Performer Francine Cain’s risque new role
Performer Francine Cain was shocked by a risque Sarah Michelle Gellar when she was a teen. Now, she’s closing the circle in Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical.
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Who Francine Cain, 35.
Where A two-bedroom rental in Prahran, Melbourne, with my husband, David Denton. We’ve only been married for a couple of months.
Favourite room Our living room. I adore the vibe. We love to pop on a vinyl and pour a drink and hang out with friends. It’s so fun and cosy.
Inspiration I’m a maximalist for sure. I adore colour, print and quirky items.
Home is A place I can express myself as well as unwind or entertain in.
As an impressionable teen, Francine Cain can remember being shocked by cult film Cruel Intentions and its plot of revenge and sexual liberation.
“I remember watching the film and being in complete shock by how scandalous it was,” she says. “I was also a big Buffy fan as a kid and I couldn’t believe the role Sarah Michelle Gellar played and how raunchy it all was.”
That was back in 1999.
Now 23 years later, the performer is playing naive Cecile (originally played by Selma Blair), in the stage version Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical, and it’s she who gets caught up in manipulative Kathryn’s (Gellar’s role) seductive web.
“She’s not the brightest bulb in the tanning bed and she has an equally naive yet controlling mother and yearns to be her own person,” Francine adds.
Like her character in the musical, Francine’s goal this year is to take more risks. After having a break from acting for a few years, the Helpmann Award-nominated performer, who recently got married, says she’s loving her first role back on stage and it’s made her realise how much she missed it.
“Oh, where to begin, telling stories, music, the audiences. Live theatre is just so exciting and exhilarating,” she says.
Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical is now showing in Melbourne, and moves to Sydney on June 30, Brisbane on July 27 and Adelaide in September 8.
POLAROID TOILET ROLL HOLDER
This is something that everyone always comments on when they visit. I think it is so cool.
GRAPHIC ARTWORK
I’m inspired by artistic colourful homes. My husband’s (very talented) cousin made us these cute prints of us.
M & M DISPENSER
I teach private acting on the side (Francine Cain Studios) and my students get a handful of skittles after their lesson.
SAGE AND CLARE CUSHION
This Sage & Clare cushion was the last item we got when renovating and brings the whole room together. The colours make me so happy.
ALFIE THE BUNNY
Our very cranky but sweet rescue bun that we’ve had for three years. Performing for you bunny in a two-bedroom apartment just ain’t the same feeling (as the stage)!
NEON SIGN
I love a mix of contemporary and retro items. This was a wedding gift from our bridesmaid and best friend Bridget.
HEART LOCKET
This was my Mum’s. I took a break from the industry in 2019 after my Mum had an incident and was hospitalised. She passed away seven months ago suddenly and my Dad gave me this necklace of hers that I wear almost everyday.
FLOWERS IN VASE
These Everbloome flowers were given to me from a friend when we postponed our wedding the first time (we postponed four times) and the Lovestar vase was my gift to Dave on our five-year anniversary, the night he proposed.
Pictures: Eugene Hyland
Originally published as Performer Francine Cain’s risque new role
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