Christine Cornish Smith discusses Chicago & Not Wasting Time Dwelling on Rejections!
Christine Cornish Smith!
By. Kevin Ray Johnson (Staff Writer for OnStage Blog)
I would like you to meet Christine Cornish Smith. Christine is currently performing in the revival of Chicago on Broadway as Hunyak and a Cover for Velma Kelly. She has also performed on Broadway in the revivals of Cats (Where she received a Chita Rivera Award Nomination), KissMe, Kate, and My Fair Lady. Other credits include - The National Tour of Joseph...Dreamcoat, and regionally with The MUNY, Goodspeed Opera, and Riverside Theater. She has also been a guest vocalist with the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony, and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. I have been a fan of Christine for years and can say that she is a true triple threat that makes every show she is a part of better and then some. I am very grateful to feature Christine in this series!
How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?
Oh man, is it cliché to say I always knew? I originally wanted to be a dancer only, then got very intense in the ballet world until an injury caused me to have to stop at 15. I think it was then that I broadened my horizons a bit and I knew wanted to do musical theater!
Where did you study? Are there any mentors who helped you become the amazing performer you are today?
Oh yes! I would never be where I am today without all of the incredible teachers and mentors, I have been lucky to know along the journey. I went to college at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music earning a BFA in musical theater. Too many teachers to name but actually, my middle school drama teacher was a big influence when I was younger and continues to be to this day! Since moving to the city, I’ve been lucky enough to have many older castmates and coworkers help show me the ropes and have given me so many tools to continue to navigate this career.
Chicago is one of the longest-running musicals ever! How does it feel to perform in such a celebrated musical on Broadway and how has your journey been with the show?
Oh, it is a dream. I had been auditioning for the show for almost 9 years when I finally booked the show in 2021. I had always made it to the end but it was never the right timing. I am, in hindsight, so grateful that my journey with Chicago started just last year because I don’t think I would have had the appreciation for it way back when. I also think this being my fourth Broadway show is also helpful, so I feel like I am coming into the show with experience, while also constantly learning about all the layers and depth that this show has. I just love it.
Are there any shows, moments, or performances in your career that stick out and will always be near and dear to your heart?
Ooo! Well, the first thing that comes to mind is getting the chance to play Laurey in Oklahoma at this big outdoor theater called The Muny. It was the Susan Stroman version, where Laurey also did her own dream ballet. I had grown up watching the London production (with Hugh Jackman) that they filmed and it was always my dream to be able to dance that choreography while also getting the chance to play the role and sing/speak in such a complex role. So that was cool! Another moment that sticks out is when I was doing the CATS revival- they had a reunion show where almost half the audience were former CATS cast members and it was just such a surreal night. To feel that legacy and generational passing of the baton was so beautiful. It reminded me that each role and show is so much bigger than any one person, and the community aspect of theater is truly my favorite part of it all.
What advice would you give any aspiring artist who wants a career in the performing arts?
Always be a student! Be kind! And don’t waste time dwelling on rejections. Rejection is part of the biz. The second you are spending time being sad about a rejection- another opportunity might be passing you by! Also- be open-minded to what a career in theater and the arts can be. There is truly no “right” route… any order of events is perfectly unique to your own journey. The bravery it takes to embark on a life as an artist is something worth celebrating and being proud of!
Chicago is currently running on Broadway at The Ambassador Theatre. For more information please visit -https://chicagothemusical.com/; and to learn more about Christine, make sure you visit her official website at -http://christinecornishsmith.com