BACKSTAGE BLOG: Catching Up With Carmen Cusack

by Brendan
Lemon

Brendan Lemon: Before doing Nellie Forbush in this tour of South Pacific, had you ever appeared in a Rodgers and Hammerstein show before?

Carmen Cusack: No, I have never appeared in a Rodgers and Hammerstein show before. Although I have known and loved their music since I was little.

BL: Where did you grow up and when did
you start performing?

CC: I grew up mainly in Houston, Texas.
I started singing solos for church at age 5.

BL: Where did you study music and
acting?

CC: I started learning music and acting
in high school and competed in both. I then went on to major in opera at University of North Texas.

BL: What was your first professional
role?

CC: My first role was the prostitute
part -- she had a name but I can't remember it -- in "Can-Can" at Casa Mañana theatre in Fort Worth, Texas.

BL: Have you toured with a show before?
How do you stay healthy on the road?

CC: Yes, I have toured many a show but
I would say my most challenging role on tour would be Elphaba in "Wicked." At the sign of a tickle in the throat I took zinc and vitamin C, ate lots of healthy food, drank lots of water, steamed, and tried to rest as much as possible.

BL: What was the first time you saw
South Pacific onstage?

CC: I first saw South Pacific at the National Theatre in London. It was directed by Trevor Nunn. I remember thinking that the part of Nellie looked a ton of fun!

BL: How does this production of "South
Pacific" compare with the other versions of the show you've seen?

CC: My most recent viewing of "South
Pacific" was at Lincoln Center in NYC. It floored me. It was so different from my previous experience. Director Bartlett Sher really brought out the interesting shades of the piece and gave the story so much more depth.

BL: Can you compare Nellie to any of
the other major roles you've done?

CC: I cannot compare Nellie to anything
else I have done so far. It is not at all like any other part I have played. I am still pinching myself that I get to play her!

BL: How do you keep Nellie from being
too much of a knucklehead?

CC: Well, I don't really see Nellie as
a "knucklehead" at all. I see her as fun, warm, and spiky at times.
She is a product of her environment but she is not dim. She is forced to face her prejudices and becomes enlightened by love.

For more photos go to our South Pacific on tour Facebook Page.

END