INTERVIEW: Broadway star Susie Mosher has your Tuesday plans all set

Photo: Susie Mosher appears in The Lineup every Tuesday evening at the Birdland Theater. Photo courtesy of Gene Reed / Provided by Fortune Creative with permission.

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Susie Mosher, star of Hairspray on Broadway and an accomplished performer, has returned to the stage with a weekly variety show called The Lineup, playing Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. at the legendary Birdland Theater in Midtown Manhattan. Each week, Mosher is joined by special guests and the Brad Simmons Trio for an evening of music, cabaret and comedy.

Mosher knows how to pull in some exceptional guests. She has shared the stage with everyone from Marilyn Maye to Katharine McPhee to Beth Leavel. The San Diego native, who has previously performed in NEWSical!, has appeared on TV shows like Nurse Jackie, Without a Trace and Beverly Hills 90210. Her Broadway role in Hairspray was something special. She played Prudy Pingleton for the final two years of the show’s six-year run at the Neil Simon Theatre, according to press notes.

Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Mosher about The Lineup and what fans can expect. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.

How did the idea for The Lineup come about?

I had done a similar show at another venue and really enjoyed the format. When Birdland was opening their new space downstairs, The Birdland Theater, Jim Caruso, one of my oldest chums and the host of the long running Birdland show Cast Party, asked me if I would like to do a show there. I jumped at the chance to work at Birdland. I have always loved the iconic club and knew it would be a wonderful world to be a part of. I was not disappointed.

What can audience members expect from this variety show?

The Lineup is a classic variety show. We feature singers from all genres of music, jazz, country, Broadway, even opera. Mix in comedians, dancers, puppeteers, jugglers, and you have The Lineup. It’s fast paced and perfect for today’s short attention spans. If you don’t love what’s on stage for the moment, well don’t worry, chances are the next act will be right up your alley.

How do you secure the talent for each week’s show?

I have been in many shows, and I know loads of brilliantly talented folks. I am out on the town a lot, so I’m always seeing new performers. And believe me, for every well-known artist there are at least 10 unknown people who are just as good. This is New York City, where people come to make it. I love giving fresh faces a chance to shine. Also, lots of people write me and want to perform. If they are good, I give them a shot.

How difficult has the COVID-19 pandemic been for your beloved industry?

COVID has been devastating for live performance. All venues were shuttered, and it seemed like they might never open again. But slowly, step by step, we are coming back. With protocols in place, checking proof of vaccination at the door, we are trying to make both performers and audiences comfortable with being together again.

What’s it like to perform at a legendary venue like Birdland?

When I was a kid I would sit and listen to Manhattan Transfer’s song “Birdland” and fantasize about what it would be like to go there. It seemed like the coolest place in the world. And now here I am, with my own weekly show there. And guess what I found out? It is the coolest place in the world.

Do you look back fondly at your time in Hairspray on Broadway?

Being in the Broadway production of Hairspray was a dream come true. I was in it playing Prudy Pingleton for the last two years of its glorious six-year run, and it was sheer joy. I will always be grateful for my time with the show and continue my friendships with the people I shared that time with to this day. And of course a lot of them have performed at The Lineup! My worlds colliding in the most wonderful way.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

The Lineup, featuring Susie Mosher, plays Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. at the Birdland Theater in Midtown Manhattan. Click here for more information and tickets.