'Billy Elliot' actress feeling at home in more ways than one

Susie McMonagle won't be going home anytime soon.

Not, that is, the Evanston residence the actress shares with her two sons. She returns there every night, one of the perks of playing Billy's mum in "Billy Elliot," the blockbuster musical that began its national tour in Chicago, where it is expected to remain through October and possibly longer.

No, it's the Marriot Theatre - McMonagle's self-described artistic home - to which the actress won't soon return, not with the way audiences have embraced the Elton John-Lee Hall musical inspired by the hit 2000 film.

"Marriott is my home base," said McMonagle. "I feel so comfortable working there."

She should. The multiple Jeff Award nominee has been a fixture at the Lincolnshire theater since she played Rizzo in Marriott's 1989 production of "Grease." Her resume includes countless appearances there, among them starring roles in "Evita," "Annie Get Your Gun," "Cats" and "Into the Woods"

She has also appeared frequently at the Apple Tree, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Northlight, Court and Goodman theaters. She starred in 2008's national tour of "Mama Mia!" and she played Fantine in the Broadway production of "Les Miserables."

McMonagle's success comes as no surprise to Marriot artistic director Andy Hite.

"Susie has got the total package. she's a really smart storyteller. She has an unbelievable vocal instrument, and she's incredibly emotionally accessible," said Hite. "Audiences tend to listen to her and relate to her because she brings such a human quality to her characters."

She certainly brings that quality to Billy's mum, a role she began preparing for a year ago, when she learned "Billy" would kick off its national tour in Chicago. McMonagle fell in love with the show after she saw it in New York and was determined to be part of the cast.

Initially, she auditioned for Mrs. Wilkinson, the gruff but good-hearted dance instructor who helps young Billy transform into a swan. McMonagle recalls a "hellacious dance audition" which she performed alongside some of Chicago's best female dancers, in borrowed tap shoes several sizes too large.

Still, director Stephen Daldry and choreographer Peter Darling didn't give up on her. They called her back for a second audition and at the last minute, asked her to read for the mum. Next thing she knew, the role was hers. They also tapped her to understudy Emily Skinner, who plays Mrs. Wilkinson.

The rehearsal process was grueling, but being close to home meant more time with her sons. And earlier this month, she took over for Skinner while the actress was out of town for the weekend.

"The first show was a blur," admitted McMonagle.

The opening number left her breathless and shaking, and she recalls nothing she did on stage. But she does recall seeing her cast mates watching from the wings, offering their support.

"To see my colleagues cheering, that's what I'll always remember," she said.

It was a special moment, but then McMonagle knew from the beginning the show would be special, although she never imagined audiences would embrace it as enthusiastically as they have. And it's still a bit overwhelming waiting at a bus stop and watching the bus pull up with a giant "Billy Elliot" advertisement emblazoned on its side.

"I'm in a huge hit," she says with a hint of disbelief. "I'm reminded of that everywhere I go and I love it."

"It'll probably never happen again," she added.

But it's happening now. And it's happening here.

Yes, at home.