Mister D: This is fabulous news….Mr. Susman is currently on tour with Bruce in the traveling version of “Hairspray” and they are so great together….definitley a lot of chemistry. So it’s nice to hear they will both be working together on Broadway. Congrats to Mr. Susman!
Todd Susman to Trade Hairspray Tour for B’way
–Cara Joy David, Broadway.com
August 18, 2004
Broadway.com has learned that Todd Susman, who currently plays Wilbur Turnblad in the touring company of Hairspray, is coming to Broadway. Susman will begin performances at the Neil Simon Theatre on October 5, the same day his onstage wife, Bruce Vilanch, joins the Broadway company. Peter Scolari, who stepped into the role of Wilbur on August 3, is expected to depart with Michael McKean on October 3.
In his review of the Los Angeles Hairspray tour stop, Variety’s Phil Gallo wrote of the Susman/Vilanch duo: “In their big number together, the waltz-timed ‘Timeless to Me,’ Susman emphasizes Wilbur’s demure side and allows Edna/Vilanch to carry the tune and the humor. Vilanch, whose talk-singing grew more confident through the night, has added new jokes about , Whoopi Goldberg and Linda Ronstadt to their duet, and inflated the level of camp. Not only does it work, it’s funnier than the original.”
Susman is known for his work on the small screen. He had recurring roles on numerous television shows, most notably Newhart, in which he appeared as Officer Shifflett for five seasons. Susman’s film credits include Beverly Hills Cop II, Coneheads, The Juror, Just Write, Blast from the Past, Face Value and Stuey.
Broadway veteran Stephen DeRosa (Into the Woods, Henry IV, Twentieth Century) will take over for Susman in the touring company of Hairspray. He is set to begin performances on September 7 at Seattle’s Fifth Avenue Theatre, the same day stand-up comedian John Pinette steps into the role of Edna Turnblad.
