Susan Draus: A Musical Gem in Colorado’s Theater Scene
Colorado’s theater community is abuzz with excitement over Susan Draus, a renowned music director whose illustrious career spans Broadway and beyond. "She’s the bee’s knees," remarks Jason Tyler Vaughn, a local guitarist. Draus, who made her Broadway debut in 2005 with "Good Vibrations," has conducted and arranged music for notable productions such as "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," "The Book of Mormon," and "Mamma Mia."
After years of shaping the national theater landscape, Draus has returned to her Colorado roots, where she previously served as the resident music director at the Arvada Center. “It seems crazy that she is here,” Vaughn notes, appreciating her choice to plant roots in Colorado despite her illustrious career.
Draus is currently making waves with the Arvada Center’s production of “Waitress,” which features a standout performance by lead actor Anne Terze-Schwarz. Colleagues describe Draus as brilliant yet approachable; she elevates the artistry around her with her commitment to excellence and her compassionate leadership. Terze-Schwarz admires Draus’s ability to foster a familial atmosphere among cast and crew, stating, “She adopts us as her children.”
2024 has seen Draus actively involved in various local theaters, further enriching Colorado’s cultural fabric while also maintaining her “Reunion Experience,” a unique musical event combining nostalgia with popular hits. Both Draus and Vaughn have been recognized in the Denver Gazette’s 2024 True West Awards for their contributions to the theater community.
With her passion for music and artistry, Draus continues to be an inspiration in Colorado’s theater scene, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she meets.