Carmen Cusack Explained

Carmen Cusack
Birth Date:25 April 1971
Birth Place:Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Education:University of North Texas
Spouse:Paul Telfer (m. 2012)

Carmen Cusack (born April 25, 1971) is an American musical theater actress and singer. She is known for playing Elphaba in the Chicago, North American Tour, and Melbourne productions of the musical Wicked and for originating the roles of Alice Murphy and Clare Boothe Luce in the Broadway musicals Bright Star and Flying Over Sunset, respectively.

Her performance in Bright Star, which was her Broadway debut, was highly praised and earned her a Tony Award nomination and a 2016 Theatre World Award. She received a second Tony Award nomination for her performance in Flying Over Sunset.

Early life

Cusack attended the University of North Texas[1] and graduated with a performing arts degree. She trained in opera, ballet, jazz and tap.[2] Cusack is married to Scottish actor Paul Telfer.[3]

After completing her degree, Cusack accepted a job on the MS Queen Elizabeth 2, which changed the course of her career. In Manchester, England, she had her breakthrough role as Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera. Soon after this, she made her West End debut as Fantine in Les Misérables.[4]

She also appeared in the original West End productions of The Secret Garden and Personals.

Career

Wicked

Cusack returned to America, and on December 12, 2006, joined the Chicago production of Wicked as the standby for the lead role of Elphaba. Impressed with her portrayal of the character, the producers asked her to star in the lead role on the show's first national tour, beginning in November 2007.[5] Her role as standby was taken over by Jennifer DiNoia.

Cusack began performances on tour, replacing Victoria Matlock, on November 6, 2007. She starred alongside Katie Rose Clarke as Glinda. After spending one year on tour, she left on November 2, 2008, and was replaced by Donna Vivino, who had been her standby.[6]

Cusack was next seen in the Melbourne, Australia production, as the temporary standby for Elphaba. Amanda Harrison had taken a break from the show due to illness, and the standby, Jemma Rix, had been given the lead role. Cusack was with the company from June 10 to July 10, 2009. She exited the company to begin rehearsals for South Pacific.

Other roles

In 2009, Cusack played Nellie Forbush in the first national tour of South Pacific. Based on the 2008 Broadway revival, performances began September 18, 2009 in San Francisco.[7] For this role Cusack was nominated for the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Non Resident Production.[8] [9]

In 2012, she played the role of Miss Gardner in the Off-Broadway revival of Carrie: The Musical, which began performances at the Lucille Lortel Theatre on January 31, 2012. Carrie played a limited run until April 8, 2012.[10] [11]

In 2013, Cusack played the role of Mother in the Milwaukee Repertory Theater's critically acclaimed production of Ragtime.[12]

Cusack appeared as Dot/Marie in the Chicago Shakespeare Theater production of Sunday in the Park with George from September 26 to November 4, 2012, opposite Jason Danieley.[13] [14]

Cusack appeared as Annie in the production of the new musical First Wives Club, based on the film of the same name, beginning in February 2015.[15] The musical played at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, through the end of March 2015.[16]

Cusack portrayed Clare Boothe Luce in the new musical Flying Over Sunset, directed by James Lapine.[17] The production, which was originally planned to open in March 2020, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rescheduled to begin previews in November 2021 at Lincoln Center Theater's Vivian Beaumont Theater.[18] The production opened on December 13, 2021 and closed on January 16, 2022.[19] [20] Cuscack's performance earned her a second nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.[21]

In July 2022, Cusack starred as Mrs. Lovett in The Muny production of .[22]

Bright Star

Cusack originated the role of Alice Murphy in the new musical Bright Star, written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. She has been with the show since its workshop in July 2013 at the Powerhouse Theatre at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York.[23] Cusack performed in the show's world premiere at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego in September 2014. She continued her role during its tryout run in Washington, D.C., from December 2015 to January 2016.

