The Vivacious Erin Sullivan Dazzles Audiences In Her One-Woman Musical “With Love, Marilyn”
“As for lovers, well, they'll come and go. And actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart. But you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soulmate; that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Keep trying.”
- Marilyn Monroe-
Indeed, lovers come and go in the musical journey entitled “With Love, Marilyn,” a sensual and playful cabaret tribute paying homage to the many loves and romances in the life of the iconic 1950s Superstar. Even today, 58 years after her untimely death, the world is still obsessed with her, so Erin Sullivan brought her her back to life on stage.
Marilyn Monroe was the ultimate romantic as told in many films and documentaries about her life. All she ever wanted was to find love and happiness while following her passion of acting, but as we all know, it didn’t exactly work out that way.
In her solo musical play “With Love, Marilyn”, Erin Sullivan transports you back in time and dazzles you in an intimate behind-the-scenes evening with the immortal goddess and 1950s sex symbol most of you know and love. As Monroe, Erin performs your favorite unforgettable songs such as “I Wanna Be Loved By You,” “My Heart Belongs To Daddy,” and “Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend,” while weaving the love stories behind the many men in Monroe's life.
Continuing her portrayal of Marilyn, Erin recently received critical acclaim for her performance as Monroe in the late Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize recipient Mark Medoff's play “Marilee & Baby Lamb: The Assassination of an American Goddess” that premiered at the Rio Grande Theater in Las Cruces, New Mexico, which explored the darker side of the otherwise cheery star. Erin also filmed a car commercial in the role of Monroe when a North Carolina car dealership hired her to do a promo in honor of the late Marilyn Monroe’s birthday.
Lights, Camera, Action
While Erin may be most known for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe, there’s much more to this full of energy and ambitious actress, dancer, author, producer, director and soon-to-be wife.
One of Erin’s favorite quotes and naturally fitting is this one by German philosopher Meister Eckhart.
“And suddenly you know. It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.”
Image by Phillip Ramsey of Broadway Bound Photography//Graphics by ImageMakers & Influencers Magazine
Born in North Carolina, she spent 18 years in New York City but relocated to the Raleigh/Durham area about a year and a half ago because that’s where her soulmate and future husband lives. Unlike her favorite subject, Marilyn Monroe, it appears that Erin did find the love of her life otherwise she would have never left New York City, the home of Broadway shows and other creative venues she so loves and wants to be part of.
The private highly entertaining side of Erin Sullivan. There’s never a dull moment when she’s around.
“It’s a jungle out there,” Erin says about life in show business. She should know, she’s been in it since the age of 7.
Erin attended the esteemed American Musical and Dramatic Academy. With over a hundred regional and international credits, the multi-talented Erin Sullivan stands out in her portrayal of Elle Woods in multiple productions of “Legally Blonde”.
In addition to acting, singing and dancing, Erin has the following impressive producing and directing credits.
Producing Credits
> “Peter Pan Live” - cast recording
> “Merrily We Roll Along” - LA revival directed by Michael Arden
> “With Love, Marilyn” - co-producer/ co-writer/ co-conceiver
> “Joan Crawford in....Flesh and Blood” - industry reading starring Leslie Becker, Brad Oscar, and Jim Moye, written by lead producer Joe Major
Directing Credits
> “Grease”, “The Marvelous Wonderettes” and upcoming in summer 2020 “Legally Blonde” at the Palace Theatre, Wisconsin Dells, WI
> Coming in Fall 2020 - “Little Women” at the North Raleigh Theater and Creative Arts, Raleigh NC
She currently is a theatrical consultant for the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill public schools theater department and school musicals and a certified substitute for Durham County Schools.
Erin teaches masterclasses, audition prep, and one-on-one coaching and is staffed in the Wig and Wardrobe department for DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center), one of the top five touring houses in the U.S.
If you are new to show business or are contemplating to enter this world and would like some guidance, Erin is available for coaching via Skype or other online channels. To contact her, please visit her websites here
With Love, Marilyn https://www.withlovemarilyn.com
Erin Sullivan http://erin-sullivan-i5xu.squarespace.com
Well-known shows she has worked on include “Anastasia”, “A Bronx Tale”, “Mean Girls”, “Dancing With The Stars Live Tour”, “Donna Summers”, “Aladdin”, and “Les Miserables.”
Erin Sullivan - The Author
In 2014, Erin released her first book entitled “Theatrical Baggage” which is a manual, workbook, and bible on how to survive a National Tour and Other Gigs. In the book, she imparts her expertise regarding life on the road to the actors of the next generation. The book can be purchased on Amazon and at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts bookstore.
Following are two testimonials for her book from industry veterans.
“A unique and personal window into the world of Non-Equity touring. With great honesty and candor, Erin comprehensively imparts critical insights about the tour experience. Recommended reading for anyone considering a professional career of performing in musicals!” - Marc Bruni, Director
“Theatrical Baggage is like its author...captivating, funny, essential to the success of any production and a joy to behold. The only thing it can't do is tap dance.” - Douglas Denoff, Broadway Producer
As a private person, the delightful Erin Sullivan is a huge lover and supporter of the arts, friendships, animals, red wine and laughter. She is a passionate woman who wears her heart on her sleeve, just like Marilyn Monroe in real life.
I, for one, will never forget the hilarious speech she gave at her farewell party when she left New York for North Carolina last year. It was like a new play she had just come up with and so entertaining that I didn’t want it to end. A mix of comedy and drama with a splash of Marilyn because that just comes natural to her, she doesn’t even have to try hard.
In July 2020, Erin will perform “With Love, Marilyn” in Sidney, Australia where she’ll bring Marilyn to the down under audiences in 6 shows over a three-week period. In perfect Marilyn Monroe style she is combining her honeymoon with her scheduled appearances.
Editorial comment: You know you’ve found your calling when you creatively have your honeymoon destination coincide with the location of your show!
The following sizzle reel will give you a little taste of what to expect in Erin’s one-woman-show “With Love, Marilyn.” Make sure to catch it when it comes to your neck of the woods.