After graduating from Auburn, Courtney Cook moved to New York and LA, appearing in off-Broadway shows as well as several TV series. But a few years ago, she moved back to Birmingham, where she’s continued her theatrical work. Next up for her are two different types of performances – a cabaret show this weekend and the comedy “Dearly Departed” in April – both at Homewood Theatre. Here, Cook talks about her cabaret and how it’s different from (and the same as) the other shows she’s known for.
Tell me a little about yourself.
I grew up in Hoover and went to Shades Valley High School. I went to Auburn and got a degree in communications and a minor in music.
Can you tell me about your acting career, both in Alabama and elsewhere?
I did my first theatrical production in Birmingham at Summerfest back in the ‘90s. Not long afterward I moved to New York. I studied acting there and did a lot of way-off Broadway plays. Then I began doing regional theater, both musicals and plays, in Kentucky, Vermont and Pennsylvania. When I started doing on-camera work, mostly short films and commercials, I loved it and decided to move to Los Angeles. In LA I was fortunate to book roles on “Parks and Recreation,” “American Crime Story” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” I also wrote a short film, called “The Bed Bug Thing,” that was part of Sidewalk Film Festival! I moved back to Alabama about two-and-a-half years ago. Since then, I’ve loved becoming involved in the wonderful theater scene here. I’ve done several shows at Homewood Theatre and was in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at Virginia Samford Theatre last summer.
What’s your first memory of being onstage?
I was an elf in a Christmas play in fifth grade.
Tell me about the cabaret. How did it come up?
I did cabaret in both New York and LA. I had mentioned to Kyle Bass, the executive director of Homewood Theatre, that I was interested in doing a show there. Jan Hunter came to Kyle with the idea of putting up a series of shows for Cabaret Month in March. Kyle knew I had a show, and they asked me if I was interested in doing my show for the series and I said, “yes!”
What can people expect in the show?
People can expect a fun evening of stories and music! I have a great band – Carolyn Violi on piano and music directing, Joe Cooley on drums and Collin Zuckerman on guitar. We’ll play a variety of genres, including some rock tunes, country, songs written for cabaret, pop, musical theater and jazz. The stories are about the connections and chance meetings in my life that bring me to standing on the stage that night, starting all the way back at Town & Gown Theatre!
How does putting together a cabaret show compare to prepping for a role on stage or screen?
For me, putting together a cabaret show is completely different from preparing for a stage or screen role. First of all, the scripts for theater and screen are already written. For cabaret, the performer creates the show. Also, my show is my story, so there’s no character to develop. However, there are acting choices to make for the songs. What I love about cabaret is the connection with the audience. I interact with the audience a lot and there’s some preparation needed for that. The preparation that is the same for cabaret, stage and sometimes screen, is getting prepared physically, and doing voice work. I start getting my voice in shape months before a show.
What’s a favorite role you’ve played or show you’ve been in?
My top two favorite roles I’ve played are the Baroness in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at VST, and Haley in “Bad Dates,” a one-woman play. Another favorite show I was in is “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.”
What’s a performance on stage or screen that sticks out to you as an audience member?
I was so fortunate to have seen the original cast of “Wicked” on Broadway. I’ll never forget Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel’s performances of “Popular.” It’s one of my favorite memories and experiences in theater.
Any great advice you’ve been given by a director or anyone else about being on stage?
Have fun! If you have fun, the audience will, too. Also, make sure to project – the audience paid to hear you say those words.
Tell me about a time something went wrong on stage.
In my very first professional theater job we were doing a farce. My scene partner and I were supposed to enter and surprise the two characters on stage. During one performance we entered about two pages early. They were very surprised!
Tell me something people might be surprised to know about you.
I backpacked part of the Pacific Crest Trail in California.
What’s the last TV series you binged?
“Hacks.”
What’s next for you?
We just started rehearsals for “Dearly Departed” at Homewood Theatre that will run April 3-13. I’m also going to be in “Big River” at VST this summer. Between rehearsals and performances, you can find me cuddling with my rescue pup, Molly, or doing some home renovations!
Courtney Cook’s cabaret show, March 8 at Homewood Theatre; also, “Dearly Departed,” April 3-13 at Homewood Theatre.
