and aspired for my life in the theatre to flourish in the same way that her artistic life bloomed. As a professional director, performer, and educator we ended up having a great deal in common. When writing my piece Chicken, a solo work about mistakes and mishaps in the medical industry, I researched and again turned to Miss. Gregg and her body of work for guidance, inspiration, and hope. Her work in the medical industry was awe inspiring to me and gave me a great deal of inspiration in writing what turned out to be for me an award winning piece.
I have applied for her long standing position at The Rep with heavy heart and deep sadness for the great loss in our arts community.
In closing, Susan Gregg will be greatly missed. I will keep her family and friends in my prayers and her love of theatre as an inspiration in my heart always.
With Warmest Regards,
Matthew Kerns —Matthew Kerns
Susan Gregg loved to laugh.
My best memory of her is either in deep thought or in deep laughter. Her smile lit up a room and could alter others spirits with her amazing toothy smile and laughter. Susan was always patient with me and all those around her. She was an amazing dramaturge as well as a theater Director - which helped her truly focus all of her directing work. In her first version of the show YOUNG RUBE ... which was at Hope Summer Theater in Holland Michigan - I had the privilege of being her choreographer. Most of my choreography experience at that point was on Sesame Street or with the Muppets… so she thought I was perfect to choreograph YOUNG RUBE.
Susan and her assistant - the amazing Liza Stein -worked like clockwork as composer Matty Selman and book writer John Pielmeier (Agnes of God) - watched and ran off to copiously write new material every day after rehearsals. Having all of the creative’s present for the entire process of putting a new play together - was a new adventure for me at the time. I learned so much from the process and I will always thank her for that precious opportunity. We were so lucky to have such celebrated and talented writers working along side of us and treating us as equals!
We had a wonderful opportunity to create a new musical and make it work - with Susan Gregg at the helm. It was a great lesson for me that no matter how good a musical’s score is… if the book doesn’t get an audience… then you don’t have a musical. That was the discovery that Sue and I realized by the end of the process.
Our cast at Hope Summer Theater (wonderful cast by the way) was made up of actors and some singers from a Summer Repertory Company. Most of them were not really trained dancers and there was a lot of movement and choreography in YOUNG RUBE. (It was a RUBE GOLBERG musical after all) I would teach movement.. and the actors would run away in horror thinking they could never move that way. Susan had a brilliant solution that changed the way I will forever choreograph. Sue would have them sing their song and video them improvising their own movement. I would watch and study how each person moved… and then create movement appropriate for each actor that was based on how each person moved. The process was brilliant as it made each performer feel comfortable learning choreography in only a short rehearsal time. They all also had to play cartoons as well as real people. Very tricky ... and Sue made the complicated process so much easier with her gentle sense of humor always in place. Even when egos flared, Susan was the one to always get us back in focus.
Susan was also a master at bringing the right people together on a project so that the mechanics of the machine would basically work itself. She would often say, “Finding the right cast and creative’s and bringing them together ... is 99% of my job. The rest—basically works itself out once all of the right people are in place. If there is a cog in the wheel, then it needs to be addressed so that everything else runs smoothly.”
Those words were such a gift that she gave me… as I have allowed her words of wisdom to effect every project I have ever worked on. Thank you for your insight Susan.
I will miss you Susan! You taught me so much!And we laughed so hard along the way.
Paul Liberti - NYC - 2012 —Paul Liberti
