We had the good fortune of connecting with Suan Campanaro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Suan, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am an Italian American who grew up in Palm Beach, Florida. My parents raised me as Episcopalian and I grew up in a predominately white affluent society. So as an actor moving to NYC and getting in touch with my Italian roots being cast in the Off Broadway Hit: Tony n Tinas Wedding. I started my career as an entertainer and I wrote a character Lavinia Draper (@mslavinianyc) about a Jewish Italian Princess from Palm Beach who was a one time Broadway Star.

My sister married a Jewish banker and my niece came up with the ethnic category of Cashew: an Italian Jew. This is one of my best lines in my musical DOING TIME WITH LAVINIA and my short indie film LAVINIA!

My family and my experiences in the world help me create my storytelling of this character. My Play is being produced in London in September

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been an actor, entertainer, teacher, improvisation artist, writer, performance coach and director for over 30 years in NYC. I recently went to the UK for a job Assistant directing and Choreographing the London cast of Tony N Tina’s Wedding. i took with me a wig and a costume for Lavinia and went out to the comedy clubs. I was so well received. All the hours of being in from to of audiences translated to London and now I am going to be international.

I recently won Best Musical & BEST COMPOSER (LYNN PORTAS /Emusiapp) at the United Solo Festival in NYC with my musical DOING TIME WITH LAVINIA; it is a hilarious comedy about a woman from Broadway to behind bars. Set in a holding cell in Palm Beach County: I will be produced in London in September

When my dear friend Chocolatina Q Dessert(Martin Howard) moved to Denver I stared to visitant we created out act. Now we are going to once again be on the MainStage at Deverpride but also get a 30 minute slot. These are goals and dreams we had from 6 years ago.

It is wonderful when the art you create gets recognized. i just want to make people laugh and feel. My show is fun because it is old school humor. Good for all ages with a message of turn your life from Lemons to Lemonade

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In NYC: go ride the Staten Island Ferry. Free and fun. You must go to The Stonewall Inn and Lips

Cherry Grove Fire Island: Perfect beaches and fu nightclubs

In Denver: Find the Pie Queen of Denver (thepiequeen.co) Have her drive to you and serenade you with her lovely voice and comedy and then eat her pies or go to Hamburger Mary Denver or Cruz. She sells her pies there on Fridays. best Gay Pride

London: Go to the theater it is amazing The National Theater and take a tour it is worth it. Loads of fun

Hong Kong : Go on the food boat tour and try all the different food boats in the harbor

Japan: Go to the beach it is gorgeous and the Neon Lights in the cities is outrageous

Palm Beach: My home town.Go walk on Worth Avenue

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I thank all of the mentors in my life. I will start with Madeline Kahn, Gilda Radner, Carol Burnett, Cher and Lilly Tomlin. Without performers like this, I would not know how to be fearless. Then I have my Cabaret Mentors Lina Koutrakas and Nancy Timpanaro who taught me how to interpret music and stand on my own on a stage. My acting teacher Susan Batson who gave me the Gold to achieve anything emotionally I need as an artist. My vocal coach, Mary Setrakian who gave me the proper voice technique through her revolutionary send.

My partners in my Lavinia business are Chocolatina Q Dessert, Lynn Portas(emusiapp), Dance Molinari, Virtual Arts Productions and the Stonewall Inn and now my London Producers: Elaine and Graeme Blackmore

It takes a village and what I have now that I never had before is a supportive and loving partner in my life Jimmy Burke and great family and friends.

To have support for and artistic endeavor has no real financial measure. It is all gravy.

Instagram: @mslavinianyc @susancampanaro

Twitter: @mslavinianyc

Facebook: @mslavinianyc @susancampanaro

Youtube: Lavina Draper

Other: TikTok @mslavinianyc

Image Credits
Kenny Holcomb grafics Billy Hess photography Mark DeAlwis stylist

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