Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz Sings her funny original song: “Matzo Ball Romance” Teddly Bear Puppet plays Matzo Box Tambourine!
(Positive Humor & Songs)
Susan Horowitz is a Speaker and Author of “Queens of Comedy” (Interviews with Comedy Legends: Lucille Ball, Joan Rivers, Carol Burnett, Phyllis Diller)!
Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz Sings Funny Original Passover Song “Matzo Ball Romance”
Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz Sings Funny Original Passover Song “Matzo Ball Romance”
DrSue Passover Comedy! Here’s the link to DrSue performance of “Matzoh Ball Romance” at the legendary @Don’t Tell Mama Cabaret in New York City! (“Matzo” and “matzoh” are alternative spellings.)
Please scroll down for lyrics and Dr. Sue’s Contact information!
Dr. Sue Sings “Matzoh Ball Romance”
Dr. Sue Sings “Matzoh Ball Romance” @ Don’t Tell Mama Cabaret
Dr. Sue Sings “Matzoh Ball Romance”
"Matzo Ball Romance" by Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz
I was sittin' at a seder
In a temple of worship
When a cute guy sat right next to me
He said, "I am single, and I am a doctor
I have an Ivy degree."
My Mama said, "Girl, meet a man at a temple
It's better than a barroom or dance.
Don't keep your heart locked or
Miss out on a doctor
A beautiful Matzo Ball Romance."
I was lookin' at my cell phone
When I saw a text message
From my romance so kosher and nice
He said, "I am lonely, visit my office
I'll give you a discounted price."
My Mama said, "Girl, when you go to a temple
Keep your eye out for someone in pants."
Don't know what to call it:
His eye on my wallet
Not a beautiful Matzo Ball Romance."
Yeah, I went back to the temple.
He saw me but he ran away (Like a chicken)
So I looked 'round the room I made a new friend.
There's something that I'd like to say:
"Fellas and girls, when you go to a temple
Don't be afraid, take a chance
Some folks are chicken
But true friends are rib-stickin'
Like a beautiful Matzo Ball Romance.
Music and Lyrics
by Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz
copyright 2022
Enjoy “Songwriting Sisters” Dr. Sue’s Solo Show of Songs & Comedy
I’m Susan Horowitz a.k.a. DrSue, and I’m a great admirer of Stephen Sondheim’s work. When I was invited to perform “Send in the Clowns” in a Talent Showcase, I gladly accepted. However, we are currently in a pandemic, and group singing is known to be a high-risk activity. When the producer assigned a group song, I decided to cancel my live participation.
I still love Sondheim’s songs, so I’d like like to share my research, my thoughts, and my funny parody “Send Me a Brownie” (Scroll down for song video and lyrics.)
“Send in the Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim
“Send in the Clowns” is beautiful and touching. The song offers the performer and audience a poignant, dramatic moment of irony, rueful sadness, dignity, and at last, hope.
Popularity of “Send in the Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim
“Send in the Clowns” is one of the few songs from his theatre works that also achieved popular acclaim as an independent song. Some of the famous singers who recorded their own versions include: Frank Sinatra, Bernadette Peters, Judy Collins, Barbra Streisand, Bobby Short, and Sarah Vaughan. It also has become a beloved standard in concerts, piano bars (especially those that feature show tunes), and cabaret shows.
What is the secret of the success of “Send In the Clowns”? There are a few reasons: the sentiment (the heartbreaking disappointment of losing romantic love) is universal. The singer is relatable and appealing – in and out of the the story of A Little Night Music.
The language takes us into the elegant world of educated nineteenth century society. We may not use phrases like “Isn’t it rich?” but we understand them. We also enjoy the theatrical references, which are natural to the character, who is an actress. Sondheim’s rhymes are perfect (as always) but don’t distract with cleverness.
On a practical level, “Send In the Clowns” (compared to other Sondheim songs), is relatively easy to sing and can be performed by many popular singers. The melody has a limited vocal range, and it can stay well within the singer’s comfortable chest voice.
