How Catherine Russell, of ‘Perfect Crime,' Spends Her Sundays

For nearly four decades, an indomitable presence on the Off Broadway stage has been Catherine Russell, who performs murder eight times weekly in the gripping thriller Perfect Crime. As of 2023, Russell has delivered over 15,000 performances as a wealthy psychiatrist in New York City’s longest-running play. Remarkably, she has only missed four shows early in the run for her siblings’ weddings.

Driven by coffee and Snickers bars, Russell is known for her extraordinary stamina, capable of 180 Marine push-ups without pausing. A Christian Scientist, she abstains from smoking and drinking, crediting her faith for her endurance. In addition to acting, she manages the Theater Center in Times Square, teaches English and acting classes, and is involved in a $10 million project to convert a garage into multiple Off Broadway theaters.

She begins her day with her array of rescue pets, regularly visits Hudson Bagel for her usual order, and attends Christian Science services which serve as a touchstone in her life. Her routine includes teaching an acting class before heading onto the stage for performances, where she finds new energy from each audience, making every show distinct.

Russell juggles management duties at several shows and a restaurant, maintaining a hands-on approach by running the box office and addressing operations personally. The evening concludes with the day’s second performance, where Russell immerses herself yet again into the role, energized by the intimate audience reactions distinctive to each night.

Returning home post-performance, she indulges in a quiet slice of pizza, her favorite routine before settling down for rest. Her days are filled with dynamic activity, balancing varied responsibilities from the theater to management with unwavering passion, proving work hard, sleep well as her guiding principle.