Carmen Cusack

[TFMH18]

Since seeing "Bright Star" weeks ago, I have been unable to shake Carmen Cusack's magnificent performance. I see a lot, A LOT of shows, and I don't often find myself reeling at a performer's talent, and yet, I walked out of the Cort mouth agape and blown away. Of course since seeing the show, I have been scouring the internet for clips, just to get another taste of her glorious and unique voice. 

I am an instant fan but, I have to ashamedly admit, I had never really heard of her prior to this show! How has Broadway not yet made a massive star of her? 

Anyway, before other posters bemoan "another useless thread," I guess I'd like to declare this a Carmen Cusack appreciation thread! I just think she is divinely talented and am hoping beyond hope she gets a Tony nod for this wonderfully nuanced and powerful performance. 

[LizzieCurry]

I haven't yet seen her in Bright Star, but I did see her as Fantine and as Nellie Forbush, both on tour. I wasn't a huge fan of her Fantine (sounded beautiful but her performance was rather cold), but her Nellie was a lot of fun and very cute. She's worked mainly in the UK until recently, which may be why she's unfamiliar to many here.

[Cupid Boy2]

Like Lizzie, I saw Carmen in South Pacific, and she was a delight. I also saw her in the Wicked tour as Elphaba, and she was a force with which to be reckoned. I'm really hoping to see Bright Star soon. She's such a treasure. 

I really regret missing her Dot in the Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Sunday in the Park. Did any posters here see it? I imagine her and Jason Danieley must have really been something together.

[mpkie]

I echo your sentiments. Even though I didn't fall in love with Bright Star, part of me still thinks its worth revisiting just to see the wonderful performances (maybe starting at intermission LOL) and Carmen's in particular is worthy of all the praise. It's her Broadway debut. I only knew to watch out for her because of these boards.

Definitely looking forward to seeing what else she might get up to after this show, although I do hope the show sticks around for a bit as I'm quite fond of the cast and wish them all the best. Hopefully we get to keep Carmen here in NYC!

[neonlightsxo]

"How has Broadway not yet made a massive star of her? "

 

Because it's her Broadway debut? Jokes aside, she's truly wonderful in Bright Star, and I hope she's remembered around here long after Bright Star is gone.

[uncageg]

Didn't know that was her in the South Pacific tour. She was wonderful. Really want to see Bright Star again.

[domen28]

I cannot stop thinking about her. I saw Bright Star last Tuesday and am going back next week because she completely blew me away. I didn't love the show itself (the lyrics were awful at times and the plot was too predictable) but I cannot get enough of her. I wish the cast album was out! As soon as the opening number began, I was mesmerized. What a talent. I really hope the show stays open and she gets Tony nominated. I know this season is so competitive that this is likely impossible, but I can't remember the last time I saw a Broadway debut of this caliber. She is utterly magnificent. 

[Call_me_jorge]

I have a question. Since she was doing theatre in England/the west end before she reached the states did she get a British equity card before an AEA card? Or was she there on the exchange program? Or did she come back to the states on the exchange program?

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

She did talk about what brought her to England and what brought her back to the United States when she was on Show People with Paul Wontorek not too long ago...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aOedgsvpZs&list=PL_2Wk1WlmEyQqd_lX9J-RKns1FQXX3N6i&index=142

[10086sunset]

She single handily keeps Bright Star together. 

Her performance is nothing short of captivating. 

[PThespian]

I remember seeing her in the off Broadway production of Carrie and thinking what a talent she was.

[TFMH18]

Very glad to see so many of you agree with me! I just think we are so lucky to finally have her on Broadway and it's almost a shame that this season is SO crowded. I feel like in a different year, maybe the 2012-13 season for example, she would be the ONLY name on everybody's lips. However, because this year is just so jam packed insane, she's still making a splash but not with the same magnitude.

[MarkBearSF]

I remember being blown away by her in the South Pacific tour and immediately googling to see if she was one of "those" Cusacks (no) and what she had done. (Lots of regional and stuff, if I remember correctly). In any event, on occasions where her name comes up, I've been happy to see such positive reports. I look forward to seeing her a lot on my visits to NY over the coming years.

[Bettyboy72]

I adore her. That voice and talent. I've seen her in Wicked, South Pacific and Carrie. Her amazing talents were wasted in Carrie but I was still glad to see her. 

[mailhandler777]

I saw Carmen back in 2008 in Wicked. Amazing then and amazing again in South Pacific. Can't believe this is her Broadway debut. 

