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Kelli James

Birth Place: Council Bluffs, IA, USA

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BIO

Kelli James is a talented actress known for her work on Broadway, television, and film. She was born and raised in New York City and developed a love for the performing arts at a young age. Her passion for acting led her to attend the prestigious Juilliard School, where she honed her skills and graduated with a degree in drama.
After graduating from Juilliard, James made her Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning musical "The Lion King." She played the role of Nala and received critical acclaim for her performance. Her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence made her a standout in the production, and she quickly became a fan favorite.
Following her success in "The Lion King," James went on to appear in several other Broadway productions. She played the role of Mimi in "Rent," and received rave reviews for her portrayal of the troubled and complex character. She also appeared in the Tony Award-winning revival of "Hair," and showcased her impressive singing and dancing abilities in the production.
In addition to her work on Broadway, James has also made a name for herself on television. She has appeared in several popular shows, including "Law & Order: SVU," "Blue Bloods," and "The Blacklist." She has also had recurring roles on "The Good Wife" and "Madam Secretary," and has been praised for her versatility and range as an actress.
James has also made a name for herself in the world of film. She has appeared in several independent films, including "The Last Five Years" and "Hello Again." Her performances in these films have been praised for their emotional depth and authenticity, and she has proven herself to be a talented and versatile actress both on stage and on screen.

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1987
Eponine [Replacement]

Whore

Young Girl

Eponine (Understudy)

Gavroche (Understudy)


Awards and Nominations


winner
The Lortels - 1987 - Outstanding Play

James, The Common Pursuit

News


The Bridge Initiative Announces BUILDING BRIDGES @ ASU KERR

The Bridge Initiative has announced Building Bridges @ ASU Kerr, a new collaboration of twice-monthly offerings from October 2021 through May 2022. This two-pronged series centers community conversation using theatre as the lens to interrogate our world and relationships to each other. 
Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Stanley Join THE STARS OF BROADWAY SHINE ON THE DEAEF 20th Anniversary Benefit

The Drug Enforcement Administration Educational Foundation has announced new additions to its 20th Anniversary virtual benefit “The Stars of Broadway Shine on the DEAEF” premiering on Thursday, March 25 at 8 PM ET.
AT THIS PERFORMANCE... Celebrates Its 16th Anniversary and Returns To The Green Room 42

AT THIS PERFORMANCEa?? celebrates its 16th anniversary and returns to The Green Room 42 featuring Standbys and Understudies from Moulin Rouge; Ain't Too Proud; Broadway Bounty Hunter; Frozen; Kiss Me, Kate; Be More Chill; Alice By Heart; School Of Rock; and Bandstand on Monday, October 7th at 7pm.
AT THIS PERFORMANCE... Returns To The Green Room 42; Lineup Announced!

AT THIS PERFORMANCEa?? returns to The Green Room 42 featuring Standbys and Understudies from AIN'T TOO PROUD; BROADWAY BOUNTY HUNTER; WICKED; KISS ME KATE; BE MORE CHILL; A STRANGE LOOP and ANASTASIA on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH at 7 PM.
AT THIS PERFORMANCE...Returns to The Green Room 42

AT THIS PERFORMANCEa?? returns to The Green Room 42 featuring Standbys and Understudies from AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS; THE PROM; BE MORE CHILL; OKLAHOMA!; CHICAGO; BEETLEJUICE; KISS ME KATE and AVENUE Q on MONDAY, AUGUST 5TH at 7 PM.
AT THIS PERFORMANCE... Announces June 3rd Lineup At The Green Room 42

Stephen DeAngelis continues his ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys, Understudies and Alternates with its next edition of AT THIS PERFORMANCE… to be held on Monday, June 3rd at The Green Room 42, Green Fig, Fourth Floor, Yotel NYC, 570 Tenth Avenue (at 42nd Street), New York, NY 10036 at 7 PM. Hosted by series Producing Artistic Director and Casting Director Stephen DeAngelis, the popular series allows performers to showcase their versatility and share anecdotes about their experiences.
Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre Announces Tenth Anniversary Premiere Of 13 THE MUSICAL

