Patti Cohenour

Patti Cohenour is an American actress and singer born on October 17, 1952, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she later graduated from Valley High School. Her Broadway career spanned from 1981 to 2005, encompassing originated roles, starring engagements, and standby and alternate positions across a range of musicals.

Cohenour originated the role of Rosa Bud in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, a credit she reprised in the London production as well. She also created the role of Mary Jane in Big River and originated the role of Mother Abbess in the Broadway revival of The Sound of Music. Earlier in her career she served as understudy for the role of Nora in A Doll's Life.

Her association with The Phantom of the Opera was extensive. She served as the original alternate for Sarah Brightman in the role of Christine Daaé and subsequently replaced Brightman in the part, performing opposite Timothy Nolen, who was both the first baritone and the only bass-baritone to play the Phantom on Broadway. Cohenour also performed the role of Christine opposite Colm Wilkinson in the Toronto production. Additional Broadway credits include The Pirates of Penzance and appearances in The Light in the Piazza, in which she played Signora Naccarelli and also served as alternate for Victoria Clark in the leading role of Margaret Johnson. Most recently, she was the standby for Elizabeth Arden in War Paint, a position she held during both the pre-Broadway run and the Broadway engagement.

Beyond Broadway, Cohenour accumulated a substantial body of regional and concert work. At the New York Shakespeare Festival she played Mimi in La Bohème and Isabel/Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance. At the 5th Avenue Theatre she appeared in Hal Prince's production of Show Boat as Magnolia, and took on roles in Sunday in the Park with George, The Most Happy Fella, 1776, and The Secret Garden. Her concert credits include Sweet Adeline for Encores!, and her stage work extends to productions of The Wizard of Oz, The Taming of the Shrew at Syracuse Stage, and engagements at the Seattle Repertory Theatre.

Cohenour's recordings include the album To an Isle in the Water, produced by Grammy winner Thomas Z. Shepard and conducted by Paul Gemignani. Her honors include a Tony nomination, two Drama Desk nominations, the Clarence Derwent Award, and a Theatre World Award received in 1985.