[iNick1224]

Carmen has a charisma and a certain "something" that I only see in a handful of performers. I am so glad she is finally being recognized in new material on the great white way -- even though it may not be as good as she is. I saw her in Wicked several years ago and felt she made  the show more important and substantial than it would have been with another actress. She is force of rich talent and I hope we see her more in NY even if the Bright Star projects ends prematurely. 

By the way, does anyone know her age by chance? I know that may be rude but I was curious. 

[TFMH18]

"By the way, does anyone know her age by chance? I know that may be rude but I was curious."

This was literally going to be my next post on this thread. I am so curious and have been unable to find any such information! She is such a versatile actress, particularly in Bright Star playing both 16 and 38 convincingly, I am beyond curious to know-- and apologies if it is a tad rude! 

[JM226]

according to a 2010 LA Times article, she landed her first professional job in 1992 while completing her undergraduate studies at UNT. but she was also a year or two behind when she started at UNT, so it would be safe to assume that she is probably between 43 and 47 years of age. 

[Jshan05]

I agree with everyone's thoughts on Carmen. She was one of the only things in Bright Star that worked well in my book. She was outstanding to say the least. I'm hoping that she gets nominated at least, though I think the Tony is Cynthia's to lose for sure...I can't wait to see what Carmen does next as I'll definitely be keeping my eyes on her!

[TFMH18]

I keep attempting to play out the situation in which she is nominated. Again, in a different year, she would be an absolute shoe-in if not a frontrunner to win the whole thing. However, this year I think the thing working most against her are all the big names, either on their own (Benanti, McDonald, Mueller), or their show (Soo in Hamilton). The only contender who doesn't have name recognition on her side is Erivo, who will be nominated under each and every circumstance. 

Am I correct in assuming the only way Carmen will be nominated is if they opt to include a sixth nominee? Such a shame because I do think she is out-performing some of those aforementioned names, who will be nominated no matter what because of who they are (not to say they aren't deserving as well!). 

[DottieD'Luscia]

I saw her as Mother in a production of Ragtime in Milwaukee 2.5 years ago. She was wonderful.

[Jshan05]

TFMH18 said: "I keep attempting to play out the situation in which she is nominated. Again, in a different year, she would be an absolute shoe-in if not a frontrunner to win the whole thing. However, this year I think the thing working most against her are all the big names, either on their own (Benanti, McDonald, Mueller), or their show (Soo in Hamilton). The only contender who doesn't have name recognition on her side is Erivo, who will be nominated under each and every circumstance. 

Am I correct in assuming the only way Carmen will be nominated is if they opt to include a sixth nominee? Such a shame because I do think she is out-performing some of those aforementioned names, who will be nominated no matter what because of who they are (not to say they aren't deserving as well!). "

 

I completely agree with everything you said, but I've been thinking a lot about this category specifically and I'm wondering about Audra. I caught Shuffle Along prior to the dark week. While she was extraordinary in the part, it felt a little more supporting rather than leading. She's definitely an integral part of the story, but the role itself didn't feel as "leading" as some of the other ladies who'll no doubt be receiving a nomination. Anybody have any thoughts on this? I know her name is the biggest draw in the show, but I'm conflicted on which category I'd place her in...

 

[AC126748]

TFMH18 said: "I am an instant fan but, I have to ashamedly admit, I had never really heard of her prior to this show! How has Broadway not yet made a massive star of her?"

No offense, but I really hate the presumption that someone isn't a "star" until they're working on Broadway. Cusack has managed an immensely successful career for over 20 years, largely in London and through tours and regional theater engagements. She -- like many actors -- is someone who has done very well for herself in theater, but not on Broadway. Broadway is not the be-all and end-all of success in theater. I know that you don't mean anything harmful in your comment, but you might broaden your purview -- being successful and being on Broadway are not always one and the same.

 

[TFMH18]

^Yeah, you're definitely right. I too dislike when people see Broadway as the be all end all. I just meant that I hadn't heard of her myself, which obviously isn't the only barometer of success! It's fantastic that she's been able to have such fruitful achievements on stage without coming to Broadway. More power to her, I am just thrilled she's here now.

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

TFMH18 said: "Am I correct in assuming the only way Carmen will be nominated is if they opt to include a sixth nominee?"

If there is a tie in the nominating process of any of the acting categories, the number of nominees shall be expanded.

 

[TFMH18]

"If there is a tie in the nominating process of any of the acting categories, the number of nominees shall be expanded."

 

Right, let me rephrase. Is there any world in which Cusack could be nominated if there is not a tie?