Robert Will Show You the Door (Tales of Being Fired) by Susan Jeremy

Susan Jeremy’s Robert Will Show You the Door (Tales of Being Fired), performed at New York City’s iconic La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, is an extraordinary one-woman show that transforms life’s job-related ups and downs into a witty, heartfelt exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and humor. With vivid characters, musical interludes, and reflections on work, dating, and personal growth, Jeremy creates a performance that is laugh-out-loud hilarious and deeply touching.

Here’s Susan Jeremy talking about her final show at LA MAMA.

 

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A post shared by Susan Jeremy (@comicjeremy)

Credit: A post shared by Susan Jeremy (@comicjeremy)

A Career Full of Colorful Stories

Jeremy’s performance is a comedic journey through her professional life, starting as a babysitter and spanning an eclectic mix of roles, including working as a bakery clerk, in food prep at Arthur Treacher’s Fish and Chips, and ushering at Radio City Music Hall. Each story is punctuated by witty one-liners, reflecting the universal struggles of navigating jobs and life’s detours.

Her stint as “Calvin Clown,” a character created for Bar Mitzvahs and children’s parties, highlights her knack for physical comedy and theatrical flair. Jeremy also reflects on her unconventional jobs, including roller-skating to sell Virginia Slims cigarettes in Los Angeles. Throughout, her mother’s advice to “get a job with a pension” serves as a humorous refrain that underscores her life’s balancing act between passion and practicality.

Character Work: A Kaleidoscope of Voices

Jeremy’s standout ability to embody various characters adds immense depth to her storytelling. A particularly poignant moment is her imitation of her grandparent’s brogue, delivered with a mix of warmth and comedic timing that captures the character’s essence. Jeremy brings many personas to life, from mimicking colleagues and customers to adopting regional accents like the Jersey-style Sopranos twang. These impressions are not just comedic but deeply empathetic, offering insights into the people who have shaped her professional journey.

Studio 54: A Timepiece of Humor and Dating

One of the most memorable segments involves Jeremy’s comedic take on Studio 54, the iconic New York nightclub. She uses this setting as a nostalgic cultural timepiece and a humorous lens into her dating escapades during the disco era. Her physical comedy shines in this segment as she recounts her experiences on the dance floor with exaggerated movements and sharp timing. This clever blend of humor and self-reflection encapsulates her ability to find levity in life’s awkward and defining moments.

Humor Meets Humanity: Teaching and Growth

While much of the show is lighthearted, Jeremy’s reflections on her time as a substitute teacher in a psychiatric ward and later as a special education teacher in New York City add a layer of emotional depth. These stories showcase her ability to find humor in challenging situations while remaining sensitive to the gravity of her work.

Her teaching career is filled with anecdotes highlighting the resilience required to thrive in public education. From navigating challenging classrooms to connecting with students, Jeremy’s experiences are relatable to educators and anyone who has faced high-stakes workplace pressures. Her journey from substitute teacher to earning an MA is a testament to her dedication and adaptability.

A Full-Circle Moment: Retiring into Adventure

After 24 years as a teacher, Jeremy’s decision to retire and take “Robert Will Show You the Door” on an international tour feels like a triumphant new chapter. Her reflections on this transition underscore the themes of reinvention and self-discovery that permeate the show. Jeremy’s ability to turn setbacks—like being fired—into opportunities for growth and creativity is inspiring. By reframing challenges as steps in her journey, she delivers a message of hope and resilience that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.

Final Thoughts

Susan Jeremy’s Robert Will Show You the Door (Tales of Being Fired) is a masterful blend of comedy, storytelling, and emotional depth. Her vivid characters, sharp wit, and universal themes make this show a must-see for fans of solo performance and great theater. Whether laughing at her humorous take on Studio 54 or reflecting on the trials of public education, audiences leave the performance entertained, inspired, and deeply moved.