INTERVIEW: Tony winner Cady Huffman on returning to a ‘formidable’ role
Photo: Cady Huffman will star in a concert version of Marguerite, Friday, March 28, as part of Prospect Musicals’ Ignite Concert Festival. Photo courtesy of artist / Provided by Jorgensen PR with permission.
Cady Huffman, a beloved actor in musical theater and Tony Award winner for The Producers, is returning to the New York stage for a one-night-only concert of the show Marguerite, which finds her portraying Marguerite Bourgeoys, Canada’s first female saint. This special presentation will take place Friday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m., as part of Prospect Musicals’ Ignite Concert Festival, now in residency at the Baruch Performing Arts Center.
Huffman actually originated the title role in Marguerite five years ago, and now she’s back for a return engagement. The show features book and lyrics by Anton Dudley and music by Michael Cooper. The narrative, according to press notes, centers on Bourgeoys’ journey to bring liberated women to North America, which would eventually help build the city of Montreal. Dev Bondarin directs the concert staging.
Recently Huffman exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox. Her credits include everything from the original The Producers to The Will Rogers Follies, The Nance and Chicago. She was also seen in Steel Pier, Dame Edna: The Royal Tour and La Cage Aux Folles. Her TV work is extensive, with roles on Blue Bloods, Palm Royale and Curb Your Enthusiasm, among others. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What first attracted you to this role and this musical?
Well, I was asked. It’s always great to be thought of and not have to audition! Also, I had never done a one-woman musical, and it seemed like such a challenge. I was right. Having Anton and Michael’s belief in me has been invaluable. They look at me as if, “Of course you’re going to knock this out of the park!” And some of my insecurities drop away. What a gift!
Had you known about about Marguerite before working on this show?
Not at all. Though I am a fan of another 17th-century nun (Sor Juana Inez De La Cruz) and thought it might be about her! They were building formidable women back then.
Has the show changed a lot over the past few years? How does it feel to return to the project?
It hasn’t changed much, but I have. That’s the wonderful thing about revisiting roles as the years go by. I have had many more experiences, and they definitely inform how I react to Marguerite.
How is it singing Anton and Michael’s songs?
It’s a challenge and a joy. It’s fun to see them smile when I sing.
What lessons do you feel we can learn from Marguerite’s story?
Oh boy, so many. The world has been through so much since we did the show in 2019. She is so confident in her faith and that truth and love will win out. I think she’s right.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Marguerite, a concert version starring Cady Huffman, will be performed Friday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m., as part of Prospect Musicals’ Ignite Concert Festival. The performance takes place at the Baruch Performing Arts Center. Click here for more information and tickets.
