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View Winners → Suddenly, Susan: Broadway Diva Performs in Monrovia
Arts May 11, 2015
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Susan sings. – Photo by Javier Naval
Susan Egan Sings Broadway, Disney Hits With Monrovia High Drama Students
By Courtney Blackburn
Who is Susan Egan? If you’re a teen, twenty- or thirty-something, you probably know: she’s the lovely, uber-talented songstress who was the voice of sassy bad-girl “Meg” in Disney’s animated Hercules (1997) and the original “Belle” on Broadway for Disney’s acclaimed Beauty and the Beast. Beyond Disney, she’s starred in Cabaret, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and numerous television shows as well as recording seven solo CDs.
Those CDs were in evidence on Saturday, May 9th at the Taylor Performing Arts Center, located in the Monrovia High School auditorium. There, earlier in the day, Susan Egan herself had just conducted a master class with 40 young talents from the drama program.
Come 7 o’clock, she was taking the stage.
With a rare mix of warmth, sincerity, teasing sarcasm and impeccably glamorouscap-sleeved dresses, Susan Egan proved to be very much a star. She sang songs like “My Lifelong Love” that told a story, and sometimes just told her story with a few paragraphs thrown into songs. Her voice—well, it sounded like a princess’s voice—youthful and girlish at times, and powerfully feminine for the big notes; with a special something, a touch of personality. Also, her comedic timing was sharp and self-deprecating. What an inspiration she must have provided for the talented high schoolers!
She applauded and encouraged them, telling her audience, which was largely made up of proud parents, grandparents, and school luminaries, that she was shocked at the level of dedication and talent in this upcoming generation.
“I’m just glad I don’t have to compete with them!” Susan laughed, in all seriousness.
8th-grader Brady Stubbs managed to belt some big notes in the duet, “Suddenly Seymour” from Little Shop of Horrors, and shocked with his level of talent for his age.
Marjory Zuk dueted Susan in Stephen Sondheim’s tender “Children Will Listen,” a short song that packed a powerful, emotionally-charged punch for Mothers’ Day.
And Grace Osimo gave her all in Wicked’s “For Good,” another emotional song that showcased the raw tone for the second half of the one-night-only show.
Two songs stood out for Mothers’ Day: “Momsense,” a fast-speaking little YouTube tribute to mothers that Susan prattled with breathless aplomb, and “Nina Doesn’t Care,” an absolutely wonderful song written by Susan (with Brian Haner) about her daughter. In it, Susan speaks to her daughter being the ultimate “ego check” who “doesn’t care” that Mommy is a star—she just wants Mommy home with her. And even when Mommy loses the big role or is scathed by the critics, Nina doesn’t care. This song was a favorite with many audience members. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKdLJo2_6hQ. It might make you cry.
Overall, “It was fantastic.” So my brother fervently stated when asked for comment. As well he might; he’s in love with Susan Egan and has been since 1997 when he heard her voice in Hercules.
“Can we keep her? She’s great. And the students seem to like her.” That was my own scribbled note in the margins. After a night full of talent from the young and eager students and the lovely and generously talented Susan Egan, this beautiful partnership should be just beginning. Please, come back, Susan! Monrovia thanks you for sharing with our students, and welcomes you back anytime!
See more about this lovely lady at www.SusanEgan.net, @IAmSusanEgan, Facebook.com/OfficialSusanEgan.
Support Monrovia High’s emerging talent in their upcoming performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie July 16-19. Visit them at lktaylorperformingarts.com.
The cover of Susan’s album sold after the concert, with all proceeds going to MHS. – Photo by Olivier Ciappa
