Was the original "Miss Mona" on Broadway in "The Best Little Whorehouse
in Texas", in a production co-directed by her husband Peter Masterson and dancer Tommy Tune. Carlin won the Tony and Theatre World awards, in addition to London's Laurence Olivier Award.
Won Broadway's 1979 Tony Award as Best Actress (Featured Role -
Musical) for "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas."
She was awarded the 1988 Joseph Jefferson Award for Actress in a Principal Role in a Musical for "Pal Joey", at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
She was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actress in
a Musical in 1982 (1981 season) for her role in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas".
Taught acting at Columbia University.
With a musical background, she also studied drama with the Actors'
Studio.
Made her stage debut in a musical production of "Gigi" (playing the
title ingénue) at the Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas.