What's Up, Alan Cumming? The Tony Winner Dishes About His New CD

Broadway audiences fell in love with Alan Cumming a decade ago when he gave a blazing, Tony-winning performance as the Emcee in Cabaret. Since then, Cumming’s career has included movies (X2, The Anniversary Party), TV (The L Word), theater (The Bacchae), and even an eponymous men’s fragrance line. Most recently, the Scottish-born actor drew raves for his solo concert I Bought a Blue Car Today (named for a sentence he had to write during his test to become a U.S. citizen), which has morphed into an appealingly eclectic CD on the new Yellow Sound Label. On the eve of his record’s release, Cumming paused while grocery shopping to check in with Broadway.com.

You’ve collected 14 memorable—and very different—songs on your new CD. How did you pick them?
It’s a kaleidoscope of things I like. Each has something that resonates with me. I wanted to do songs that I could act and that would connect with an audience.

There are a few cheeky songs here, but many more that are seriously romantic.
People have told me they’re surprised at how many sentimental, romantic songs I included. I think I am quite a sentimental person!

You’ve got theater songs, a Sinatra classic [“That’s Life”], a song by your Threepenny Opera co-star Cyndi Lauper [“Shine”]…
I didn't want to do a show with just Broadway songs. I do one from Chess [“Where I Want to Be”], one from Cabaret [“Mein Herr”], one from Falsettos [“What More Can I Say”] and a medley from Hedwig [“Wig in a Box/Wicked Little Town”], and that’s it. I also have a Dolly Parton tribute!

Did Natasha Richardson get to see you perform “Mein Herr”?
No, she didn’t. I did a few performances at Lincoln Center before she died. I dedicate the song to her when I do it.

What did you enjoy about performing a solo show?
I love to chat with the audience; I’m not a big fourth wall person. I used to do standup comedy, which helped my acting, and now I think my acting has helped me as a singer. The first time I did the show in New York, the sense of achievement was immense.

What’s happening with Spider-Man? [Cumming is set to play the Green Goblin in Turn Off the Dark].
It seems to be back on track. They’re calling me about costume fittings, and they’re back in the theater doing work. I’m excited to play a villain; it’s more interesting to be bad. Hang on, I’m in Whole Foods...I don’t need a bag.

Do people approach you in a place like Whole Foods?
Yeah, and I usually pretend to be on the telephone when I go there to avoid that sort of thing.

What are you recognized for most?
It really varies. I used to play a game trying to figure out what it would be. I’d think, “Oh he’s going to be an X-Men person” or “She’s going to be a Spy Kids person,” and then they’d say, “Oh, I loved you in Titus” or some little film that I thought nobody had ever seen.

You just got back from London, where you performed I Bought a Blue Car Today with bleached hair. Are you still blond?
That’s so last week! I’m back to being brunette.