Quick Q&A with Alan Cumming

Do you often get asked to do the dance from Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion?
Yes, Jesus Christ, I do. At wedding receptions. I never do it. It’s one of those things I did a million years ago.

You’ve said that you’ve done “808-and-a-half” performances of Cabaret. What was the half?
I banged my head on a light once during a show. I got a concussion and had to go to the hospital at intermission.

Your current show is called “Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs.” Would you consider yourself sappy?
I’m Scottish. We’re an emotional people. Sentimentality isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

How did you wind up in a Jay Z video?
I just got a phone call. I met him at a party, and his friends were saying how much they loved me. Then a few weeks later, I get a call from Jay Z. [laughs] I know. Showbiz.

JAY Z – Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Film from DERTV on Vimeo.

This article appeared in the September 2015 Issue.