Stand-by Joined: 8/19/13
Compared to Riedel, she's a charming font of theater wisdom. He never lets her get a word in!
Rather watch her than Reidel.
I always keep count of how many times during a program she points at her guests.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/04
I've had a few chats with her at various shows. She's a lovely, gracious woman and has a lot to contribute to the THEATRE TALK conversation when Riedel pauses for a breath.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/23/05
God bless that woman, how she hasn't beaten Riedel to a bloody pulp after all these years is beyond me.
You want to talk about the most annoying woman in the world, its not Susan Haskins, its Jennifer Ashley Tepper! Can't stand that woman at all!
Hahaha, considering the dearth of theatre shows on TV it's like an oasis in the desert.
I have always felt badly for her since Reidel never lets her speak. She seems nice enough and probably has lots to say.
I want to see her in a cage brawl against Donna Karger from NY1.
Place your bets.
Stand-by Joined: 8/19/13
Hmm. Frumpy in what way? I find her attractive, intelligent, and well-spoken. Susan Haskins is sexy as hell too!
Stand-by Joined: 8/19/13
Where would I start? Attractive? sexy? Dear goddess....
Perhaps it WOULD be better if you didn't "start" in explaining your comment. Nothing good would result, is my guess. Good day, Sir!
Swing Joined: 10/13/13
People of my acquaintance who have guested on Theater Talk over the years have nothing but good things to say about her. The general feeling is that she gives her guests a great framework in which to discuss their work. It's good for the guest, good for the guest's show (and for keeping many people employed), and good for the theatre.
I think she is terrific and when given the chance to talk by Riedel very aware and insightful. He talks over her all the time and it is simply sexist and boorish behavior to me. In some episodes his behavior detracts from the guests and Susan! I love the show and would like more Susan, less Michael every time.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/23/05
"I love the show and would like more Susan, less Michael every time."
More Susan, less Michael is what I want 24/7. Of course I also wanted a Les Miserables movie with a Javert that could sing but that didn't happen, did it.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/20/05
I've seen Susan shut Michael up when he gets too carried away in one of his rants.
I prefer Susan Haskins over Riedel. When I watch, I try to see how many times she actually speaks.
You know, it IS her show. Riedel isn't executive producer or creator. She could fire him at any moment. And I think she's the last person worried about his little bitchings in the Post should that ever happen. Watch out, Michael.
Swing Joined: 10/13/13
To tell the truth, I think they make a perfect odd couple. Michael is the mischievous one and Susan the serious one, so together they create an air of merry disputation that contributes to the show's vitality. They've been at this for years and everyone in the theatre wants to be on their show--Hugh Jackman, Elaine Stritch, etc. That wouldn't happen if they weren't good at what they do.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/04
To slightly digress, did you see the Hugh Jackman episode? Her obvious delight in his presence drew a teasing needle-by-Riedel. Can't say as I blame her, though. I find her very genuine, knowledgeable and likable.
Yes, somehow the balance of Susan and Michael works. No, she is not annoying, she's just very excited to talk with her guests, and Michael makes that nearly impossible, interrupting her or brushing her aside as much as possible. But Michael is famously rude, and if you don't like what he does, don't watch.
Strange, I don't find Haskins annoying at all, quite the opposite. And Reidel, who is extremely annoying, is relatively less so on Theatre Talk. And I love Donna Karger. It's Roma Torre I worry about, not because I don't like her, but because she often seems so uptight and unhappy.
"I find her very genuine, knowledgeable and likable."
Exactly. I do too. I appreciate the show too, and the work she puts into making it happen.
Videos