Tari Kelly is an American theater actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Countess Lily in the first national tour of Anastasia.
Tari Kelly | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Alma mater | Madison East High School, DePaul University, University of Wisconsin |
| Occupation | Musical theatre actress |
Education and career
editTari Kelly attended Madison East High School in Madison, Wisconsin.[1] She took dance lessons at Virginia Davis School of Dance[2] and began acting in shows in her local community theater, performing in shows, including Annie.[1] She discovered she had a passion for theater when she landed the lead in her high school music, The Boyfriend.[3] After graduating high school, she attended DePaul University's acting conservatory but transferred a year later to the University of Wisconsin to dance and sing as well.[1] While in Wisconsin, Kelly acted in many production at the regional Fireside Theatre.[2]
Kelly made her Broadway debut in 1994 with Show Boat as a swing and understudy for Lottie, Ellie, and Dottie.[4] Following her debut, she joined the national tours of Beauty and the Beast and Show Boat.[5] In 2003, she returned to Broadway to play in the ensemble and a member of the Trio in The Boy from Oz.[4] A year later, she landed the lead role of Audrey in the Little Shop of Horrors national tour, which she calls her favorite role.[3] In 2007, she played Mama Who in Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, which starred Patrick Page,[6] and played Sally Bowles in the Cabaret national tour a year later.[7] From 2011 to 2012, Kelly join Broadway's Anything Goes as a passenger and a replacement/understudy for various roles,[4] and in 2015 to 2016, she joined the world premiere of Something Rotten! on Broadway as a member of the ensemble.[5] In her most recent Broadway role, Kelly played Mrs. Cleveland and the Piano Teacher in Groundhog Day.[4] In 2018, she opened the Anastasia first North American tour as Countess Lily.[8] She portrays Mrs. White, the perpetual widow, in the 2024 national tour of Clue: On Stage.[9][10]
References
edit- ^ a b c Stanton, Angie. "BWW Feature: Broadway Actress Comes Home to Madison in ANASTASIA". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
- ^ a b Journal, CLAIRE BITNER For the State. "Broadway star with Madison roots brings "Anastasia" to Overture stage". madison.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
- ^ a b Strain, Kathy. "BWW Interview: Chatting with Tari Kelly as Countess Lily in ANASTASIA on Tour". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
- ^ a b c d "Tari Kelly". Playbill. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
- ^ a b "Tari Kelly theatre profile". www.abouttheartists.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
- ^ Brockman, Craig. "BWW TV: Transforming Patrick Page Into The Grinch". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
- ^ BWW News Desk. "Tari Kelly Stars in 'Cabaret' at 5th Ave Theatre". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
- ^ Road, TV-On the. "BWW TV: The Journey Continues! ANASTASIA Cast Helps National Tour Company Hit the Road!". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.
- ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (January 31, 2024). "Meet the Suspects: See Who's Starring in the Upcoming National Tour of Clue". Playbill.com. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ "Cast & Creative". Clue Live Onstage. Retrieved June 20, 2024.