Cashmere is big to me because of the tradition in the '80s. When we first became known, we had to beat Cashmere.

She also has a few cashmere sweaters. I didn't have my first until my husband bought me one when I was 28.

At first, because I had only known it from the Broadway show, I didn't care for it much. But when I read it, I saw a totally different show. There's definitely humor in it. Sondheim envisioned it as a small, dark claustrophobic story. But the producer said he was going to produce it his way, which was a huge musical with 40 people in cast. But the story doesn't lend itself to big dance numbers. It's a very focused Victorian melodrama. That's what I'm shooting for.

When someone who is known for being comedic does something straight, it' s always "a big breakthrough" or a "radical departure." Why is it no one ever says that if a straight actor does comedy? Are they presuming comedy is easier?

Remember when you used to watch TV in the Sixties and you'd see Perry Como in a cashmere sweater? That's what rock'n'roll is becoming. It's your parents' music.

There was a little trepidation on my part [at first], but when he called me, there was no trepidation, ... It made it a lot easier on me.