Tony Award-winning actress Cady Huffman is excited to lend her immense talent, infectious sense of humor, and unwavering passion for her craft to the longest running play in American theatre history – Shear Madness! The ultimate in mystery and intrigue, the play invites audiences to use their imagination and detective skills and play along in this interactive game to solve the classic crime of whodunit. StageBuddy had the chance to chat with Huffman about her delight in joining the New York cast of Shear Madness, her Tony win for The Producers, and why creativity will always have a place in the ever-changing entertainment industry.

How does it feel to be joining the cast of the longest-running play in American theatre history? What can audiences expect from your role?

Can you believe it’s been running for 36 years!? I’m not even 36 years old! 😉 The history is rich and fascinating and I get to work with the creators. Who ever gets that combo? The New York cast is wonderful! I couldn’t be happier.

Upper East Side Mrs. Shubert probably wishes she hadn’t decided to slum it on the West Side that day. Or is that her diversionary tactic? What’s her angle? You’ll just have to come and see!

What factors do you think contribute to Shear Madness running for as long as it has?

It is flippin’ fun! The audience is absolutely the 7th member of the cast. You can see it over and over and never see the same show twice.

Murder mysteries have been a popular genre for decades. What makes Shear Madness stand out from the rest?

The improvisational foundation of Shear Madness means that it can stay absolutely current and topical. It never gets a chance to go stale. And this New York cast is EXPERT at keeping it fresh. I don’t know a funnier more committed group of comedians.

You’ve had such a long-standing career in film, television, and on Broadway. Can you talk a little bit about the biggest changes you have witnessed in the entertainment industry over that time? What is your hope for its future in terms of continued innovation and reaching new audiences?

This is a huge question! I’ve seen so many changes. Mostly that mirror the state of the world’s economy right now. The rich get richer and the rest of us are scrambling. And that means we have to be more creative. I think there’s wonderful theater/TV/film being produced right now. But you have to be willing to suffer along with all your friends. Which, if you must, ain’t as bad as it could be.

Looking back on your Tony win for The Producers, what was the most gratifying part of that recognition and what will you always cherish about this legendary musical?

It changed my life. I cherish the people and the extraordinary experience.

This year’s Tony Awards proved that theater has become so much more than just a form of entertainment – it has become a vehicle for change and acceptance. Do you have an experience that attests to just how powerful the theater and arts community is when it comes to changing the world?

Every day I see theater touching people and teaching acceptance. Our community is alive and active and some of the most generous people on the planet. The Tony Awards this year was a perfect example. I LOVED IT!

Just for fun, in thinking about the setting of this comedy, have you been the victim of a bad haircut and how did you deal?

So many! However, every bad cut or color choice has been mine. I love changing my hair. It would be different every day if it could be. I’m pretty creative with hats and bows and other diversionary tactics. Hey! I used that phrase twice! Perhaps Mrs. Shubert and I have more in common than I’m willing to admit.