She’s belted her way through SIX, Rent, Pretty Woman and Kinky Boots — and now she’s taking the wheel in the final chapter of Alicia Keys’ smash-hit, semi-autobiographical mega-musical, Hell’s Kitchen. But how do you sum up a journey that’s taken her from standby to leading role — stepping into the spotlight after stars like Shoshana Bean and Jessica Vosk?
In this exclusive conversation direct from her New York home, we talk stepping into “the hardest role” of her life, the pure joy of going full throttle with a “loud and high” character like Jersey, and why stretching her voice and emotional bandwidth eight shows a week is something she’s leaning into — even when it’s tough!
We talk the musical’s deep connection with young women, why “Pawn It All” is the moment she gets to completely “unleash” every night, and what it meant to receive validation from actual Alicia Keys — including that now-iconic curtain-call performance together — in a true full-circle moment.
Plus, we celebrate the power of swings and standbys, the importance of being honest about when your instrument isn’t at its best and why sharing the stage with co-stars like Ne-Yo and Yolanda Adams meant everything.
And those backstage guests? Patti LaBelle? Michelle Obama? Shania Twain? Dionne Warwick? Susan Sarandon? Cynthia Erivo? Casual.
Host: William J Connolly
Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell
hellskitchen.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>She’s belted her way through SIX, Rent, Pretty Woman and Kinky Boots — and now she’s taking the wheel in the final chapter of Alicia Keys’ smash-hit, semi-autobiographical mega-musical, Hell’s Kitchen. But how do you sum up a journey that’s taken her from standby to leading role — stepping into the spotlight after stars like Shoshana Bean and Jessica Vosk?

In this exclusive conversation direct from her New York home, we talk stepping into “the hardest role” of her life, the pure joy of going full throttle with a “loud and high” character like Jersey, and why stretching her voice and emotional bandwidth eight shows a week is something she’s leaning into — even when it’s tough!

We talk the musical’s deep connection with young women, why “Pawn It All” is the moment she gets to completely “unleash” every night, and what it meant to receive validation from actual Alicia Keys — including that now-iconic curtain-call performance together — in a true full-circle moment.

Plus, we celebrate the power of swings and standbys, the importance of being honest about when your instrument isn’t at its best and why sharing the stage with co-stars like Ne-Yo and Yolanda Adams meant everything.

And those backstage guests? Patti LaBelle? Michelle Obama? Shania Twain? Dionne Warwick? Susan Sarandon? Cynthia Erivo? Casual.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

hellskitchen.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

Kelsee Kimmel

She’s belted her way through SIX, Rent, Pretty Woman and Kinky Boots — and now she’s taking the wheel in the final chapter of Alicia Keys’ smash-hit, semi-autobiographical mega-musical, Hell’s Kitchen. But how do you sum up a journey that’s taken her from standby to leading role — stepping into the spotlight after stars like Shoshana Bean and Jessica Vosk?

In this exclusive conversation direct from her New York home, we talk stepping into “the hardest role” of her life, the pure joy of going full throttle with a “loud and high” character like Jersey, and why stretching her voice and emotional bandwidth eight shows a week is something she’s leaning into — even when it’s tough!

We talk the musical’s deep connection with young women, why “Pawn It All” is the moment she gets to completely “unleash” every night, and what it meant to receive validation from actual Alicia Keys — including that now-iconic curtain-call performance together — in a true full-circle moment.

Plus, we celebrate the power of swings and standbys, the importance of being honest about when your instrument isn’t at its best and why sharing the stage with co-stars like Ne-Yo and Yolanda Adams meant everything.

And those backstage guests? Patti LaBelle? Michelle Obama? Shania Twain? Dionne Warwick? Susan Sarandon? Cynthia Erivo? Casual.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

hellskitchen.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S12 Ep6: Kelsee Kimmel

