Alan Cumming: Singing Outside of a Character Would Give Him 'Panic Attacks'

Alan Cumming will soon begin performances of his one man cabaret show at Feinstein's later the month. The New York Post recently sat down with the actor, who is famous for another cabaret role: Cumming starred as the Emcee in the 1998 revival of Cabaret, a role that would prove to be his big break in musical theatre.

When asked why it took him so long to put together a cabaret show, Cumming said he used to dislike singing on his own. "I've always sung within a role before. If you asked me a year and a half ago to stand up and sing a song, I would be having panic attacks. It's great to be really scared of something, and then just do it."

The NY Post also asked the star about his recent departure from the upcoming Broadway musical, SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK. Of the departure, Cumming said, "The "Spider-Man" people couldn't seem to work out that I'd be able to do both [the show and 'The Good Wife.'] So I was, 'All right. Life goes on.'"

To read the full article from the NY Post, click here.

Cumming played the Emcee in the 1998 Broadway revival of CABARET for which he won a Tony, as well as numerous other awards. He had previously played the role in a production at London's Donmar Warehouse theatre, for which he had been nominated for an Olivier Award. Both productions were directed by Sam Mendes. He also recorded the song, "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with Liza Minnelli for the Broadway Cares: Home for the Holidays album in 2001.

Other stage roles have included Otto in the 2001 Broadway production of DESIGN FOR LIVING, Valere in LA BETE, the title role in the 1993 English Touring Theatre's HAMLET and The Madman in the 1990 Royal National Theatre production of ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST for which he won an Olivier Award.

In 2006, Cumming returned to the stage, firstly performing in a revival THE THREEPENNY OPERA opposite Cyndi Lauper. They later performed at the Tony Awards. In late 2006, he appeared in the West End playing the lead role in BENT, a play about homosexuals in Germany under the Nazis. In 2007 he took the lead role in the National Theatre of Scotland's production of THE BACCHAE, which premiéred at the Edinburgh Festival in August, transferring to the Lyric Theatre in London during September. Cumming performed alongside Dianne Wiest in Classic Stage Company's production of THE SEAGULL.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.