Cusack made her Broadway debut in Bright Star, which opened on March 24, 2016.[24] For her performance, Cusack won a Theatre World Award.[25] She also received nominations for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical,[26] the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actress in a Musical,[27] the Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance,[28] and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical.[29] Cusack reprised the role of Alice during the musical's North American tour stops in Los Angeles,[30] San Francisco,[31] and Salt Lake City.[32]

Film and television

In 2018, Cusack appeared as Sabrina in James Ponsoldt's critically acclaimed Facebook Watch dramedy Sorry for Your Loss and was cast opposite Tom Hanks in Marielle Heller's Fred Rogers biopic A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.[33] In 2019, Cusack was cast as a series regular on NBC's Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist.[34] On August 27, 2019, it was announced that Lauren Graham had replaced Cusack on the show in the role of Joan.[35]

Selected Stage credits

YearTitleRoleNotes
1994Phantom of the OperaChristine Daae National Tour, West End Production
1995Les MiserablesFantineUK National Tour and West End Production
2000PersonalsKimApollo Theatre, West End Production
2001The Secret GardenRoseAldwych Theatre, West End Production
2005Saucy Jack and the Space VixensChesty ProspectsWest End Production
2006-07WickedElphaba (standby)Regional, Chicago Production
2007-08ElphabaUS National Tour, Emerald City
2009-11South PacificNellie ForbushUS National Tour
2012CarrieLynn GardnerLucille Lortel Theatre, MCC Theatre, Off-Broadway
Sunday in the Park with GeorgeDot/MarieChicago Shakespeare Theatre, Regional
2013RagtimeMotherMilwaukee Repertory Theater
2014Bright StarAlice MurphyOld Globe Theatre
2015First Wives ClubAnnieRegional, Chicago
Bright StarAlice MurphyKennedy Center, Regional
2016Cort Theater, Broadway
Sunday in the Park with GeorgeYvonne/NaomiNew York City Center, Encores! Concert
2017Bright StarAlice MurphyUS National Tour
2019Call Me MadamMrs. Sally AdamsNew York City Center, Encores! Production
2021Flying Over SunsetClare Boothe LuceVivian Beaumont Theatre, Broadway
2022Mrs. LovettThe Muny, St. Louis

