Singer Suzanna Ross will present her new show, Bewitched, at Don’t Tell Mama on Thursday, February 7, 2019. Piano and musical direction is by Gregory Toroian, with Skip Ward on bass and David Silliman on drums. The show highlights a collection of bewitching and romantic songs from around the world, including American, French and British songbooks. There are favorites as well as a few surprises. The line-up spans jazz, pop, French chansons, bossa nova, movie songs and country.
NiteLife Exchange (NLE) celebrates Suzanna Ross (SR) with Six Questions.
1. NiteLife Exchange: When did you realize you had the gift of singing and who were your early influences and inspirations?
Suzanna Ross: What a nice question and thank you for the complement. My singing debut was in the first grade when our music teacher cast me in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado. I was one of the three little maids, Pitti-Sing. Maybe not the best name for an aspiring singer. I took piano throughout my childhood and knew I loved singing by my 20s. Later, I studied theater in London and did some singing there.
Both of my parents were actors. They trained in theater at Carnegie Mellon, where I later studied writing. My mother always had music going in the house when I was growing up: theater tunes, jazz, pop, French songs, rock, orchestral—you name it. I loved soaking up the variety.
Music entered my heart around age six. My mother had experienced a lot of loss in her life at an early age. Playing the piano allowed her to express her memories—the highs and lows of life—in a creative way. I used to listen to her play the songs of her generation on the upright in our living room. “Deep Purple” by Peter DeRose was the first song I remember vividly, then “Over the Rainbow.” I usually sing “Over the Rainbow” in my show with a combination of English and French verses.
So many singers and musicians have inspired me! The greats like Garland, Fitzgerald, Piaf, Sinatra. But I was very drawn to mysterious voices—Dusty Springfield, Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, Astrud Gilberto. Also, Karen Carpenter, Patsy Cline, Leon Russell. The harmonies of Brian Wilson and all the British pop singers influenced me. I adored the easy style of Fred Astaire, Noel Coward and Maurice Chevalier. When I was in high school, I got to see Dave Brubeck play at a small club. It was electric. He did “Take 5” and it was just amazing.
2. NLE: How did you come to be involved in Cabaret?
SR: A guitarist who worked at a restaurant in my neighborhood heard that I used to sing. He kept nudging me to sing a song whenever I went in to eat dinner. One night, I finally got up and sang “Blue Moon.” That led to open mic nights and then gigs. Cabaret has been the perfect way to meld music with theater and to experiment. And I soon learned that musicians and singers are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet in NYC!
3. NLE: What are the ways you go about sourcing material for your shows?
SR: I listen to all kinds of music. I might get a spark from a particular melody or a lyrical phrase. That can lead me to an overall theme for a show. Then I start looking for songs that fit that theme. All generations of songs interest me. I also enjoy novelty tunes, where it can be acted out a bit. I search songs online, old songbooks, visit the Performing Arts Library.
4. NLE: With regard to future shows, do you have anything new in mind? What is your favorite all-time gig ever?
SR: My last show at the Triad was my favorite gig. The audience was so welcoming and I got to sing some brand new songs with wonderful arrangements by my musical director, Gregory Toroian. That show led to Bewitched, which I hope to do more often. I’m also excited to be recording a CD later in February with Gregory and the band. It’s a pleasure working with them.
5. NLE: When you’re alone, what do you listen to?
SR: I mix it up a lot! Lately, the cool vibe of Kenny Rankin, Eliane Elias, Dusty Springfield, Sting and Tom Jobim. Also, Doris Day—what energy. French music holds a special place for me. All the great French chanteuses, pop singers old and new, Michel Legrand and Charles Aznavour! I recently discovered the soul singer and guitarist, Keb Mo. And, for a blast from the past, I’ll crank up The Doors. I’m also a fan of Shirley Bassey and Gladys Knight.
6. NLE: What do you like to do on your spare time?
SR: I go to my friends’ music shows as often as I can! I get out in nature every chance—whether the ocean or the forest. And I take photos of nature scenes and of New York City.
For more information and tickets to see Suzanna Ross in Bewitched at Don’t Tell Mama on Thursday, February 7, 2019 click here
Don’t Tell Mama is located at 343 W 46th St, New York, NY, 212-757-0788
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