The Invisible Theatre takes its name from “the invisible energy that flows between a performer and audience, creating the magic of theatre.” But there is nothing invisible about the charismatic leader of the theater, Susan Claassen. She is a force to be reckoned with as a producer, director, fundraiser, teacher, actor, creative visionary and even as a clown in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Suz, as she is known to all, has been at the helm of Invisible Theatre, a small but mighty theater company in Tucson, since 1975. Performing in an 80-seat converted laundry building, the company is well respected throughout the state for producing an eclectic mix of meaningful plays and musicals with high production values. As managing artistic director, Suz chooses the season, regularly directs shows and occasionally takes roles on stage as well.
Susan Klein was born in New Jersey, where her family joined the migration from Newark to the suburb of Maplewood. “Think ‘Goodbye, Columbus,’ ” she winks. But she has such fond memories of her early days. Her parents supported the concept of individuality with their two daughters and fostered a great love of the arts. Both girls were encouraged from early ages to explore and develop their talents, so it’s no coincidence that her sister is a visual artist and Suz is in the theater. In the early1960s not many females were becoming bat mitzvah, but Susan did attend Hebrew school and was confirmed at Congregation Beth El, a Conservative synagogue. After college at the University of Denver (living in the first co-ed dorm there!) and performing at various Denver theaters, Susan arrived in Arizona in 1971.
Suz is a member of Chaverim Congregation and is well known in Tucson for her support of Jewish causes and events. Many of her play selections speak specifically to Jewish audiences while maintaining her dedication to universal themes. Her theater is often filled with groups such as Hadassah.
In 1988, Susan and the board of IT established the “Goldie Award” in honor of her mother, Goldie Klein, who would winter in Tucson. “My mother was such a great role model,” Suz says.
“She supported everything I did.” Over the years, the award has been presented to a diverse range of theatrical dignitaries from Lynn Redgrave to this year’s Sandy Hackett (son of Buddy Hackett).
Suz looks forward to playing the title character in IT’s upcoming production of “Olive and the Bitter Herbs,” a 2011 acerbic comedy written by Charles Busch. “Olive is such a fun role for me. She’s got a New York, bitter exterior with a heart of gold on the inside,” Suz explains. But then, she continued, “I love every part I do. It is such a joy to collaborate in a creative setting!”
The bitter herbs in the title refer to a Passover seder, and during rehearsals Suz will be sharing some Passover history, customs and foods with the rest of the cast and crew at Invisible Theatre. The show previews April 15 and runs through May 4 at 1400 N First Ave. in Tucson. For dates, times and prices, contact 520-882-9721 or invisibletheatre.com.
