Carmen Cusack

Carmen Cusack
Carmen Cusack at 2016 Theatre World Awards (photo: Robert Armin)
Born	1971/72 Denver, Colorado
Spouse(s)	Paul Telfer

Carmen Cusack (born Denver, Colorado) 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, as well as for originating the role of Alice Murphy in the Broadway musical, Bright Star. Cusack's performance was highly praised and earned her a Tony Award nomination and a 2016 Theatre World Award for her Broadway debut.

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 actor Paul Telfer.

After completing university, she 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. She appeared in the Off-Broadway revival of Carrie: The Musical as the gym teacher, Ms. Gardner.

Cusack later 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 October 2007. Her role as standby was taken over by Jennifer DiNoia.