Scottish actor and singer Alan Cumming has been a household name in the United States for over 20 years. First appearing on screens stateside in the film Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, he went on to gain millions of fans through his appearances on the stage (in Shakespeare plays as well as the musical Cabaret), on the silver screen (the X-Men franchise) and on the small screen in The Good Wife, and now as the host of the super popular “The Traitors.”.
Spend an intimate evening with the entertainer Time magazine called “one of the three most fun people in show business,” as Alan Cumming: Uncut comes to The Parker as part of the Broadway Concert Series on Saturday, April 6 at 8pm.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Alan Cumming just a couple weeks before his performance for this exclusive Hotspots interview.
At what age did you begin performing?
I guess when I was a little boy, I played a lot on my own and I started acting. It was through imagination rather than interaction.
What was your first big break in Show Business?
Before I left drama school, I was cast on a soap opera when I was 21, and then I never stopped working, so I am not sure I had a big break.
At what point did you know performing would be your career?
From the beginning, as I really had no plan b. I am so lucky that things went well from the word go.
Before we get into your upcoming show at Parker, I need to find out how you got the job on The Traitors, and did you expect it to be as popular as it has become?
They just asked me. I didn’t understand why they wanted me to do it as I had never hosted a competition show before. Once I took the meeting, I knew why they wanted me as they wanted that character I play. I really enjoy it but I didn’t realize it would be as huge as it has become.
What do you like best about The Traitors?
I love the fact that I am in this castle with these people, and they are slowly becoming more obsessed, and paranoid. However, they do have the right to be paranoid as there are people trying to murder them.
Who were you favorite players from season 1 and from season 2 and why?
Cire was a brilliant player, she played incredible. I also love Kate…she is so hilarious, but so terrible. I really admired Pilot Pete in season 2, but then he blew it. I also grew very fond of CT; he is a lovely person.
How did you go about selecting the songs for your show “Uncut”?
In a variety of ways, some are the songs I want to sing and then there are themes around most of the other songs. I have a folder in my Spotify with songs that tickle my fancy. I don’t really have a system, it’s very instinctual.
What else can audiences expect from Uncut?
It’s a show about me and a piano with my musical director and it’s about being an outsider. It’s songs from my life, and how to be authentic in who you are. I try and weave the stories organically through the songs. It’s a musical story telling of being an outsider and how you fit in. This is a new show and its nerve racking, but I am exciting about performing it.
Which do you find most rewarding: singing or acting?
I love all the different hinges I do, but I really enjoy the cabaret shows as I can be vulnerable and personal to the audiences; I love the connection. If I had to choose, I would choose acting in the theater and cabaret shows.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Oh god no!
What do you do for fun?
I love seeing my friends, going to the theater, and engaging with people. So much of my time is about my job, so I really enjoy having my time with my close family and friends. I also enjoy disconnecting and being in the woods.
What does the future hold for Alan Cumming?
It holds lots of fun for me, I hope. More shows, The Traitors again and I have a movie coming up soon. I will also spend a lot more time in Scotland. I just think more of the same, I really like my life.
For more information about Alan Cumming, visit alancumming.com. To Purchase tickets for Alan Cumming Uncut at the Parker Playhouse on Saturday, April 6, go to Parkerplayhouse.com.