The words are easy to pronounce, without the tongue-twisting, breathless patter of some other Sondheim songs, for example, “I’m Not Getting Married Today” from Sondheim’s current Broadway show Company. http://www.companymusical.com
Sondheim composed “Send In the Clowns” for the character “Desiree Armfeldt” in A Little Night Music. The role was originated by actress-singer Glynis Johns, who had a limited vocal range but was an excellent actress. It can be performed by many singers who can act a song without Broadway musical training or vocal chops.
Lovers of American Popular Music can visit and/or join American Popular Song Society https://www.apssinc.org/
“Send in the Clowns” musical A Little Night Music by Stephen Sondheim
The lyric for “Send In the Clowns” is in fact, a tremendous platform for an acting driven song performance. The lyric (which you can scroll down to read) is sung by the character “Desiree Armfeldt”. Desiree is a touring actress, who had previously rejected a marriage proposal from the lawyer Fredrik. But she has now returned to his hometown and realizes that she wants to commit to their future together. Fredrik, however, is newly married to a much younger bride, who dotes on him (though she refuses to have sex with him).
After Desiree and Fredrik consummate their own reunion in her bed, Fredrik tells Desiree that he is infatuated with his childlike wife and unavailable. Desiree realizes that her dream of commitment with Fredrik is over. She looks at her own theatrical career and love life with rueful irony as she struggles to let him go and maintain her own dignity.
The phrase “Send in the Clowns” refers to the moment in a play where everything is falling apart and somebody makes jokes to divert the audiences. The “clowns” are also the two former lovers, especially Desiree, who feels like a fool.
Clowns are one aspect of comedy, another is parody. Hope you enjoy my parody of “Send in the Clowns” I call it: “Send Me a Brownie” (Scroll Down for Parody and Original Lyric.)
DrSue Sings Sondheim parody Send Me a Brownie
DrSue Sings Sondheim parody Send Me a Brownie
Send Me A Brownie (parody lyric by Susan Horowitz/DrSue)
Isn't it rich?
Chocolate and square
Soon as the light goes on
You will be there
Send Me A Brownie
Brownies are bliss
Some won't approve
I'll put on pound after pound
Till I can't move
I'm getting round
Send Me A Brownie
Romantic love, knocking on doors
I need what's in refrigerators
Don't need no make-up not even a smidge
Brownies are here
Inside my fridge
No ifs ands or buts
Chocolate and nuts
Chewy and gooey with milk
I don't need beer
Don't need to spread
Cream cheese on bread
Don't need a schmear
Isn't it rich?
Chocolate and square
So deep inside
My fridgidair
Who needs a clown?
I hate a clown
Send Me A Brownie
Parody Lyric by Susan Horowitz/Dr. Sue
Switch the Musical by Susan Horowitz/DrSue Singer-Songwriter
“Queens of Comedy” by Susan Horowitz (DrSue)
As you can see, I love to perform and write about comedy! Here’s a link to my book “Queens of Comedy” based on my interviews with legendary female comedians!
In my previous appearance Seth Bisen-Hersh Talent Showcase at Don’t Tell Mama, I sang songs from my original show Switch the Musical. Hope you enjoy!
https://drsue.com/ssswitch/
Here’s the video of my singing “Switch the Musical” songs!
DrSue /Susan Horowitz Singer-Songwriter “Switch the Musical” at Don’t Tell Mama
Dr. Sue/ DrSue Sings “Switch the Musical” www.SwitchtheMusical.com
Contact DrSue /Susan Horowitz
Contact DrSue/Susan Horowitz through my Social Media Upper Right of Website, or Email drsue at drsue dot com.
“Send in the Clowns” Lyric by Stephen Sondheim
"Send In the Clowns"
Isn't it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground
You in mid-air.
Where are the clowns?
Isn't it bliss?
Don't you approve?
One who keeps tearing around
One who can't move
Where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns.
Just when I stopped opening doors
Finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours
Making my entrance at last with my usual flair
Sure of my lines, no one is there.
Don't you love farce?
My fault I fear
I thought that you'd want what I want
Sorry, my dear
And where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns
Don't bother, they're here
Isn't it rich? Isn't it queer
Losing my timing this late in my career
And where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns
Well, maybe next year
Disclaimer:
"Send in the Clowns" Words and Music by Stephen Sondheim is quoted for educational purposes only.
