Interview: Kennedy Jackson of MRS. DOUBTFIRE at Orpheum Theatre
Kennedy is a little bit city and a little bit country.
Kennedy Jackson, debuting as Wanda Sellner in the second National Tour of MRS. DOUBTFIRE the Musical at the Orpheum Theatre in Omaha, spoke with me about her experiences with the show and growing up in New York and rural South Carolina.
Kennedy, who is Wanda Sellner?
Wanda Sellner is a social worker and court liaison. She makes sure that Daniel can have custody of his children. She is a pillar in the chaos. She is so fun and is close to home for me. My grandmother was a social worker for years. She is a character close to my heart and I hope that I’m doing her justice.
Do you feel you are taking on some of your grandmother’s personality?
Definitely. At times I think, “Ooh, that’s something that my grandmother would have done.”
It sounds like you were really close to your grandmother and great grandmother.
Yes. My great grandmother came from the generation at the end of slavery. She had her own land and house. She was the pillar of our family. She encouraged me to follow my dreams and achieve an education. I feel like I am the fruits of her labor. When I see Monarch butterflies, I think of her.
Who is Kennedy?
I was born in Rockville Center, New York and raised in Trenton, South Carolina which is where my grandmother lives and my great grandmother lived until she passed away in 2020. I find I share both qualities of a city girl and a country girl, that I get to go back and forth. It's one thing I'm embracing in my adulthood.
I went to South Carolina School of the Arts. My college training was at University of North Carolina School of the Arts. The arts have been in my life since I was a little girl. My town was sports heavy, but there were a lot of artistic opportunities for me in that small town. There was a drama club at Strom Thurmond High School. I fell in love with theatre. I was in community theatre at the age of nine. My mom auditioned with me for Hairspray and got the role of a Dynamite. Every night I would go to rehearsal and the director noticed that I was there and asked my mother if I wanted to be a detention kid.
Now I travel the country with the national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire, which is a blessing and a coming full circle for me. I’m able to see my mentors along the way. I’m so grateful.
What makes Mrs. Doubtfire a show that is a favorite for families?
It is based on a classic movie. It interests all ages from five to seventy-five by incorporating pop culture today as well references from the past, specifically with Daniel playing an older woman. We have four kids in the show who alternate every night. They are so sweet! I feel they are inspiring the little kids out there. It is a beautiful family bringing awareness to different kinds of families.
It must feel like traveling with family.
We do have that family dynamic. We take care of each other. When anybody needs anything, we are there for them. It is beautiful watching the kids grow up. They are having the best time on tour! We love the parents in the show. They make sure they take care of us, too.
Do you have a favorite moment from the show?
My favorite moment from the musical is the nightmare. One of the songs that I sing, “Playing With Fire,” is so fun, very campy. There are a lot of crazy things that happen in the dream. My other favorite is the loop machine where Daniel creates his own song. I’m excited for the audience to experience that first hand!
MRS. DOUBTFIRE will run Tuesday, May 12 through Sunday, May 17. Tickets are available online and at the box office.
Videos