“Fred Ebb decided to change my name to ‘Stro’ just to separate me from the other Susans.”

-Susan Stroman

‍

“I always viewed Sondheim as a poet. He was unmatched in his formation of phrase and rhyme, and he gathered words to make people think.”

-Susan Stroman

"I was most inspired by the choreography of Jerome Robbins and George Balanchine. Robbins for his strength in storytelling and his ability to dance in various characters and Balanchine for his romantic partnering. But, the real heroes and true inspirations were my mother and father. Both children of the Depression — brave and loving. They introduced me to music, dance, and storytelling and did it with love and joy."

-Susan Stroman

"I try to choose joy. It's not easy. But even if we have no bananas, we all have to keep going."

-Susan Stroman

"We have been through a tech together, so now I know everything there is to know about this man."

-Susan Stroman

"For a long time, I was a lone woman in a male-dominated field."

-Susan Stroman

"I get lost in the bowels of the Metropolitan Opera. When I rehearse downstairs, I understand how The Phantom of the Opera was inspired by what happens in the dark hallways and deep substructure of an opera house."

-Susan Stroman

"Even as a young child I could recognize the harmony of music and dance in the movement of Astaire. Music supported every move of the dance. When Fred Astaire jumped in the air, so did the orchestra."

-Susan Stroman

"I love art and I find myself at the MoMA all the time. Museums are a real refuge for me. I go to a museum during any break that I have. I'm very inspired by art."

-Susan Stroman

"My father was very funny, so I grew up with humor in the house. The whole family loved all the comedies on TV. I was always really attracted to comics."

-Susan Stroman

"It is a miracle a musical gets up because of all the different departments—the collaborations, the negotiations, and, of course, how much it all costs. It is a miracle."

-Susan Stroman

"It is true that I visualize music and, as I visualize music, I have some sort of story running in my head, all the time."

-Susan Stroman

"I would love to direct more plays. But I think when people look at me they automatically see music and dancing and singing."

-Susan Stroman

"I think theaters will always remain a sacred place where people go for something live and experience the breath of live performers, which is very different than the experience of film."

-Susan Stroman

"I am a storyteller, and I grew up with a father who told big-fish stories, so storytelling is very much a part of me. It was a part of my family."

-Susan Stroman

"I'm really happy when I'm immersed in the art of it all - immersed in the music, the dance, the visual. Tapping into joy - it saves you."

-Susan Stroman

“The musical theater is the most unique art form because of it’s collaboration. I feel very fortunate to be in a field where I really do get to have long discussions and share ideas with visual artists, actors, dancers, writers, musicians. It’s all forms of art rolled into one. I am extremely lucky to be part of it.“

-Susan Stroman

"I believe in serendipity, but I also believe there are times when you have to be the one who lines up everything so it can all fall into place."

-Susan Stroman

"I always say that you can't be afraid to ask the question. What's the worst that could happen? The answer could be 'no' and you go on."

-Susan Stroman

"I think a woman who is successful is critiqued more harshly than a man is critiqued."

-Susan Stroman

"You can't remember what movie you saw two weeks ago, but you can remember what Broadway show you saw two weeks ago and where you ate dinner - everything about it. There's something about live theatre that hits you in the heart."

-Susan Stroman

"I don't want to work with someone who's nervous, I want to work with someone who is fearless."

-Susan Stroman

"You don't do any show to be celebrated. In fact, you don't go into any rehearsal thinking 'how will this be received in the end?' You stay in the present. You immerse yourself in a room full of talent - actors, designers, musicians, writers and you hope for the best."

-Susan Stroman

"I know a lot of choreographers prefer to do abstract dance and not bother with a story, but even when I'm asked to do a classical ballet piece or a modern piece, I still want to tell a story."

-Susan Stroman

"I tell stories through dance. I think that's why I'm so attracted to the theatre — even the choreography moves the plot forward at all times."

-Susan Stroman

"Hit that button!"

-Susan Stroman

"Dance equals joy."

-Susan Stroman

"Again! Full out with great conviction."

-Susan Stroman

"Let’s say that went well."

-Susan Stroman

"Don’t wait for the phone to ring. Make it happen. Stir it up."

-Susan Stroman

"I always wanted to direct and choreograph - to create for the theater. But, I came to New York as a performer because I could sing and dance. I knew I couldn’t just arrive and take charge. I had to assess the situation."

-Susan Stroman

"The theater really saved me. I don’t know how widows deal with the death of their loved ones if they don’t have a job that surrounds them with life. I was very lucky to be surrounded by the life force of theater."

-Susan Stroman

"What’s better than the first day of rehearsal for a Broadway show? Nothing!"

-Susan Stroman

"Traveling expands your mind, nurtures creativity, and gives you a profound love for life. The information you gather informs your art."

-Susan Stroman

“The greatest sound in the world is laughter. Nothing is more joyous and utterly satisfying than hearing a live audience laugh. It is a tonic for the soul.”

-Susan Stroman

“Is it idealistic to think that art can really make a difference? I’ve spent my whole life believing it can.”

-Susan Stroman

“My career is like a line of steppingstones over a raging creek. Each stone is another experience that gives me strength and I carry it onto the next stone.”

-Susan Stroman