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominated work Result
2011Helen Hayes AwardOutstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident ProductionSouth Pacific
2013Joseph Jefferson AwardActress in a Principal Role in a MusicalSunday in the Park with George
2016Helen Hayes AwardOutstanding Performer, Visiting ProductionBright Star
Tony AwardBest Actress in a Musical[36]
Drama Desk AwardOutstanding Actress in a Musical[37]
Drama League AwardDistinguished Performance[38]
Outer Critics Circle AwardOutstanding Actress in a Musical[39]
Theatre World Award
2017Grammy AwardBest Musical Theater Album
2022Outer Critics Circle AwardOutstanding Actress in a Musical[40] Flying Over Sunset
Tony AwardBest Actress in a Musical[41]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: DeLeón. Jessica. 2016-09-30. Alumna Makes Her Mark on Broadway. live. 2021-06-06. UNT North Texan. https://web.archive.org/web/20201202133541/https://northtexan.unt.edu/issues/2016-fall/alumna-makes-her-mark-broadway . 2020-12-02 .
  2. Web site: Carmen Cusack Bio. dead. carmencusack.com. 2009-10-03. https://web.archive.org/web/20110201140604/http://carmencusack.com/biography.pdf. 2011-02-01.
  3. Web site: Spaner. Whitney. 2016-05-08. Meet the Man Who Stopped Carmen Cusack From Giving Up Theatre. live. Playbill. https://web.archive.org/web/20160509103133/http://www.playbill.com/article/meet-the-man-who-stopped-carmen-cusack-from-giving-up-theatre . 2016-05-09 .
  4. Web site: Millward. Tom. 2016-06-02. Interview with Bright Star's Carmen Cusack. live. New York Theatre Guide. https://web.archive.org/web/20200920171635/https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/news-features/interviews/interview-with-bright-stars-carmen-cusack . 2020-09-20 .
  5. Web site: Gans. Andrew. 2007-11-12. Wicked Tour Has New Leading Witches. live. Playbill. https://web.archive.org/web/20160305153248/http://www.playbill.com/article/wicked-tour-has-new-leading-witches-com-145331 . 2016-03-05 .
  6. https://playbill.com/article/wicked-tour-welcomes-new-elphaba-donna-vivino-nov-5-com-154904 "Wicked Tour Welcomes New Elphaba, Donna Vivino, Nov. 5"
  7. Web site: Varley. Eddie. 2009-07-23. Rod Gilfry And Carmen Cusack Will Lead 'SOUTH PACIFIC' Tour, Launches At The Golden Gate Theatre In SF 9/18. live. BroadwayWorld. https://web.archive.org/web/20121021063251/http://broadwayworld.com/article/Rod-Gilfry-And-Carmen-Cusack-Will-Lead-SOUTH-PACIFIC-Tour-Launches-At-The-Golden-Gate-Theatre-918-20090723 . 2012-10-21 .
  8. Web site: Carmen Cusack Biography. live. 2021-06-06. BroadwayWorld. https://web.archive.org/web/20160527091349/http://www.broadwayworld.com:80/people/bio/Carmen-Cusack . 2016-05-27 .
  9. Web site: Jones. Kenneth. 2011-02-28. Gavin Lee, Arena's Oklahoma!, Signature's Sycamore Trees, Phylicia Rashad Are Helen Hayes Nominees in DC. live. 2021-06-06. Playbill. https://web.archive.org/web/20210606190127/https://www.playbill.com/article/gavin-lee-arenas-oklahoma-signatures-sycamore-trees-phylicia-rashad-are-helen-hayes-nominees-in-dc-com-176568 . 2021-06-06 .
  10. Web site: Hetrick. Adam. 2011-11-21. MCC Theater Announces Complete Cast for Revamped Revival of Carrie. 2021-06-06. Playbill.
  11. Web site: Hetrick. Adam. 2012-03-23. Carrie Dies Sooner Than Expected; Revival to Close April 8 Off-Broadway. live. 2021-06-06. Playbill. https://web.archive.org/web/20171022053523/http://www.playbill.com:80/article/carrie-dies-sooner-than-expected-revival-to-close-april-8-off-broadway-com-188747 . 2017-10-22 .
  12. Web site: Fischer. Mike. 2013-09-22. Milwaukee Rep's soaring 'Ragtime' makes sweet music. live. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. https://web.archive.org/web/20130925050625/http://www.jsonline.com:80/entertainment/arts/milwaukee-reps-soaring-ragtime-makes-sweet-music-b99101468z1-224782192.html . 2013-09-25 .
