Favorably reviewed on these pages for her stirring cabaret performances at The Metropolitan Room in Chelsea and Don’t Tell Mama in The Theatre District, the word on Erin Cross is that she is spreading her wings.
Equally adept as an actor and a singer, and deeply committed to her award-winning private and Middle School music students, she has become an essential artist in regional and community-oriented work in New York’s Hudson Valley, where she makes her home with her husband Darrin and teenage son Jacob.
Most notably, she recently brought her talents and professionalism to a standing-room-only run of performances in the star vehicle role of Martha in Edward Albee’s harrowing WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF, the character made famous by Elizabeth Taylor’s Oscar-winning performance in Mike Nichols’ 1966 film.

Q ON STAGE caught up with her to find out the details.
QOS:
So. Really? Martha? Wow! How did that come about? We thought you were a singer...
EC:
I know, I know (with a laugh)! Music is certainly my first love, but it’s not my only love!! (coy wink) But seriously...Think about it – to really sing a song from the heart and put it over to the listener, you have to interpret it, and interpretation is acting. So, all of my singing lessons and performances in music have helped form me as an actor. But I have also studied acting separately, and intensively, for some time.
QOS:
And why Martha?
EC:
I’m so glad you asked! It’s something I’ve been waiting for and dying to do! It’s really a dream part, with a huge emotional and psychological range. And Edward Albee’s writing...well...it doesn’t get much better than that... I enjoyed playing the young girl parts – who wouldn’t – but they never really challenged me as an actor or gave me the opportunity to go full out. So, I’m looking at Martha as the start of a new phase in my development. I’m measuring out the mature leading ladies of Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, and yes, Shakespeare, with an eye to performing them and further developing this aspect of my work.
QOS:
Got it! You’re very busy as a teacher as well as a Wife and Mom. Do you find that keeping a busy performing schedule causes any sort of conflict?
EC:
Not at all, actually, quite the contrary! I get to demonstrate for my students in real time what I’m teaching them, and having that responsibility also keeps my work technically pure. My son is an accomplished sportsman, and we have deep talks about achieving excellence in sports and in The Arts – the similarities between them - ideas of personal best, discipline, the importance of practice, you name it, there’s a lot of common ground. And, last but far from least... My husband’s picture is next to the definition of emotional support in my dictionary, so I am truly blessed!
QOS:
Between performing, teaching, and family, your life is very full. What’s your ambition for the future?
EC:
Well, that’s constantly evolving! Martha was a game-changer for me, so I have some real work ahead of me to build on that both artistically and professionally. Of course I need to really prepare for presenting myself in the great Geraldine Page/Colleen Dewhurst type roles, but what it boils down to, really, and to say it simply, I want to do my best in whatever is placed before me to do. And that involves reaching the audience with the playwright’s and composer’s message...continuing to be an example for my son and my students...taking private time with my husband...everything...
What more can I say?
QOS: Whatever you have to say in the future, I’m sure we’ll all be listening!

NOTE:
Erin has established a strong presence in the worlds of philanthropy and women’s rights, and of course as an LGBTQ ally. Having viewed a rehearsal tape of her Martha, I can say that she exceeded all my expectations, high as they were.

Here is my mini-review:
In an evening of fine performances, the revelation was the Martha offered by Erin Cross. Well-known and respected regionally for her musical performances, her finely detailed, gripping portrayal of this tragic anti-heroine came as a welcome and astonishing surprise. Easily skirting every cliché associated with this character, she delivered a Martha who was not a woman in ruins, lying to shield herself from the truth, but a beautiful woman teetering on the edge of ruin, slowly being destroyed by grief. This was a Martha for the books and Erin Cross is an artist to watch!

Next up:
On February 4th, Erin will be the lead singer for Jim Kirk’s production at the beautiful, state-of-the-art, Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center: A NIGHT ON BROADWAY will benefit BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE: Adaptive Sports For Children With Disabilities. Tickets at Sugarloaftix.com Follow Erin on Facebook and Instagram for news as it happens!!