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D. Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator
DrSue Sings Funny Original Thanksgiving song “Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy: Tale of a Turkey-Pilgrim Dinner Date!” (Scroll down for Lyric, Thoughts about Self-Esteem, Diversity, Inclusion, American History, and my Life In-and-Out of the Performing Arts!)
My Song-Video Performance was recorded at Church Street School for Music and Art, 41 White Street New York City. Here’s their website: https://churchstreetschool.org/
Photo is from my performance at Singers Space, presented by D’Ambrose Boyd, BarThalia, Symphony Space New York City https://www.facebook.com/groups/143560185778318
Video DrSue Singer-Songwriter @Church Street School Music Party
Susan Horowitz/DrSue Sings her Original Funny Thanksgiving Song!
“Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy” – Song Lyric by Susan Horowitz/DrSue
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy Words and Music by Susan Horowitz/DrSue Copyright 2021
This is a tale of a turkey bird
Who went to a turkey trot
When anyone said, "May I have this dance?"
She answered, "You may not.
I'll only dance with a gentleman
Who makes our country great
If he's got money, then he'll be my honey
And I will be his date!"
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Saucy and surprising
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Very appetizing!
Suddenly somebody stepped on in
Who came from Pilgrim stock
He said, "I'll be candid
My boat has landed here on Plymouth Rock.
Turkeys are dumb, but drumsticks are yum
And you look mighty fine
Please do not stall, my Butterball
Come with me to dine!"
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Saucy and surprising
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Very appetizing!
They went to a fabulous restaurant
She was his dinner date
But when they got there the table was bare
Except for an empty plate
The rest of the story is terribly gory
I'll leave out the end
Let me just say have a fine Turkey day
And share it with a friend.
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Saucy and surprising
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Very appetizing!
Contact Susan Horowitz/DrSue Social Media (Website Upper Right)
Songwriting and Meaning, Popular Song History, Self-Esteem Tips
Hope you enjoyed my original song “Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy: Tale of a Turkey/Pilgrim Dinner Date.” (Lyric is slightly revised to my latest version.) As you can see, the song is designed for fun, with a catchy, easy-to-sing melody and a sing-along chorus that includes the audience. The story (told in the verses) has two main characters: the Turkey Bird and the Pilgrim, who interact with dialogue and action, and the other turkeys, who don’t get to dance with the Turkey Bird.
The story also has a Narrator, the Singer (in this case, myself, the Singer Songwriter) who tells the story and articulates the theme in a humorous, ironic chorus. I encourage the audience to sing the chorus with me, and in fact, they do!
Why does my audience sing along? Because I give them an easy, catchy melody, with a repetitive refrain “Life Is Just a Bowl of Gravy” which probably reminds many audience members of the optimistic, popular song “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries.” But cherries have pits, and life has pitfalls – especially for snobbish birds.
“Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy” sounds cheerful, but in fact, it’s a cynical (though perky) comment on the demise of the Turkey Bird! The self-deluding bird rejects her real friends, misunderstands her real situation, and will only dance with a rich “Pilgrim” who (like Donald Trump) promises to “make our country great.” The “Pilgrim” views the Turkey as an appetizing fool suitable for his main course. The story spares the listener the gory details, but ends with a bit of advice – enjoy Thanksgiving (“Turkey day”) and share it with a friend.
The advice – know who you are, don’t try to be who you are not, and value and enjoy your life – applies to many situations. The word “turkey” has become slang for an inept loser, a bird who can’t fly like the eagle. But in fact, the wild turkey (unlike its domesticated cousin, bred for the dinner table) is a native American bird, who can fly and run fast and is traditionally prized by Native Americans, whose own story is part of the real history of Thanksgiving
“Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy” is an original song rooted in a few song genres, including traditional story songs. The ongoing narrative is told in the verses, and the theme shows up in the chorus. The form is verse-chorus, and the repeating chorus makes it easy to learn and sing along.
I also draw inspiration from theatre/revue songs, which often became popular standards. “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries” by Ray Henderson/Lew Brown (published in 1931) comes from a Broadway revue (George White’s Scandals, modeled after the Ziegfeld Follies). The easy-to-remember, positive refrain and catchy tune made it a song standard with many recordings. You can learn and enjoy more great song standards by visiting the American Popular Song Society American Popular Song Society (apssinc.org)
Some songwriters and musical theatre writers experiment and challenge traditional song forms. But even the most radical do well to learn their craft and tradition – even if what they want to do is rebel against it.