For this Olivier winner and Tony nominee, theatre isn’t a career choice — it’s survival. It’s the place that held her when nothing else could, the place that quite literally saved her. From her time outside theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue to seeing her own face illuminated above their very doors, it’s a career of absolute dedication to her craft matched with a showering of recognition from both industry and audiences alike. And now, as she steps into a new world – a kinder and more generous one to her soul, albeit still putting her work first – she takes to the stage in the premiere of High Noon, opposite the Billy Crudup. In this exclusive conversation, she opens up about becoming Amy in Thea Sharrock and Eric Roth’s new play High Noon — the power of inhabiting a character not driven by trauma, grounding herself in peace, and finding her voice again through singing for the first time in 30 years. We also return to her seismic performance as Emma in People, Places and Things — “the work of my life,” in her own words — and why theatre will always be a place of profound healing for her. Plus, how she draws inspiration from the fearless brilliance of industry peers like now Oscar-nominee, Jessie Buckley. And in a raw, breathtaking final moment, she shares how the nightly ritual of live theatre “continues to save my life daily.” The Gough Theatre? We should all be so honoured.
Host: William J Connolly
Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell
highnoontheplay.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>For this Olivier winner and Tony nominee, theatre isn’t a career choice — it’s survival. It’s the place that held her when nothing else could, the place that quite literally saved her.From her time outside theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue to seeing her own face illuminated above their very doors, it’s a career of absolute dedication to her craft matched with a showering of recognition from both industry and audiences alike.And now, as she steps into a new world – a kinder and more generous one to her soul, albeit still putting her work first – she takes to the stage in the premiere of High Noon, opposite the Billy Crudup.In this exclusive conversation, she opens up about becoming Amy in Thea Sharrock and Eric Roth’s new play High Noon — the power of inhabiting a character not driven by trauma, grounding herself in peace, and finding her voice again through singing for the first time in 30 years.We also return to her seismic performance as Emma in People, Places and Things — “the work of my life,” in her own words — and why theatre will always be a place of profound healing for her. Plus, how she draws inspiration from the fearless brilliance of industry peers like now Oscar-nominee, Jessie Buckley.And in a raw, breathtaking final moment, she shares how the nightly ritual of live theatre “continues to save my life daily.”The Gough Theatre? We should all be so honoured.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

highnoontheplay.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

Denise Gough

For this Olivier winner and Tony nominee, theatre isn’t a career choice — it’s survival. It’s the place that held her when nothing else could, the place that quite literally saved her.From her time outside theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue to seeing her own face illuminated above their very doors, it’s a career of absolute dedication to her craft matched with a showering of recognition from both industry and audiences alike.And now, as she steps into a new world – a kinder and more generous one to her soul, albeit still putting her work first – she takes to the stage in the premiere of High Noon, opposite the Billy Crudup.In this exclusive conversation, she opens up about becoming Amy in Thea Sharrock and Eric Roth’s new play High Noon — the power of inhabiting a character not driven by trauma, grounding herself in peace, and finding her voice again through singing for the first time in 30 years.We also return to her seismic performance as Emma in People, Places and Things — “the work of my life,” in her own words — and why theatre will always be a place of profound healing for her. Plus, how she draws inspiration from the fearless brilliance of industry peers like now Oscar-nominee, Jessie Buckley.And in a raw, breathtaking final moment, she shares how the nightly ritual of live theatre “continues to save my life daily.”The Gough Theatre? We should all be so honoured.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

highnoontheplay.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S12 Ep5: Denise Gough

As Titanique marks its milestone first anniversary in London’s West End and Broadway sets sail this Spring, the Olivier-winning director and co-writer invites us inside his brilliantly unhinged mind to reveal how his love for the ultimate Canadian music icon helped build a global theatrical phenomenon.
We dive into the show’s key development stages — from cut songs and jokes that didn’t survive the final draft to the iconic leading ladies who’ve steered the production around the world — and why no two performances aboard the Ship of Dreams are ever the same.
He also unpacks the joyful chaos of the improv section, shares some of his favourite outrageous moments from the original Céline and co-creator Marla Mindelle, and explains why “punching up” is essential when making a show of this style — including how Titanique always honours the lives lost on the infamous ship.
Plus: how a bottle of wine and a “what if?” launched Broadway dreams, the alternate titles that nearly happened, and what he thinks Céline herself would make of it all.
Note: This episode was recorded before the announcement of Titanique setting sail on Broadway this Spring.
Host: William J Connolly
Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell
titaniquemusical.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>As Titanique marks its milestone first anniversary in London’s West End and Broadway sets sail this Spring, the Olivier-winning director and co-writer invites us inside his brilliantly unhinged mind to reveal how his love for the ultimate Canadian music icon helped build a global theatrical phenomenon.

We dive into the show’s key development stages — from cut songs and jokes that didn’t survive the final draft to the iconic leading ladies who’ve steered the production around the world — and why no two performances aboard the Ship of Dreams are ever the same.

