Carmen Cusack

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American actress

title: "Carmen Cusack" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["living-people", "american-musical-theatre-actresses", "actresses-from-denver", "university-of-north-texas-college-of-music-alumni", "21st-century-american-actresses", "21st-century-american-singers", "21st-century-american-women-singers", "1971-births", "theatre-world-award-winners"] description: "American actress" topic_path: "arts" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmen_Cusack" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary American actress ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox person"]

FieldValue
imageCarmen Cusack at 2016 Theatre World Awards.jpg
captionCusack at the 2016 Theatre World Awards
nameCarmen Cusack
birth_date
birth_placeDenver, Colorado, U.S.
educationUniversity of North Texas
occupation
years_active1994-present
spouse
::

| image = Carmen Cusack at 2016 Theatre World Awards.jpg | image_size = | caption = Cusack at the 2016 Theatre World Awards | name = Carmen Cusack | birth_date = | birth_place = Denver, Colorado, U.S. | education = University of North Texas | occupation = | years_active = 1994-present | spouse =

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 and graduated with a performing arts degree. She trained in opera, ballet, jazz and tap. Cusack is married to Scottish actor Paul Telfer.

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.

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. 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.

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. For this role Cusack was nominated for the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Non Resident Production.

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.

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

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.

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. The musical played at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, through the end of March 2015.

Cusack portrayed Clare Boothe Luce in the new musical Flying Over Sunset, directed by James Lapine. 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. The production opened on December 13, 2021 and closed on January 16, 2022. Cuscack's performance earned her a second nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.

In July 2022, Cusack starred as Mrs. Lovett in The Muny production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. She will star as Annie Savoy in the musical adaptation of Bull Durham, which will open in October 2025 at the Paper Mill Playhouse.

''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. 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. For her performance, Cusack won a Theatre World Award. She also received nominations for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actress in a Musical, the Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance, and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical. Cusack reprised the role of Alice during the musical's North American tour stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City.

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. In 2019, Cusack was cast as a series regular on NBC's Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist. On August 27, 2019, it was announced that Lauren Graham had replaced Cusack on the show in the role of Joan.

Selected Stage credits

::data[format=table]

YearTitleRoleNotes
1994The Phantom of the OperaChristine DaaeNational Tour, West End Production
1995Les MiserablesFantineUK National Tour and West End Production
2000PersonalsKimApollo Theatre, West End Production
2001The Secret GardenRoseAldwych Theatre, West End Production
2003Les MiserablesFantineWest End
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
2022Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet StreetMrs. LovettThe Muny, St. Louis
2025Three Summers of LincolnMary Todd LincolnLa Jolla Playhouse
2025Bull DurhamAnnie SavoyPaper Mill Playhouse
::

Awards and nominations

::data[format=table]

YearAwardCategoryNominated workResult
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
Drama Desk AwardOutstanding Actress in a Musical
Drama League AwardDistinguished Performance
Outer Critics Circle AwardOutstanding Actress in a Musical
Theatre World Award
2017Grammy AwardBest Musical Theater Album
2022Outer Critics Circle AwardOutstanding Actress in a MusicalFlying Over Sunset
Tony AwardBest Actress in a Musical
::