Singer-Songwriters, Popular Songs, and Musical Theatre
My life in-and-out of the Performing Arts reflects who I am as a Singer-Songwriter, Musical Theatre Creator, Educator, and Person.
Singer-Songwriters create a personal, intimate art form, which directly connects to audiences. The audience often includes other musicians or singers. If the songs are simple or well-known, the audience can sing or play along and build community.
Musical theatre is much more elaborate, with an emphasis on unusual talents, professional collaboration, production values – and substantial funding. The effect can be thrilling!
Autumn Photo by Suzen http://www.suzennyc.com/
I also love the melodic sweep and wit of musical theatre – especially my own show “Switch the Musical” www.switchthemusical.com – and the intimacy and freedom of singing-songwriting, where I can immediately connect with my audience. I consider everything I (and we) create to be aspects of our talents and personal values. And unlike the foolish turkey, we don’t need to seek validation from fake “Pilgrims.” We can do it for ourselves.
Comedians as “Wild Turkeys” Book: “Queens of Comedy”
Great comedians are like wild turkey chicks who have landed among the domesticated breed. They don’t look as plump and juicy as the ones bred for the dinner table. But if they embrace their own talents, they can fly! Here’s a link to some of my favorite “birds” – the legendary comediennes I interviewed for my book “Queens of Comedy”
Contact Susan Horowitz/DrSue Social Media (Website Upper Right)
I hope you enjoy my blog about life in-and-out of the performing arts. You can contact me by clicking the Contact Links and Social Media on this website. (www.DrSue.com)
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D. Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator
DrSue New Word “Light” Dr. Sue, Singer-Songwriter Educator, blends Art, Science, Song & Performance in One Minute Video! Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment
Dr. Sue, Singer-Songwriter/Educator, combines Art, Science & Song in One-Minute Videos! DrSue New Word videos blend music, performing arts and dramatic photography/videography (by Daniel Severino) ! Enjoy MultiMedia Exhibit “Creatures of Light” @American Museum of Natural History, NYC. Dr. Sue invites you to experience the magic of “bioluminescence”! Insects, like fireflies emit their own light -as shown in this gigantic model of a firefly! Enjoy Dr. Sue’s exciting video (with speaking, music, dance, drama and dance) to see mushrooms glow with a greenish light and jellyfish wriggle in purplish dance beneath the sea!
DrSue New Word “Light” Video Blends Science and Art!
Please Like, Comment, Subscribe and Follow DrSue New Word 1 Minute Videos on YouTube and Social Media
My Zoom Opinion: To Say or Not? Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment: (How I Got Kicked Out of Zoom Class)
Dr. Sue in Shakespeare’s HatGertrude in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
This Blog Post needs my short personal bio, so here goes. I’ve been an English/Theater Professor/Writer for over thirty years. (I stopped teaching about the time the pandemic hit in early 2020.) I have close relationships with some of my former students and a connection with my former college. I also have opinions.
Anyone who wants to keep a job (as I certainly did) knows that you sometimes swim in shark-infested waters. You learn to keep some of your opinions to yourself – especially in group meetings. This is especially true if you don’t have job security (which in academia means tenure).
But if you never say what you truly feel, your calculated, tactful silence tends to chip away at your self-esteem. Over time, those little bits of your true self get lost. Instead of the smart, vibrant, outspoken, fully alive person you used to be, you wind up as a weak, sad, timid ghost.
As any English/Theater Teacher, Actor, Theater Pro, or Amateur Nerd knows, the subject of ghosts brings us to… William Shakespeare! My main go-to ghost is Hamlet’s dead dad – Hamlet Senior, who gets the action (and non-action) into high gear.
Prince Hamlet, the hero of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, has a spooky, but motivational conversation with King Hamlet (the ghost). Ghost Hamlet tells Live Hamlet that his Uncle Claudius, the dead king’s brother, murdered him, married his widow (Queen Gertrude –Hamlet’s mom), and is now King of Denmark. Ghost Hamlet tells Hamlet to seek Revenge!Our hero Hamlet immediately… thinks about it!
