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Tony-nominated Broadway actress Catherine Cox joins Gulfshore Playhouse in a guest turn in the musical comedy “Married Alive!” which opens March 27 at the Norris Center. The four-person play stars Cox as Diane, wife of Ron, played by Stephen Berger, who also boasts Broadway credits which include Neil Simon’s “Little Me,” and “The Pajama Game,” as well as to television roles on “Law & Order.”

In the ’80s, Cox starred in the original “Baby,” in “Oh, Coward!” and “Rumors.” In 1984, Cox added a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical to her credits.

Kristen Coury, founder and artistic director of Gulfshore Playhouse, best describes the play on the company’s Web site:

“Experience life from Niagara to Viagra in this satirical musical reflection on the trials of marriage in modern America lampooning every subject from new babies to empty nests, job stress, sex and everything in between. Sprinkled with moments of honest tenderness and bittersweet sentiment, the show follows the triumphs and joys, trials and challenges of contemporary marriage. Two couples, the wide-eyed newlyweds and the seasoned ‘oldyweds,’ take you on the journey of a lifetime.”

The play, written by Sean Grennan with music by Leah Okimoto, is the Gulfshore Playhouse final production for this season.

In anticipation of Cox’s arrival for the Naples premiere, the Daily News chatted with her about her career.

Daily News: How were you recruited for your role in “Married Alive!”

Catherine Cox: The managing director, John Pike, with whom I have worked in the past, suggested me for the role. Gulfshore Playhouse called and offered the part, and I was happy to accept. I usually don’t do too much out of town, I have my family in New York, but this was an exciting opportunity. Kristen Coury has a good reputation, also having worked for Lark Theatre Company, and I wanted to support her efforts to bring quality live theater to her corner of the world. I also know two other cast members, Steve Berger who plays my husband, and Brian Cooper, the second husband.

DN: How do you play Diane?

CC: Well, first of all, the play is totally absurd and outrageous. I can go way out to the ends of comedy and then pull it back. I can make the role relate to the human condition. It works.

DN: What’s your theater background?

CC: I was the daughter of a Lutheran minister in Ohio and sang in church. My mom was also a singer who was offered a scholarship to Julliard but turned it down to raise her family. I really came up by the seat of my pants — I had a natural feel and talent for music and did most of my training in New York. I went to a cattle call given by Broadway director George Abbott and got the role. That showed me I had what it took to make it.

DN: Six years ago, in the musical “Footloose,” you played Ethel McCormack, a mother who had to work through some heavy grief while offering support to her son. What did you bring of your own experiences to that role?

CC: Basically, in theater, you are not required to play too much outside of your own experiences. I have two wonderful sons in college. I didn’t start having kids until I was 30 years old, so I had time to grow into the role of motherhood and transfer some of those experiences to the theater.

DN: In 1988, in “Wonderful Town,” you played the leading lady, “Ruth,” a role once performed by Rosalind Russell in the film version and later in the Broadway musical. Was it a daunting task to fill her shoes?

CC: First, the music keys were written too low for me. However, I have a great range and just kept it as it was. It helped that I had a background that was not ensconced in theater. Second, I knew that Russell was a legend but really did not grasp how big a star she really was. I just brought to it what I wanted to bring. That’s the fun. You bring yourself and let it out.

DN: You also have television credits, which include “The Cosby Show,” “Law & Order” and “The Guiding Light.” Any interesting anecdotes from those experiences?

CC: Cosby was a joy to work with: He was very nice. I had a role in one of his segments where I had to shoot baskets. I am 5 feet 9 inches and had some skills in that area. I could twirl a basketball on my fingertips and knew a few other tricks. Cosby came onto the court and gave me some pointers, showing me how to throw the ball over my shoulder. He was a lot of fun.

DN: Of film, television and theater, what genre do you prefer?

CC: The theater is where I belong naturally in this, the second half of my professional life.

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Contact Jean Amodea at jean@entertainmentdirect.org