Q&A with Suzanne Somers: Her Broadway Debut in her One-Woman Show
By: Rachel Sokol Jul. 11, 2005
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I spoke with Suzanne on July 8th hours before her stage debut. She wished me a happy birthday and said that even though it was pouring on her opening night; she didn't mind one bit.
Q: This is your Broadway debut and so many fans know you best as Chrissy from "Three's Company." Do you think your fans will be surprised to 'Chrissy' on stage?
A: I'm so ready for this. I think they may come in with lowered expectations so it's my job to blow them all away. Someone said to me, "There are easier way to debut on Broadway," but I've never done anything the easy way! Chrissy's in this show...well, I play her on the stage in one act.
Q: In your show, you are such an open-book about your life. Are you comfortable with that?
A: This show is the highlight of my career. I love it. It is honest to the point of being raw and is highly emotional. I lived in such secrecy as a child because of family secrets. I want to show (the audience) how I got better. I've got nothing to hide. I never presented myself as perfect; we've all got flaws. I even open the show telling the audience I'm 58 years old. I want the audience to know right away that I'm not holding anything back. I am loving my fifties! The show is chronological and starts out energetic and takes you on an emotional roller-coaster about what my life was like.
Q: Why is the show titled, "The Blonde in the Thunderbird?"
A: From "American Graffifi!" I mouthed that one line, "I love you," and (director) George Lucas told me that I'd always be remembered as 'The Blonde in the Thunderbird," from that movie. I invited George to come and see the show. I remember once watching "American Graffiti," on TV and it said, 'Starring Suzanne Somers," and I thought, 'Oh, my…well, I think Richard Dreyfuss deserves that credit."
Q: What is the main message of your show?
A: That we come from a place where we are all the same. It's heartwarming and inspirational. It's such a privilege to feel the audience; we're all tangible. It's my life with a safety-net and is the best acting I ever had. In my book 365 Ways to Change Your Life, I ask, "What is the one thing in your life you don't want anyone to know about you?" and address that and maybe change it. If I can learn to do it, you can too! If you are open about your flaws and your life, it will make me like you more. It's rewarding to reach someone on that level.
Q: Do people still ask you about the Thighmaster?
A: Oh, yes! I think it's even to be in my epitaph. Who would have thought the Thighmaster would revise my career?
Q: Did you have any formal voice training?
A: Well, I Sing in my nightclub act. And I worked with some of the best musicians out there including Barry Manilow. I studied voice with Lon Anderson. He retrained me on how to use my breath.
Q: How have rehearsals been for Thunderbird?
A: I have a great team working with me. They've worked on 'The Carol Burnette Show," and I love working with them. And Barry (Manilow) offered his services at the rehearsal.
Q: Is there a role you're dying to play or always loved?
A: I love Guys and Dolls; it's fantastic. I admit it—I had role-envy for Faith Prince's role (as Adelaide)!
Q: What do you think about NYC?
A: I love it. I never lived in a big city before. I grew up in a beach community. I love the visual stimulation and the people. If I were to live here permanently I would live in SoHo/Greenwich Village although right now I'm more midtown and I love it.
The Blonde in The Thunderbird is currently playing at The Brooks Atkinson Theatre; (256 W. 47th Street) and plays a strictly limited engagement of 64 performances only through September 3. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster; www.ticketmaster.com.
Writer's Note: A portion of this interview appeared in am-NY.
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