What does this have to do with my getting kicked out of Zoom Class?
Like me, Hamlet talks to people (ghosts) who aren’t physically there. In my case, it’s Zoom Chats (the sidebars on Zoom classes and meetings where you type your thoughts to people who are somewhere in cyberspace. After Zoom, they vanish, like ghosts).
In Shakespeare’s play, old King Hamlet’s Ghost issues a call to action: kill your uncle! Hamlet decides that Ghost is right, and he should kill King Claudius – but on the other hand…. What if the ghost is wrong – or a fake ghost ? Instead of springing into action, Hamlet springs into depression. People think he’s mad (and maybe he is – or not). After several murders and suicides (Hamlet’s girlfriend, her father, her brother, Hamlet’s friends, his mother, Claudius, and, finally, Hamlet himself), the stage is littered with bodies, and the show is over. Denmark has a new King, and I’m ready for a coffee break (preferably with a Danish pastry because Shakespearean tragedy gives me an appetite).
How did a Shakespeare semi-scholar (me) get kicked out of Zoom class?
My Zoom class was not actually about Shakespeare, it was a series about musical theater, which tends to be less tragic (except for investors when the show closes on opening night). Our Teacher showed video clips from Broadway shows, led discussions in the Chat feature (where we post comments), and called himself an “Expert”. I didn’t bother looking up his academic credentials or affiliation, because I didn’t care. I already have a Ph.D. in Theater, so I don’t need academic credit. I was interested in the subject matter and what seemed to be an entertaining, informative experience. As long as I was enjoying the class, I didn’t need to know his professional history. I paid for an “All-Access Pass” which gave me full admission to his series of Zoom classes and videos. (Scroll down for my own Video – wearing my Shakespeare Hat and talking to Teddly Bear Puppet).
So there we were, several classes into the series, watching video clips and posting comments in the Chat. Most of the comments were posted to “Everyone” – which means everyone can read them. The other option is “Private” – which means only you and your chosen Zoom attendee reads your post. The “Expert” controlled the Chat. I usually posted supportive comments, but if I disagreed, I said so briefly without negative personal remarks.
I never posted political comments until… Cabaret. The musical Cabaret is set in Germany during Hitler’s rise to power. The in-cabaret performances echo the real-world events happening off-stage – including the growing threat of the anti-Semitic, violent Nazi regime. During the class, the teacher said that the Nazi idea of the German “folk” (ancient Germanic tribes) excluded all non-Aryans (like Jews).
I thought there was a parallel between the myth of the German “folk” and the Trumpian idea of the United States as an Anglo-Saxon country. (The Anglo-Saxons were Germanic tribes.)
I started posting a brief comment in the Chat about “Trump notion of the USA as an Anglo…” Then I accidentally pushed “Enter” which posted my half-sentence.
Before I could continue, the Teacher cut me off, and announced to “Everyone” in the Chat that if I posted political comments, I would be thrown out of class!
At first I thought: is this a mistake? He can’t mean me! Throw me out of class for one, brief remark? In my long career as an educator, students have said and done much more shocking things! I don’t throw them out of class. I usually ask to speak with them privately so we can solve the problem without a public confrontation. When this Zoom teacher threatened me and posted it to “Everyone” in the Chat, I felt embarrassed and attacked. I did not want to escalate the situation, so I didn’t post anything in reply. After a while, the class was over, with the Teacher soliciting and getting compliments about his class from some of my fellow students.
After class, I felt conflicted. Saying nothing would avoid immediate conflict. But keeping silent made me feel powerless and depressed. Why should this Zoom “expert” feel enttitled to embarrass me in front to the class – and for what – one half-sentence of a political opinion that he did not want to hear?
I decided to write an E-Mail to the Teacher and CC my E-mail it to his “Staff “– which probably meant his Assistant. Based on his class behavior, I figured that he might distort what actually happened. If I CC’d his Assistant, who seemed reasonable, she would have my written record. I also figured that since the Assistant was an African-American woman, she was more likely to understand my feelings than the White, male teacher. Here is my E-mail to the Teacher – CC’d to the Assistant.
