Mary Martin Memorabilia Presented to SOUTH PACIFIC National Tour Star Carmen Cusack

Carmen Cusack, who stars in the national tour of the Lincoln Center Theater production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific as Nellie Forbush, received a wonderful gift from the family of the late Mary Martin, who originated the role in the original 1949 Broadway production of South Pacific.

Martin's grandson, Preston Hagman, presented Cusack with a signed photo of Mary Martin that featured an inscription from Preston's father, Dallas star (and Martin's son), Larry Hagman. Preston Hagman and Cusack met on Sunday, November 15 backstage at the Belk Theater when South Pacific wrapped up its sold out week-long engagement in Charlotte, NC.

The inscription on the photo read, "Carmen Cusack... From Mary Martin's Little Boy... Larry Hagman." Carmen said it was a lovely moment for her to make a connection with the family of the legendary Martin.

Mary Martin created such iconic roles on Broadway as Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, Maria in The Sound of Music, and the title role in Peter Pan.

Carmen Cusack has graced the stage in some of theater's most renowned roles including Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, Fantine in Les Misérables, Elphaba in Wicked, and now Nellie Forbush in South Pacific.

A photo featuring Cusack and Hagman with the autographed picture can be found at BlumenthalCenter.org/media. Please credit the photo to Daniel Coston.

For more information on the Lincoln Center Theater production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific, please visit www.SouthPacificOnTour.com.

ABOUT THE BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center serves the Carolinas as a leading cultural, entertainment and education provider. For more information, call (704) 372-1000 or visit BlumenthalCenter.org. The Center receives operating support from the Arts & Science Council and the North Carolina Arts Council. The Center is also supported through the generous aid of its sponsors, including U.S. Airways, Official Airline of Blumenthal Performing Arts Center; Presbyterian Hospital, the preferred healthcare provider for the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center; and Duke Energy, sponsor of the Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series.