A Fun Drive with Susan Chmurynsky

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm a retired school librarian. Grew up in Grand Rapids. Taught for a couple of years in Denver and came "home" to get a library degree at Western Michigan U., then got a job in Lansing. Early on I found the Barn in Okemos which became my second home. Moved to GR in '87 to be close to my Mom and did no theater for 14 years. Came back to Lansing when I retired because my support system is here - my theater family. I have a brother who does movie and TV makeup. He's currently working with Tina Fey on "30 Rock"

2. Why did you choose "Born Yesterday?"

I chose "Born Yesterday" because I costumed it for LCP in the 80's (won a Players' Award). Reread the show to see how it held up and was startled to note how nothing has really changed in Washington DC. It's just a matter of scale. Besides it's a funny show.

3. What was the first show you acted in, and what was the first you directed?

I was an angel in a Christmas show in elementary school. I had to climb up a ladder and peep out of a fake cloud. The first show I directed was "The Wonderful Tang", a children's show, for the Barn in Okemos. That show has definitely NOT held up well over the years.

4. What made you decide you wanted to take that step from acting to directing?
I'm not really sure why I decided to direct. Maybe it's the teacher in me. I do enjoy talking about character and discussing why people in a play do what they do. Shaping a whole production, while all the details drive me insane, is kind of neat.

5. Why is Theatre important to you?
Theater is very important to me because it gives me an outlet for the goofy side of me as well as the creative side. It's also important because I truly love the people I get to work with.

6. Why is Theatre important period?
Theater is important period because it sheds light on people and events. If a show is good it will send the audience home thinking and talking about it. "Side Man" which I directed last year was a show people either loved or hated for a variety of reasons - lots of "language". They didn't just walk out the door and forget it. Theater can make people laugh which is really important in tough times. It can also make them cry and empathize with a character. When I was teaching reading plays was a good, painless way for kids to polish reading skills. It also helped them think creatively.

Quick Questions

1. What is your favorite show (musical or non)?
Mercy this one is hard. I once had a student say "Ms. C. EVERY book is your favorite book". I love comedies and musicals the most. "Avenue Q." has to be a favorite but then so is "Wonderful Town" - complete opposites on the goofy spectrum. I love to watch shows with great dancing.

2. Favorite line of any show?
One of my favorite lines comes from "The Little Foxes". Ben is talking about taking a train ride. He loves dining on trains because "the celery is so crisp." Don't ask me why that one stuck in my head.

3. Dream role, male or female, that you wish you could play?
I've always wanted to do the Mom in "Barefoot in the Park."

4. Share with us something that many people don't know about you...
Believe it or not I watch NASCAR racing.

5. Favorite word?
Right now my favorite word is citizen. Maybe freedom goes along with it because if we're not careful we'll lose what we treasure most. This is probably because I'm directing "Born Yesterday" right now and I don't know if we've learned anything since the show was produced in 1946.

Sue is directing "Born Yesterday" at the Riverwalk Theatre, slated to open October 23, 2008. Details to the production are below. Thanks for your time, Susan, and break a leg with your show!

BORN YESTERDAY

Oct 23-26 & Oct 30-Nov 2, 2008
Comedy by Garson Kanin Directed by Susan Chmurynsky

Harry Brock brings his ex-chorus-girl girlfriend to Washington where he’s making crooked deals with government big-wigs. Embarrassed by her lack of social graces, he hires an investigative reporter to educate her. What she learns about history, politics, and Harry’s true nature changes everything.

Call the Riverwalk Theatre at 482-5700 for Reservations!