I couldn’t have asked for a better opener for this interview.
I spoke with Alan Cumming about you last month, he told a couple, adorable stories about you. One was about your sweet tooth and one about you mistakenly sending muf- fins and congratulations to a funeral… Now’s your chance to share one about him! I don’t even know where to begin, because
there are so many stories. Alan is such a naturally positive person and always handles himself with grace. I’ve never ever seen him lose his crap. I know it’s in there, because he is a professional and sometimes we have to stand strong. But I’ve enjoyed watching him handle all kinds of situations. We’ve hosted the Tony’s together, done movies together, though we haven’t yet shared a Broadway show together, which by
I can’t really pick a favorite, because I’ve done
both and I love them both for different reasons. Solo work is fun because I’m not hinged on a roll, I get to pick the material and the show can go in any direction at any time. I can put in new songs, music I haven’t done in a long time and I can try things out. It’s easy to shift in and out because I’m at the helm. I don’t have to check in with anybody and say, “What do you think if we try this?” Having said that, if you look at the work I’ve
done, especially on television, it’s been largely ensemble shows. I was lucky enough to be on West Wing in the last two seasons—that was a huge ensemble cast with major stars. To be a part of such an incredible show and one as strong
I still remember the day my mom dropped me
off for kindergarten. I’ve always been pretty little in stature and remember feeling incredibly small and her saying to me, “You look pretty and you’re going to do just great.” I remember thinking in that moment that I had a choice. I could cry and say, “Don’t leave me here,” or turn around, smile and go head on into the class. I chose option B. Another was when Charlie Brown happened
[on Broadway]. It was a moment in my career that will never happen in that way again and was a first of many things. It was a part that I got to create in such a big way. It was the first of a first of a first and a pivotal moment in my career and in my life.
Singing at my grandmother’s funeral was
another big moment. Knowing that’s what she wanted and not wanting to do it—I didn’t sing really well—but I’m so glad I did it because I know she really wanted it. If you let them, those situations make you stronger. Getting to be a part of such a special show like Pushing Daises was another. It was like nothing I’d ever read before and it was certainly beautiful to look at. I was so proud to be a part of it and went to work so happy everyday to be there. I don’t remember a bad day. I remember long days, but never, ever, ever a bad day and just being happy.
the way... That needs to happen. And, yes, I’m saying it here first! One thing about Alan, this is probably really inappropriate, but, he’s such an owner of his mistakes. He has a tattoo he got when he was with a guy for a couple of months—it’s not really a significant story—other than he owns his mistakes and owns them with a smile and a laugh. It’s a great example to remember, cause I can get myself worked up into a tizzy about mistakes. But, I just look at his example. I mean, who can laugh at having a tattoo on their butt, of someone they were only with for a couple of months... But Alan! (Laughs) I’ve chatted with several other people you have collaborated with, Matthew Morrison, Cheyenne Jackson, Jane Lynch and Lea Michele; all mentioned having enjoyed working with you. I’m curious; do you prefer solo work or ensemble performance?
Being inducted into the Hollywood Bowl
at the end as it was at the beginning. Glee, even though I was a recurring guest star, Pushing Daisies with Lee [Pace], Anna [Friel], Chi [McBride],
Ellen [Greene] Swoosie [Kurtz] and I, or GCB, such an ensemble of strong women—I feel lucky. I’ve always said I love ensemble work, if the part fits me then I’m going to love it. If you had to name five performers that you haven’t sung with, who would they be? Definitely at the top of the list is Dolly Parton,
for sure Bernadette Peters, Adele and Little Big Town. Recently, I sang with Sandi Patty, she’s a big idol of mine, so I can cross that one off my list. Though I hope we do more together. If you had to name five, pivotal moments in your life that informed who you would become, what would they be?
Hall of Fame was a big moment, as well. I sort of got to begin my concert career there. To be acknowledged by such a distinguished group, with the beautiful LA Phil and being honored by people I respect so much was a big one. Oh yeah... Every time I get to go the White House, that’s pretty cool, too! I never understood why Pushing Daisies didn’t last. Thank you for that, I don’t know why either. It did fall in the middle of a writers strike and I don’t think that helped us. We developed a cult following, but I think it was ahead of its time. It was a great heartbreak to see it go away. It’s been nearly two years since we last chatted and you’re even busier. How do you keep yourself focused, number one and number two, healthy? I don’t always succeed and it’s a constant challenge for me. One of the people I admire
MARCH 2016 | RAGE monthly 19
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