#IamSueCostello

3.7 min readBy Published On: September 23rd, 2016Categories: Features0 Comments

Dorchester native, extremely talented comedian and actress Sue Costello will be in town next month to perform her highly acclaimed one person play #IamSueCostello! This high energy, extremely moving and funny show features Sue playing herself at different stages of her life having full on conversations with characters we can’t see but who are larger than life. You’ll love it!

From the Huffington Post:

“At the risk of seeming excessive in praise of Costello, her one-person show is the best combination of genuine poignance and rollicking humor since the pioneering stage work of Lily Tomlin and early Whoopi Goldberg. She could easily have done a great one-woman show filled with the sort of amazing and hilarious stories of her life she told Marc Maron on a podcast after she reemerged into the spotlight with a supporting role as a feisty Southie in the movie “The Fighter.” Instead, she has created a play that is told through scenes, re-enacted by an actress with extraordinary range.”

Sue has also made appearances in “The Fighter” with Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, “Southie” – the local cult classic starring Donnie Wahlberg (put it on your Netflix list), Last Comic Standing and Fox’s Costello. This funny lady’s show is Friday, Oct 21st at the Revere Hotel and you won’t want to miss it! You can order your tickets here.

We sat down for a little Q&A with Sue!

You grew up in Savin Hill – did that influence your comedy?

Growing up in Savin Hill definitely influenced my comedy because there was a perfect mixture of joy and pain. That’s the kind of comedy I do. It produces two opposing feelings at the same time. Just like everything that happens in life.

Favorite memory about growing up in Dot?

My favorite memory about growing up in Dot is working with the high functioning “supposed” mentally challenged people, at Baycove. It was then, that I realized that labels are a way to make everyone feel like there is some normal. I realized that by trying to be normal, and fit in, I was doing nothing with my life, I had an able body and mind, and I was spiritually disabled, by choice. I had to change. The “supposed” mentally challenged people, changed my life’s trajectory.

Did you always know you wanted to be an actress or a comedian?
I knew I wanted to be an actress from an early age. In the beginning, the shallow reason was because, I wanted to be famous, so that everyone would love me. Later in life I realized that being famous for the sake of being famous just isolated me and made me fake. I knew if I found the courage to show all my sides to the world, the good, the bad and the mediocre, it might inspire others to do the same. I was always afraid that if I showed the real me, people wouldn’t like me. Now, I feel if I show the real me and you don’t like me, at least you don’t like the real me and If you love me you love the real me. I realized that by doing this, I could help others feel feelings that were keeping them buried alive. When the play stopped being about “what do u people think of me, to “how can I fully express myself and let people take it however they like,” I knew I was ready.

Since, you’re home for the weekend next month, do you have places that you like to go to since you’re back in town?

While back in town recently, I went to where the old St. Margaret’s hospital used to be. I was born premature and they thought I might not make it. I sat outside thinking if I can make it, anyone can.

What is your go to order at Sully’s?

My go to order at Sully’s is a cheeseburger, fries and a vanilla shake.

Who inspires you in your work?

John Leguizamo, Richard Pryor and Whoopie Goldberg inspired me to write my play.

What’s new on the horizon for you?

What’s new on the horizon is I got a movie coming out called “Emerald City” this fall. I’m working to get the play to Broadway and I’m headlining my stand up across the country. Suecostello.com for dates.