References

References

  1. DeLeón, Jessica. (2016-09-30). "Alumna Makes Her Mark on Broadway".
  2. "Carmen Cusack Bio".
  3. Spaner, Whitney. (2016-05-08). "Meet the Man Who Stopped Carmen Cusack From Giving Up Theatre".
  4. Millward, Tom. (2016-06-02). "Interview with Bright Star's Carmen Cusack".
  5. Gans, Andrew. (2007-11-12). "''Wicked'' Tour Has New Leading Witches".
  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"], Playbill.com; accessed May 11, 2022.
  7. 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".
  8. "Carmen Cusack Biography".
  9. Jones, Kenneth. (2011-02-28). "Gavin Lee, Arena's ''Oklahoma!'', Signature's ''Sycamore Trees'', Phylicia Rashad Are Helen Hayes Nominees in DC".
  10. Hetrick, Adam. (2011-11-21). "MCC Theater Announces Complete Cast for Revamped Revival of ''Carrie''".
  11. Hetrick, Adam. (2012-03-23). "''Carrie'' Dies Sooner Than Expected; Revival to Close April 8 Off-Broadway".
  12. Fischer, Mike. (2013-09-22). "Milwaukee Rep's soaring 'Ragtime' makes sweet music".
  13. Denette, Kelsey. (2012-08-08). "Jason Danieley, Carmen Cusack to Lead Chicago Shakespeare Theater's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE".
  14. (2012-09-17). "Photos: Jason Danieley, Carmen Cusack and CST's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Perform at Art Institute of Chicago!".
  15. Houlihan, Mary. (2015-02-19). "''First Wives Club'' Musical Attacks 'Dumb Girl Culture' With Motown Hits".
  16. (2015-03-11). "Broadway-Bound THE FIRST WIVES CLUB, Starring Carmen Cusack, Faith Prince and Christine Sherrill, Opens Tonight in Chicago".
  17. (August 20, 2019). "Tripping on Broadway: A New Musical Explores LSD Use by Cary Grant and More". The New York Times.
  18. Gans, Andrew. (2021-05-12). "Lincoln Center Theater's ''Flying Over Sunset'' Will Open This Fall; ''Intimate Apparel'' Sets 2022 Dates".
  19. (2021-12-14). "Photos: FLYING OVER SUNSET Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway".
  20. (2022-01-05). "FLYING OVER SUNSET to End Broadway Run Early; Final Performance January 16".
  21. Lang, Brent. (2022-05-09). "Tony Awards 2022: 'A Strange Loop,' 'MJ,' 'Paradise Square' Dominate Nominations".
  22. Henry, Alan. (2022-04-21). "Ben Davis, Carmen Cusack, & Robert Cuccioli Will Lead SWEENEY TODD At The Muny".
  23. (2025-09-25). "See Carmen Cusack and the Cast of ''Bull Durham'' Perform 'The Church of Baseball'".
  24. Pogrebin, Robin. (2016-04-27). "Carmen Cusack Puts 'Her Pain and Her Joy' Into a Leading Broadway Role". The New York Times.
  25. (2015-10-20). "Breaking News: Carmen Cusack to Make Broadway Debut in Steve Martin & Edie Brickell's BRIGHT STAR; Dates Set!".
  26. Gans, Andrew. (2016-05-02). "Theatre World Awards Announce 2016 Winners".
  27. (2016-05-03). "2016 Tony Awards Nominations - HAMILTON Breaks Record with 16! And the Nominees Are...".
  28. Viagas, Robert. (2016-04-19). "2016 Outer Critics Circle Nominees Announced".
  29. Rosky, Nicole. (2016-04-20). "SHE LOVES ME, HAMILTON, THE CRUCIBLE & More Earn 2016 Drama League Nominations; Check Out the Full List!".
  30. (2016-04-28). "The 2016 Drama Desk Nominations- SHE LOVES ME, AMERICAN PSYCHO & BRIGHT STAR Lead!".
  31. (2017-07-24). "Carmen Cusack to Return for BRIGHT STAR at the Ahmanson This Fall".
  32. (2017-09-14). "Carmen Cusack to Reprise Role in BRIGHT STAR at the Curran".
  33. McPhee, Ryan. (2017-11-07). "Why Carmen Cusack Ultimately Decided to Reprise Her ''Bright Star'' Role".
  34. Gans, Andrew. (2018-10-26). "Tony Nominee Carmen Cusack Lands Role Opposite Tom Hanks in Fred Rogers Film".
  35. Petski, Denise. (2019-03-22). "'Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist' Casts Carmen Cusack; Elizabeth Cappuccino Joins 'neXT'".
  36. (27 August 2019). "''Gilmore Girls'' Vet Lauren Graham Sets ''Extraordinary'' TV Return at NBC".
  37. [https://lajollaplayhouse.org/show/3-summers-of-lincoln/ La Jolla Playhouse 3 Summers of Lincoln]
  38. (2016-05-03). "Tony Awards Nominations: Complete List".
  39. Cox, Gordon. (2016-04-28). "Drama Desk Nominations: 'She Loves Me,' 'American Psycho' Earn Most Nods (FULL LIST)".
  40. Gans, Andrew. (2016-05-20). "Zachary Levi and Megan Hilty Host 82nd Annual Drama League Awards Today".
  41. Gordon, David. (2016-05-09). "Cynthia Erivo, Danny Burstein, Steve Martin, and More Win 2016 Outer Critics Circle Awards".
  42. BWW, Team. (2022-04-26). "THE LEHMAN TRILOGY, HARMONY & KIMBERLY AKIMBO Lead Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations".
  43. Culwell-Block, Logan. (May 9, 2022). "2022 Tony Award Nominations: ''A Strange Loop'', ''MJ'', ''Paradise Square'' Lead the Pack".

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living-peopleamerican-musical-theatre-actressesactresses-from-denveruniversity-of-north-texas-college-of-music-alumni21st-century-american-actresses21st-century-american-singers21st-century-american-women-singers1971-birthstheatre-world-award-winners