“Dear David, I respect your decision not to allow political comments in your classes – I also believe that the Nazi notion of the German “folk” and the Trump notion of the USA as an “Anglo-Saxon” nation are clearly parallel. As you may know, the Anglo-Saxons were Germanic tribes, and the Trump family traces its origins back to Germany. Out of respect for class decorum and keeping focus on the shows, I did not continue the discussion (which might have escalated into an argument) in the “Everyone” Chat. In the future, please address your objections to my comments in a private chat to me – rather than threatening to throw me out of class in a remark addressed to “Everyone.”
I don’t like public threats. I was respectful to you. Please be respectful to me. Sincerely, Dr. Susan Horowitz”
Here is the Teacher’s Email Reply to Me (the bold type is his choice):
“What a strange apology.
Please do not come back to my class. You are not welcome.”
I replied to his E-mail by pointing out that my class post contained no personal attacks or foul language. Then I wrote:
“If you wish to dismiss me from The Broadway Maven , please refund my fee for my All-Access Pass. Thanks, Susan Horowitz”
Here is the Teacher’s E-mail response:
“Your E-mail has been deleted without being read and your address has been put on block. Please do not contact me again.”
Soon after that, I received an Email from his Assistant, stating:
“I’m truly sorry you’ve had a bad experience. Unfortunately, we have a strict no refund policy, so I am unable to issue you a refund.”
After reading the Assistant’s E-mail, I dropped the subject. It seemed to me that she was acting in a professional, courteous way. She apologized to me (as she should); she couldn’t control her boss’s temper and behavior; and she probably wanted to keep her job – whatever her personal opinion.
I’m in a different position. He is not my boss, and he is not paying me. In fact, it’s the other way around. I said what I meant, and I still mean what I said. I never made “Trump” related comments on the other shows because they weren’t appropriate. But Cabaret is a show about a Fascist rise to power – and how authority abuses power.
In the Cabaret film, The Emcee, who is played to devilish perfection by Joel Gray, invites the audience to escape harsh reality and “come to the cabaret.” Sally Bowles, played by equally brilliant Liza Minelli, sings about “Elsie” her fictional girlfriend who escapes her life with random promiscuity and “too much pills and liquor” and winds up dead – laid up in her coffin “like a queen.”
Fortunately, I (and you, my dear readers) have better options. We don’t need to suppress our feelings and wind up feeling depressed or crazed (like Hamlet) or drunk, drugged, and dead (like Elsie).
We don’t need to play a role in a weird power dynamic called: “Teacher vs. Bad Student” or “Authority vs. Scared Subordinate” or “Male vs. Female” or “Pro-Trump vs. Anti-Trump” – or whatever was really going on in that Zoom Class. We don’t need to let someone else define who we are. We can define ourselves in a positive, self-affirming way. We can enjoy our creativity and our relationships with people who really matter.
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Here’s my Entertaining, Educational Video with my Teddly Bear Puppet! (Please Like my YouTube Channel, where you can Comment & Subscribe! 😊)
Be Your True Self – Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment
I recently posted my latest YouTube video about my original musical “SssWitch” www.SssWitch.net
The video story-song includes two songs from “SssWitch” www.SssWitch.net I share some of the story and a brief explanation of the themes and ideas. In my explanation, I say, “Being yourself is True Magic.”
Dr. Sue Sings “SssWitch” songs, tells story, and gives positive advice!
I always invite comments on my YouTube videos, and this time I got one that really touched and inspired me. I’d like to share the comment – with my reaction.
“Yes being yourself is True Magic. So many people living lives of lies… It’s nothing like experiencing the magic of living your truth. That’s what you do Dr. Sue. 💕” –
– source is private (until I receive permission to share)
I was touched to read a comment that showed that the viewer really paid attention and understood what I was trying to say. “SssWitch” is a fantasy musical – a modern twist on Cinderella, with entertaining elements like a funny Witch. It’s also about real human issues – especially the challenge of living an authentic life based on your true feelings and talents.
Sometimes our true feelings are about gender, sexuality, or relationships (past or present). Sometimes our true feelings are about religion or family values – how we were raised and what we really believe and want. Sometimes our true feelings involve telling a friend, relative, co-worker or boss how we really feel.
