Acts and Answered: Susie Leiser

November 10, 11:46 AMDenver Theater ExaminerDeb Flomberg

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Susie Leiser, Acts and Answered

Susie Leiser is one of the most beloved and well known actresses in town. She’s been on pretty much every stage in this state as well as most of the stages that are not around anymore. I had the privilege of sitting down for a wonderful chat with her about theatre and her thoughts about this incredible community. I have interviewed a lot of people for this column so far, and this was the first interview that brought me to tears. Her warmth and compassion and her love for the craft translates beautifully through her words. I hope you enjoy this very special Acts and Answered.

Q. What is your favorite theatre to visit as a patron?
A. I love almost all of them. Each really has its own redeeming feature. I love the Arvada Center, because of the space and the productions they do. I have also really enjoyed going and working at the Aurora Fox and Town Hall. Also, I’ve really enjoyed the Avenue, when I get the chance to go. When you work a lot in theatre, sometimes it is very difficult to get time to see other shows. But when I do go, I really enjoy the productions.  Also, I love Miner’s Alley. Even though it’s a pretty long drive for me, it feels like home when you walk in, there is a lot of love in that building.

Q. What makes a good show?
A. Bev Newcomb, (an award winning director in town) says less is more. I guess that because I’ve been a casting director for some time, I watch the talent to a fault, I’ll watch one person or three people and I miss the whole show, just like a choreographer will watch the dancing, and miss the show. Brian Mallgrave has become one of my favorite set designers too. His sets are gorgeous. You walk into the theatre and the set is Pow! Also I recently saw Sleuth at Firehouse Theater Company. The set was designed by Rick Bernstein, and for such a tiny set in a small space it was incredible. 
You have to hit it like walking into a store looking for a gift, sometimes you hit it and sometimes you don’t. I try to see as much as I can, but if I want tragedy I’ll turn on the TV. I look to be entertained - I want to be happy when I leave.

The Country Dinner Playhouse opened in 1970

Q. And what makes a bad show?
A. Some of these avant-garde, mind bending shows are just not for me. If I go to Curious I know I’ll see a more bizarre show than if I was going to the Hand or Arvada Center, it depends on where you choose to go. Curious has their own type of theatre and their own audience. They chose that genre and that’s what makes them tick, the people who support that theatre  love what they do, but I think it’s not for me. I loved the Country Dinner Playhouse. You got a meal (albeit it wasn’t the best food,) but you always got a good show. With them there were no big production values. They couldn’t have a set, but I always was thoroughly entertained.

Q. So what got you into theatre?
A. I Always did theatre as a kid and in high school, but I never sang by myself. Then when I moved to Denver, somebody heard me singing with a choir and asked if I’d done any singing. This person had written a show, it was a musical version of the Man Who Came to Dinner and it was 1972. I have been performing ever since and I have just loved being involved in theatre. Theatre really is magical. The rehearsals, the learning, and watching something grow from a little tiny word to a full production. It astounds me to watch.

Q. What has been your favorite role?
A. I’m the mother a lot. I’ve done Fiddler On The Roof 5 times, and it’s a favorite. Also, I recently did Beau Jest at Miners Alley and it was a terrific experience. I love hearing people laugh. It’s one of the best comedies I’ve ever done, and ever seen on paper. Of course I don’t take just any show, and at my age I’m lucky to get cast in a show at all. Another very memorable experience was when I did Titanic at the Country Dinner Playhouse. We opened on September 9th, 2001. Then we closed September 11th  for a couple of days. When we re-opened the show the emotion was so intense. People didn’t want to see another tragedy, but for some reason it was beautiful. It was very special, what it did for us, and to us.

Q. How can we get more people excited about live, local theatre?
A. I think that financially people are strapped, they don’t hesitate spending $10 on a movie ticket, but to spend $50 or $60 on a theatre ticket is a lot of money, so it needs to be made more affordable. Of course the production costs are so much, but a lot of people are holding back on spending a lot of money on theatre tickets.
Also, I think that sometimes the productions are so unknown that people don’t know anything about the show and they don’t know anyone in the cast so they are hesitant to spend the money. People want to be entertained. People want to see love and happiness, and to see a positive and happy show, and one that is affordable. Maybe I’m just speaking for myself, but I do think it just has got to be more affordable and a positive experience.

Q. What dream show/role?

Ragtime: The Musical

Q. Where can we see you next?
A. I am currently working on A Wonderful Life at the Arvada Center. It is one of my favorite shows. I actually did It’s A Wonderful a Life at the Country Dinner Playhouse 18 years ago. It’s such a happy and positive story, and the cast is just precious. I’m so excited to be a part of this show.

Q. What advice would you give to young actors?
A. It takes a special person to put their heart in theatre, don’t let anyone discourage you for doing what you love. I’m very lucky that my husband is so supportive. He isn’t a theatre person, but he never discourages me from doing a show. As you continue to work and mature, make sure to find the right spouse. One that is as supportive of you and what you love to do as he would want you to be of him. And if you don’t love it don’t do it. 
 

If you enjoyed this Acts and Answered, you may enjoy these other great interviews and stories as well!

• Theatre Group's David Ballew and Steve Tangedal talk with me about their theatre and the Gay Community impact on  community theatre.
• An interview with one of the most well known women in theatre in Denver, Carla Kaiser Kotrc
• The review of Sleuth - the show that Susie was speaking about in this interview
• The impact of the struggling economy on local theatre