Dear Susie,

Dear Susie,

These two words are how many of Emily Dickinson’s letters and poems began, with an affectionate address to her sister in law and next door neighbor, Susan Gilbert. They are also the two words that were erased from any posthumous publication of Dickinson’s work.

Dear Susie, takes us into the life and death of poet-recluse Emily Dickinson, who, in a rare display of hospitality, welcomes us into her private world, sharing her joys, triumphs, fears, and her greatest love, Sue.

Developmental History:

Dear Susie, was written as part of Theatre Write Now’s second playwriting cohort, and was performed as a staged reading on May 31st, 2025.

Dear Susie, premiered at the East Village Basement December 4-14th 2025. Directed by Maya Shore, the cast featured Nicole LeBlanc, Lucy Skye Everett, Christina Toth, Ashira Fischer-Wachspress. The production featured lighting, sound, And projection design by Cameron King. Production Stage Manager Jess Romanowski, ASM Madison Figueroa-Diaz. Costume Design by Makenzie Martin.

Here’s What People Are Saying…

“Dear Susie, was a triumphant night of theatre! This piece sits beautifully at the intersection of LeBlanc’s prowess as an actor and writer, and the conviction and care in her research patches the story of Emily Dickinson's life together in a way that all true lovers of Emily's work deserve to see. In particular, the Dickinson poems LeBlanc chooses to feature are so masterfully selected and placed, she has seared a new emotional memory onto these classic poems that I will hold dear whenever I read Emily's words for the rest of my life. I don't remember the last time I saw an actor manage to shift an entire audience into tears at the exact same moment. Under the pink light of Cameron King's hypnotically beautiful projections, Dear Susie was a feat of writing, acting, design and world building that will keep you wanting to return to it again and again. Bravo!”

—Georgia Wright, audience member