Carmen Cusack Finds Her Bright Star
Actress and singer takes a unique and wondering journey to Broadway.
As an actress and singer whose career has spanned the world, Carmen Cusack has made a name for herself and her stellar voice onstage, in recordings, and with intimate cabaret performances. She recently sat down with Why I’ll Never Make It to share her various paths of success and dead ends.
https://whyillnevermakeit.com/e/carmen-cusack
A detailed history of where she’s been and how she got there…
Born in Denver, Colorado, Carmen’s childhood included stops throughout the Southeastern and Central United States. At a young age, she was enticed into singing by a sweet tooth. She had sung for youth chapel many times; however, her church’s pastor asked her to sing “Amazing Grace” for the adult chapel — with the promise that she could have the first choice from a box of chocolates as her reward. Intrigued by the deal, Carmen decided that chocolate was enough motivation to overcome her shyness. She approached the podium for her song, and when the pastor asked if she would like the pianist to accompany her, the five-year-old Carmen replied, “No thanks… she might mess up!” Even as a child, she was already a self-declared perfectionist. Her singing debut was a success and a sign of things to come.
A passion for singing and acting continued to be fostered over the years and led her to the University of North Texas, where she studied in the Performing Arts. Among the genres in which she trained were opera, ballet, jazz and tap, and her early creative influences included Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Sandi Patty, Aretha Franklin, and Meryl Streep. After completing her education, Carmen accepted a job on the Queen Elizabeth II cruise ship that changed the course of her future. Jean Ann Ryan Productions offered her a contract, and she sang her way around the world. Eventually, she landed in Manchester, United Kingdom, where she attained her breakthrough opportunity — the chance to appear in PHANTOM OF THE OPERA as Christine Daae.
Shortly thereafter, another milestone in Carmen’s career arrived in the form of her West End debut in London. Starring as Fantine in LES MISERABLES, she earned her first bow in Europe’s most prestigious theatre district. A diverse career continued to flourish in Europe, with opportunities ranging from Original West End Casts (THE SECRET GARDEN and PERSONALS) to innovative workshops to the futuristic, interactive SAUCY JACK & THE SPACE VIXENS. One part which Carmen particularly enjoyed playing was OVER THE RAINBOW’s Eva Cassidy, as she had always admired Ms. Cassidy’s music.
In late 2006, a path paved in emerald green led Carmen back to the U.S., as she returned to her native country to take on one of musical theatre’s most demanding roles — WICKED’s Elphaba. She initially joined the Chicago company as the stand-by for the role, and a year later, the show’s producers asked her to lead the U.S. National Tour as the company’s principal Elphaba. As the Wicked Witch of the West, Carmen paired with Katie Rose Clarke as Glinda to become one of the blockbuster’s beloved duos, and the Green Girl became a cherished credit in her career.
Following her run as Elphaba, Carmen once again demonstrated her artistic versatility by stepping into the role of Ensign Nellie Forbush to launch the Lincoln Center’s North American Tour of SOUTH PACIFIC. Besides providing her the chance to embody one of theatre’s timeless roles, SOUTH PACIFIC also presented the opportunity to work with Bartlett Sher, one of the industry’s most esteemed directors. Critical acclaim followed her around the country, and the show grew to become her one of her favorite productions.
Two demanding roles in well-known regional theatres arrived next, with the Chicago Shakespeare Company providing the opportunity to play Dot and Marie in its production of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE and the Milwaukee Repertory Theater offering the role of Mother in RAGTIME. Both presented unique and challenging opportunities for Carmen to add her touch to these respected parts.
The opportunity to create the role of her dreams arrived in BRIGHT STAR, and Carmen was reminded of how stimulating the creative process can be. Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s folk musical offered the perfect blend of music genre, intense acting, and extensive collaboration. Originating the role of Alice Murphy during the show’s development in the Powerhouse Theater workshop, she subsequently brought Alice to life in the show’s runs at the Old Globe in San Diego and Kennedy Center in Washington, DC prior to the Broadway opening. She earned critical acclaim and amassed an array of award nominations — including the Tony Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards, Drama Desk Awards, Drama League Awards, and Theatre World Awards.
Recently, Carmen appeared in New York City Center’s gala concert of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE with Jake Gyllenhaal and this past year’s production of James Lapine’s FLYING OVER SUNSET at Lincoln Center
In addition to her theatre credits, Carmen is also an accomplished vocalist, possessing a range that soars impressively through jazz, opera, rock, and pop scores. She made her sold-out U.S. solo concert debut at Feinstein’s/54 Below, from which her live “If You Knew My Story” album was recorded, and continues to perform her own music in concerts around the country.
Carmen and her husband Paul currently divides their time between Los Angeles and New York.
Carmen also took the time to briefly answer the Final Five Questions:
1. What job within the arts do you feel is the most undervalued or least recognized?
The Stage Manager.
2. What does success or “making it” mean to you?
Being at peace and happy.
3. What inspires you most an an artist and creative?
Music
4. Name a personal lesson that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still working on to this day?
Being easier on myself.
5. What’s the most useful advice you’ve received? And how have you applied it to your life or career?
Learning that I am enough.
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