He also unpacks the joyful chaos of the improv section, shares some of his favourite outrageous moments from the original Céline and co-creator Marla Mindelle, and explains why “punching up” is essential when making a show of this style — including how Titanique always honours the lives lost on the infamous ship.

Plus: how a bottle of wine and a “what if?” launched Broadway dreams, the alternate titles that nearly happened, and what he thinks Céline herself would make of it all.

Note: This episode was recorded before the announcement of Titanique setting sail on Broadway this Spring.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

titaniquemusical.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

Celine F**king Dion.

As Titanique marks its milestone first anniversary in London’s West End and Broadway sets sail this Spring, the Olivier-winning director and co-writer invites us inside his brilliantly unhinged mind to reveal how his love for the ultimate Canadian music icon helped build a global theatrical phenomenon.

We dive into the show’s key development stages — from cut songs and jokes that didn’t survive the final draft to the iconic leading ladies who’ve steered the production around the world — and why no two performances aboard the Ship of Dreams are ever the same.

He also unpacks the joyful chaos of the improv section, shares some of his favourite outrageous moments from the original Céline and co-creator Marla Mindelle, and explains why “punching up” is essential when making a show of this style — including how Titanique always honours the lives lost on the infamous ship.

Plus: how a bottle of wine and a “what if?” launched Broadway dreams, the alternate titles that nearly happened, and what he thinks Céline herself would make of it all.

Note: This episode was recorded before the announcement of Titanique setting sail on Broadway this Spring.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

titaniquemusical.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S12 Ep4: Tye Blue

Meet one of Australia’s finest leading ladies taking on the title role in the UK and Ireland’s touring production of Mary Poppins, reprising her practically perfect role having been lauded with praise for her portrayal down under. 
We dive into the welcomed pressures of continuing the legacy of “absolute queen” Julie Andrews, fast approaching 1,000 performers globally and why nothing can compare the feeling of taking flight at the end of each performance and seeing small audience members smiling back - and maybe some rather tearful parents, too! Plus we there’s good in everyone, as Mary is determined to teach each and every show. 
Playing the most famous nanny in history? “A perfect, wonderful experience!”
Spit, spot! 
Host: William J Connolly
Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell
marypoppins.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>Meet one of Australia’s finest leading ladies taking on the title role in the UK and Ireland’s touring production of Mary Poppins, reprising her practically perfect role having been lauded with praise for her portrayal down under. 

We dive into the welcomed pressures of continuing the legacy of “absolute queen” Julie Andrews, fast approaching 1,000 performers globally and why nothing can compare the feeling of taking flight at the end of each performance and seeing small audience members smiling back - and maybe some rather tearful parents, too! Plus we there’s good in everyone, as Mary is determined to teach each and every show. 

Playing the most famous nanny in history? “A perfect, wonderful experience!”

Spit, spot! 

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

marypoppins.co.uk
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

Mary Poppins.

Meet one of Australia’s finest leading ladies taking on the title role in the UK and Ireland’s touring production of Mary Poppins, reprising her practically perfect role having been lauded with praise for her portrayal down under. 

We dive into the welcomed pressures of continuing the legacy of “absolute queen” Julie Andrews, fast approaching 1,000 performers globally and why nothing can compare the feeling of taking flight at the end of each performance and seeing small audience members smiling back - and maybe some rather tearful parents, too! Plus we there’s good in everyone, as Mary is determined to teach each and every show. 

Playing the most famous nanny in history? “A perfect, wonderful experience!”

Spit, spot! 

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

marypoppins.co.uk
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S12 Ep3: Stefanie Jones

Meet the Olivier and Tony-winning genius director and choreographer turning his hand to the official stage adaptation of 50 First Dates: The Musical – which is now playing a limited run at The Other Palace in London.
Host: William J Connolly
Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell
theotherpalace.co.uk/50-first-dates-the-musical Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>Meet the Olivier and Tony-winning genius director and choreographer turning his hand to the official stage adaptation of 50 First Dates: The Musical – which is now playing a limited run at The Other Palace in London.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

theotherpalace.co.uk/50-first-dates-the-musical
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

50 First Dates: The Musical. The Book of Mormon. Mean Girls.

Meet the Olivier and Tony-winning genius director and  choreographer turning his hand to the official stage adaptation of 50 First Dates: The Musical – which is now playing a limited run at The Other Palace in London.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

theotherpalace.co.uk/50-first-dates-the-musical
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S12 Ep2: Casey Nicholaw

The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in the arts. 
Hosted by William J Connolly
elevenpodcast.com
@elevenPodcast

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