  13. Web site: Denette. Kelsey. 2012-08-08. Jason Danieley, Carmen Cusack to Lead Chicago Shakespeare Theater's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. live. BroadwayWorld. https://web.archive.org/web/20120811111249/http://broadwayworld.com:80/article/Jason-Danieley-Carmen-Cusack-to-Lead-Chicago-Shakespeare-Theaters-SUNDAY-IN-THE-PARK-WITH-GEORGE-20120808 . 2012-08-11 .
  14. Web site: 2012-09-17. Photos: Jason Danieley, Carmen Cusack and CST's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Perform at Art Institute of Chicago!. live. BroadwayWorld. https://web.archive.org/web/20120919200835/http://broadwayworld.com:80/article/Photo-Flash-Jason-Danieley-Carmen-Cusack-and-CSTs-SUNDAY-IN-THE-PARK-WITH-GEORGE-Perform-at-Art-Institute-of-Chicago-20120917 . 2012-09-19 .
  15. Web site: Houlihan. Mary. 2015-02-19. First Wives Club Musical Attacks 'Dumb Girl Culture' With Motown Hits. live. Playbill. https://web.archive.org/web/20160305082948/http://www.playbill.com/article/first-wives-club-musical-attacks-dumb-girl-culture-with-motown-hits-com-342045 . 2016-03-05 .
  16. Web site: 2015-03-11. Broadway-Bound THE FIRST WIVES CLUB, Starring Carmen Cusack, Faith Prince and Christine Sherrill, Opens Tonight in Chicago. live. 2021-06-06. BroadwayWorld. https://web.archive.org/web/20150315055339/http://www.broadwayworld.com:80/article/Broadway-Bound-THE-FIRST-WIVES-CLUB-Starring-Carmen-Cusack-Faith-Prince-and-Christine-Sherrill-Opens-Tonight-in-Chicago-20150311 . 2015-03-15 .
  17. News: Paulson. Michael. August 20, 2019. Tripping on Broadway: A New Musical Explores LSD Use by Cary Grant and More. The New York Times. August 20, 2019.
  18. Web site: Gans. Andrew. 2021-05-12. Lincoln Center Theater's Flying Over Sunset Will Open This Fall; Intimate Apparel Sets 2022 Dates. live. 2021-06-06. Playbill. https://web.archive.org/web/20210513140318/https://www.playbill.com/article/lincoln-center-theaters-flying-over-sunset-will-open-this-fall-intimate-apparel-sets-2022-dates . 2021-05-13 .
  19. Web site: 2021-12-14. Photos: FLYING OVER SUNSET Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway. live. BroadwayWorld. https://web.archive.org/web/20211214175217/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photos-FLYING-OVER-SUNSET-Celebrates-Opening-Night-on-Broadway-20211214 . 2021-12-14 .
  20. Web site: 2022-01-05. FLYING OVER SUNSET to End Broadway Run Early; Final Performance January 16. live. 2022-01-06. BroadwayWorld. https://web.archive.org/web/20220104235900/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/FLYING-OVER-SUNSET-to-End-Broadway-Run-Early-Final-Performance-January-16-20220104 . 2022-01-04 .
  21. Web site: Lang. Brent. 2022-05-09. Tony Awards 2022: 'A Strange Loop,' 'MJ,' 'Paradise Square' Dominate Nominations. Variety.
  22. Web site: Henry. Alan. 2022-04-21. Ben Davis, Carmen Cusack, & Robert Cuccioli Will Lead SWEENEY TODD At The Muny. Broadway World.
  23. News: Carmen Cusack Puts 'Her Pain and Her Joy' Into a Leading Broadway Role. Pogrebin. Robin. 2016-04-27. The New York Times. 0362-4331. 2016-05-03.
  24. Web site: 2015-10-20. Breaking News: Carmen Cusack to Make Broadway Debut in Steve Martin & Edie Brickell's BRIGHT STAR; Dates Set!. live. 2015-10-21. BroadwayWorld. https://web.archive.org/web/20151022143856/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-News-Carmen-Cusack-to-Make-Broadway-Debut-in-Steve-Martin-Edie-Brickells-BRIGHT-STAR-Dates-Set-20151020 . 2015-10-22 .
  25. Web site: Gans. Andrew. 2016-05-02. Theatre World Awards Announce 2016 Winners. live. 2016-05-03. Playbill. https://web.archive.org/web/20160503110316/http://www.playbill.com/article/theatre-world-award-winners-announced . 2016-05-03 .
  26. Web site: 2016-05-03. 2016 Tony Awards Nominations - HAMILTON Breaks Record with 16! And the Nominees Are.... live. 2016-05-03. BroadwayWorld.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20160504120311/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/2016-Tony-Awards-Nominations-And-the-Nominees-Are-20160503 . 2016-05-04 .
  27. Web site: Viagas. Robert. 2016-04-19. 2016 Outer Critics Circle Nominees Announced. live. Playbill. https://web.archive.org/web/20160420131832/http://www.playbill.com/article/2016-outer-critics-circle-nominees-announced-com-347165 . 2016-04-20 .
  28. Web site: Rosky. Nicole. 2016-04-20. SHE LOVES ME, HAMILTON, THE CRUCIBLE & More Earn 2016 Drama League Nominations; Check Out the Full List!. live. BroadwayWorld. https://web.archive.org/web/20160421013346/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/SHE-LOVES-ME-HAMILTON-THE-CRUCIBLE-More-Earn-2016-Drama-League-Nominations-Check-Out-the-Full-List-20160420 . 2016-04-21 .
  29. Web site: 2016-04-28. The 2016 Drama Desk Nominations- SHE LOVES ME, AMERICAN PSYCHO & BRIGHT STAR Lead!. live. BroadwayWorld. https://web.archive.org/web/20160429142835/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/The-2016-Drama-Desk-Nominations--SHE-LOVES-ME-AMERICAN-PSYCHO-Bright-Star-Lead-20160428 . 2016-04-29 .
  30. Web site: 2017-07-24. Carmen Cusack to Return for BRIGHT STAR at the Ahmanson This Fall. live. BroadwayWorld. https://web.archive.org/web/20171005152228/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Carmen-Cusack-to-Return-for-BRIGHT-STAR-at-the-Ahmanson-This-Fall-20170724 . 2017-10-05 .
  31. Web site: 2017-09-14. Carmen Cusack to Reprise Role in BRIGHT STAR at the Curran. live. BroadwayWorld. https://web.archive.org/web/20171005101504/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Carmen-Cusack-to-Reprise-Role-in-BRIGHT-STAR-at-the-Curran-20170914 . 2017-10-05 .
  32. Web site: McPhee. Ryan. 2017-11-07. Why Carmen Cusack Ultimately Decided to Reprise Her Bright Star Role. live. Playbill. https://web.archive.org/web/20171107112028/http://www.playbill.com/article/carmen-cusacks-bright-star-story-continues-on-the-road-and-it-feels-like-her-favorite-comfy-jeans . 2017-11-07 .
  33. Web site: Gans. Andrew. 2018-10-26. Tony Nominee Carmen Cusack Lands Role Opposite Tom Hanks in Fred Rogers Film. live. Playbill. https://web.archive.org/web/20181028142952/http://www.playbill.com:80/article/tony-nominee-carmen-cusack-lands-role-opposite-tom-hanks-in-fred-rogers-film . 2018-10-28 .
  34. Web site: Petski. Denise. 2019-03-22. 'Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist' Casts Carmen Cusack; Elizabeth Cappuccino Joins 'neXT'. live. Deadline. https://web.archive.org/web/20190322231641/https://deadline.com/2019/03/zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-casts-carmen-cusack-elizabeth-cappuccino-next-1202580591/ . 2019-03-22 .
  35. Web site: Ausiello. Michael. 27 August 2019. Gilmore Girls Vet Lauren Graham Sets Extraordinary TV Return at NBC. live. TVLine. 27 Aug 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190827154206/https://tvline.com/2019/08/27/lauren-graham-zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-cast-nbc/ . 2019-08-27 .
  36. Web site: 2016-05-03. Tony Awards Nominations: Complete List. live. Variety. https://web.archive.org/web/20160504101225/http://variety.com/2016/legit/news/2016-tony-awards-nominations-full-list-award-nominees-1201765161/ . 2016-05-04 .
  37. Web site: Cox. Gordon. 2016-04-28. Drama Desk Nominations: 'She Loves Me,' 'American Psycho' Earn Most Nods (FULL LIST). live. Variety. https://web.archive.org/web/20160429120619/https://variety.com/2016/legit/news/drama-desk-awards-nominations-2016-full-list-1201762667/ . 2016-04-29 .
  38. Web site: Gans. Andrew. 2016-05-20. Zachary Levi and Megan Hilty Host 82nd Annual Drama League Awards Today. Playbill.
  39. Web site: Gordon. David. 2016-05-09. Cynthia Erivo, Danny Burstein, Steve Martin, and More Win 2016 Outer Critics Circle Awards. live. TheaterMania. https://web.archive.org/web/20160514044737/http://www.theatermania.com:80/broadway/news/2016-outer-critics-circle-award-winners_76995.html . 2016-05-14 .
  40. Web site: BWW. Team. 2022-04-26. THE LEHMAN TRILOGY, HARMONY & KIMBERLY AKIMBO Lead Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations. Broadway World.
  41. Web site: Culwell-Block . Logan . 2022 Tony Award Nominations: A Strange Loop, MJ, Paradise Square Lead the Pack . Playbill . May 9, 2022 . May 9, 2022.

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