Sharing our true feelings can be hard, and we sometimes pick and choose what to say and how to say it. But if we don’t share our personal truth with someone we want to be close to, then we can’t have intimacy. (I’ll talk more about this when we get to another song from “SssWitch” called “Won’t You Let Me Love You?”)
My viewer also said,
“So many people living lives of lies… It’s nothing like experiencing the magic of living your truth.That’s what you do Dr. Sue. 💕” –
“Living lives of lies” is unfulfilling and frustrating. It also damages our self-esteem. If we hide our true feelings, then no matter how much external success we may have, we alway know that we are not being valued for our true selves – only for the false mask that we put on to please someone else – someone or something that we imagine as all-powerful and much more important that we are.
I hope that this Blog will offer some helpful ways to look at our lives – plus some entertainment. Just like a caterpillar turns into a butterfly, we can become our beautiful, true selves!
SssWitch Logo
Learning to Love Yourself is the True Magic!
Please write to me by posting comments on my Blog or YouTube video Channel:
Here’s my YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/drsuecomedian
Here is the link to my SssWitch Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2lEhcg1yq8
Here is Positive Advice for Your Day!
The real Magic is Transforming Your Life! – SssWitch!
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D. Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator
Dr Sue Sings Funny Witch Song Positive Educational Entertainment
Dr. Sue Sings her Funny, Original Song “Accessory to Crime” from her Fun, Family Musical “SssWitch!”
Enjoy Funny Song-Video “Accessory to Crime” by Dr. Sue from her Original Musical”SssWitch” – www.SssWitch.net .
Dr. Sue, Writer-Performer-Professor, presents a multi-media, entertaining, educational experience! Her original song “Accessory to Crime” from her musical “SssWitch” combines witty, rhyming lyrics and a catchy, sing-along tune.
Dr. Sue speaks to the audience as a funny, flirtatious Witch sharing delightful, magical secrets. Then she sings the witch’s song “Accessory to Crime” in which the witch confesses that she resents the special privileges of Disney-type princesses and turns to a life of naughty crime. This comic confessional-complaint is classic musical theater. The jealous villain is a twist on Shakespearean villains like jealous Iago in “Othello.”
Dr. Sue speaks and sings with humor and clear diction – so important, especially for those for whom English is a second language.
The Witch appears in her fantasy world – a virtual background with a green sky, twisted black branches and a hint of spiders and pumpkins! The virtual background and costume elements (like Dr. Sue’s little witch-like hat) add visual interest and are perfect for online entertainment and learning.
Dr. Sue’s introduction and ending remarks establish Dr. Sue as an Entertaining, Host-Educator for a series of progams or stand alone short videos. The videos may be used as prompts for discusssion and writing, and programs may include other guest speakers, artists, and educators.
Enjoy Dr. Sue’s Song-Video “Accessory to Crime”!
Here’s the “Accessory to Crime” lyric from Dr. Sue”s original musical: “SssWitch”
"Accessory To Crime"
Oh princesses have fame, like that girly - what's her name?
The one with the big pumpkins and the shoes
Without slippers made of glass, it's hard to show my class
So I'm...an Accessory to Crime!
Oh Beauty had a Beast, a castle and a feast
They call her Belle, but me - they just abuse
They say that I've got zits and very smelly pits
I'm...an Accessory to Crime!
Why do I act like I'm a rat and talk of gloom and doom?
Why am I cruel to my own cat and ride a big vacuum?
The devil makes me wear this hat, my outfit makes me itch
I can't impress you with my dress
So I confess that my success is acting like a witch!
Oh princesses have feet that are tiny and smell sweet
But sister all my blisters tend to ooze
My feet they are humungous, and covered with green fungus!
If I had just one glass slipper, I just might unzip my zipper
For a prince - or a big tipper!
Till that day revenge feels so sublime
I'm...an accessory an accessory...Here's to Crime!
copyright 2020 Susan Horowitz
Written Music is available on Request.
Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz is available as an Entertaining, Motivational Speaker, Educator, Singer-Songwriter, and Teaching Artist. Please Use Contact Form on Website
Please get in touch! We’d love to hear your response and suggestions!
