Back by Popular Demand: "Susan Gage: Term-Limited"
For those who loved Susan Gage’s sparkling coverage on Florida Public Radio, here’s an opportunity to savor her exploits once again.
And for those who loved her autobiographical one-woman show when it premiered in 2004, there’s nothing like the fire, intellect, conscience and roaring humor that found a new voice in “Susan Gage: Term-Limited.”
“I found myself laughing and crying during the show,” said PR guru April Herrle, formerly communications director for Gov. Lawton Chiles. “It was a truly riveting and brutally honest portrayal of politics in Florida.”
“If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like for reporters to report all that bad news, here’s your chance to find out,” said Julie Hauserman, whose tenure at the St. Petersburg Times capital bureau matched Gage’s at FPR. “Susan tells the side of the media’s life that we usually confine to after-hours talk.
“This show is amazing and Susan’s performance will blow you away.”
Tallahassee Democrat critic Kati Schardl agreed, rating “Susan Gage: Term-Limited” tops in her “Cool 6” picks for this fall in the Aug. 25, 2006 Special Student Edition of Limelight.
The multi-media show traces Susan’s life from her roots growing up in her staunchly Republican family in New Hampshire to her twelve years of covering the politics of Florida. From the surreal 2000 presidential election to the raging debates over the death penalty, she was there. She won state, national and international honors for her coverage. She called the powerful on the carpet. She told the truth to thousands of public radio listeners.
“Susan was a persistent and incisive public radio reporter,” said April Herrle, who was frequently on the receiving end of Gage’s technique.
Now, after leaving journalism to become a licensed massage therapist, Gage has lost none of her eloquence. “Susan Gage: Term-Limited” includes her uncanny imitations, her lampoons of the powerful, and her ultimate coming to terms with the sobering realities of the public radio world. The hour-long performance includes songs, monologues, impressions of politicians, audio clips and visual aids, including a “how to vote” in the next election. Some of the funniest material comes from actual sound bites of members of the Florida Legislature.
“These are our elected leaders,” Gage warned. “Be afraid. Be very, very afraid.”
Naturally, this revision of her original show reflects the latest political trends, such as a beefed-up role for Susan’s hilarious rendition of Congresswoman Katharine Harris, R-Longboat Key.
As part of the evening’s entertainment, the local musicians Eclectic Acoustic will play. The new show is directed by Donna Nudd, Terry Galloway and Isabelle Potts, who also serve as dramaturges.
“Susan Gage: Term-Limited” will appear on Friday, Oct. 13th and Saturday, Oct. 14th at the Mickee Faust Clubhouse in Railroad Square, 607 McDonnell Drive in Tallahassee. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for seniors and students with ID. There are no advanced sales. The door opens at 7PM. The show starts at 8PM. Saturday's performance will be signed for the hearing impaired. For more information, please call 309-5353.