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D. Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator
Dr. Sue Song-Video “Wear a Mask Show You Care” with Teddly!
Dr. Sue & ShakesBear (Shakespeare) Funny Video “MacBear”
Dr. Sue visits Battery Park NYC (Virtual Tour) with Teddly!
Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz is available as an Entertaining, Motivational Speaker, Educator, Singer-Songwriter, and Teaching Artist. Please Use Contact Form on Website
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D. Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator
Manhattan Repertory Theatre presents
“TITANIC-PANIC: Move Over Baby!”
A Romantic Comedy by Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz
Co-Starring: Susan Horowitz and Gorman John RuggieroAudience Comments:
“Your show was very impressive! You are terrific! I see it as a television series” (Pat McGuinn, Agent/Producer)
“Absolutely engrossing! It felt like a real relationship – so natural I forgot they were acting.” (Andreas Quioga, Filmmaker)
“Wonderful! This has such promise! I can see them really falling in love and the audience going nuts! You were adorable!” (Bobbie Horowitz, Producer/Writer NYC/London)
“It was so touching…I cried.” (Carolina Parker, Student BMCC/CUNY)
“My main influences are Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, and Goldie Hawn. I interviewed Ball and Burnett for my book Queens of Comedy. Lucy told me the secret of the success of I Love Lucy is the audience loved the comedy and the Lucy-Ricky romance; Carol played comedy spoofs of romantic movies; and I’ve often been told I remind people of Goldie Hawn.” – Susan Horowitz (Award-Winning Writer/Performer)
Manhattan Repertory Theatre
Presents:
“TITANIC-PANIC: Move Over Baby!”17-19 West 45th Street Suite 301 NYC 10036
(left of Turkish restaurant, Push Code #109, then lower button with bell icon)
Reserve: http://manhattanrep.com/short-play-project-dec-2016/Price: $20 – for a full evening of entertainment in the center of Manhattan!
“Alive and Kicking!” could be a theme of the APAP (Association of Performing Arts Presenters) conference and its closing speaker: Rita Moreno, 84 year-old multi-award winning performer (including the Oscar for her role “Anita” in the film “West Side Story”).
APAP’s event features presenters from Broadway and far beyond (think global!) – industry mentors, and mentees – like the finalists of the Wallace Foundation’s “Five Minutes to Shine” who won a conference package with travel.
Attendees include over 3,600 APAP members and professionals who come for networking, support, development, and great entertainment, and is accessible via live-streaming.
Ms. Moreno will be awarded Kennedy Center Honors, capping off a career that amazingly includes Tony, Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar awards. She is one of a handful of performers to win all four – and the only Latina.
Ms. Moreno spoke about her life journey from childhood poverty in Puerto Rico and the Bronx to Hollywood/Broadway legend. Her current high-kicking courage, quick wit, compassion, and poignant honesty inspires her audience and readers of her recent book “Rita Moreno: A Memoir” to go for their dreams.
Rita Moreno & Dr. Sue
Dreams and determination helped Rita survive bullies and bigots in the ghetto and gilded Hollywood mansions. Her mom took her for dance lessons, and when she was performing in Macy’s toy department, she was discovered by a talent scout for MGM, who set up an appointment with Louis B. Mayer. She showed up looking like a Latin Elizabeth Taylor (with a waist-cincher and “feminine enhancements”). Mayer promptly signed her to a seven-year contract. As a contract player, Rita was invited to Hollywood parties – loaded with lecherous producers. She was also assigned a series of dark-skinned stereotypical roles: the Polynesian/American Indian/Mexican mistress of a white man – which she played with the same one-size-fits-all vaguely Latin accent (no one noticed).
Moreno also had some amazing opportunities, including “Singing in the Rain” (with Gene Kelly) “Desiree” (with Marlon Brando). The second encounter ignited a scorching eight-year affair that left Rita burned – but never killed her innate optimism – or her ability to do the work she loves and fall in love with “a great guy” – a nice Jewish doctor and her husband of forty-six years It’s all in her book “Rita Moreno: A Memoir” – which sold out at the conference raising $1000 for The Food Bank, but is still available in stores and online.
To learn more about APAP/NYC, visit their website: www.apapnyc.org