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre (DST) announces the premiere of "13 the Musical" on Friday, February 23 at 7:30 p.m. at their new 219 seat state-of-art theatre venue at Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. The theatre will commemorate the tenth anniversary since the musical debuted on Broadway in 2008 with a special after party event that will be held directly after the premiere, providing audience members with the opportunity to go on stage to mix and mingle with the cast and enjoy light snacks.
Review: Youth Participants in the Award-Winning Y.E.S. Program Shine in A WINTER'S TALE Musical

Led by Director/Musical Director/Costume Designer Anne Gesling, along with Choreographer Lauren Blair, the Y.E.S. musical production for November/December 2017 was A WINTER'S TALE, and I can tell you these two talented women worked miracles with a cast of 39 young performers already at the triple-threat status. As a former secondary teacher, I can honestly say that I have never seen such a talented group of young performers work together as the members of this group do, with not one of them breaking the fourth wall or character, all the while keeping their accents authentic with their harmonious singing always in tune and dancing perfectly in step and always presented with enthusiastic joy.
Vote For the 2017 BroadwayWorld Phoenix Awards; Just One Week Left!

The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.
Vote For the 2017 BroadwayWorld Phoenix Awards; Just Two Weeks Left!

The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.
Vote For the 2017 BroadwayWorld Phoenix Awards; BILLY ELLIOT Leads Best Musical!

The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.
Vote For the 2017 BroadwayWorld Phoenix Awards; TARZAN Leads Best Musical!

The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.
Vote For the 2017 BroadwayWorld Phoenix Awards; Phoenix Theatre's BILLY ELLIOT Leads Best Musical!

The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.
Vote For the 2017 BroadwayWorld Phoenix Awards; Phoenix Theatre's BILLY ELLIOT Leads as Best Musical!

The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.
BWW Review: GYPSY at Theater Works

Amanda Glenn's turn as Louise is lovely and heartbreaking. Glenn has a beautiful voice and exquisite is her painstaking, delicate interpretation of the awkward, plain Jane who becomes the iconic burlesque queen.
Everything's Coming Up Roses! Get Your Tickets to GYPSY Today!

Considered one of Broadway's all-time triumphs, Gypsy sets the memoirs of entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee to music, telling the story of ambitious showbiz mother Rose, who travels across the country in the 20's and 30's with her daughters June and Louise, in search of success with their homespun act. Directed by Valley favorite, Rusty Ferracane, Gypsy features many of the best-loved songs in the entire musical theater canon: 'Some People,' 'Let Me Entertain You,' 'Together (Wherever We Go),' 'Everything's Coming Up Roses,' and 'Rose's Turn.'
Theater Works presents GYPSY 9/8-24!

Director Rusty Ferracane says of Gypsy: 'it really is the perfect musical!' Gypsy takes us back to the 1920's and 30's, a pivotal time for performing arts in America, when the vaudeville circuit was dying and audience tastes were changing. Gypsy brings the memoirs of entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee to life through the book by Arthur Laurents (West Side Story), music by Jule Styne (Peter Pan), and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (Sweeney Todd). Considered by many to be one of Broadway's all-time triumphs, Gypsy tells the story of ambitious showbiz mother Rose, who travels across the country with her daughters June and Louise, in search of success with their homespun vaudeville act. As times change, Rose is forced to accept the demise of vaudeville and the rise of burlesque, as well as her daughters' desires for autonomy.
Theater Works to Present GREAT SONGS FROM BOMB SHOWS This Month

On June 24, Kelli James and James May, the creative duo behind last season's YouthWorks production of Les Miserables, return to Theater Works in Great Songs From Bomb Shows.
Theater Works Presents GREAT SONGS FROM BOMB SHOWS Featuring Kelli James and James May

Broadway star Kelli James joins forces with Broadway Conductor James May once again on the Theater Works stage for Great Songs From Bomb Shows on Saturday, June 24 at 7pm in the McMillin Theater of the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts.
Theater Works to Present GREAT SONGS FROM BOMB SHOWS This Month

On June 24, Kelli James and James May, the creative duo behind last season's YouthWorks production of Les Miserables, return to Theater Works in Great Songs From Bomb Shows.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Kelli James been in?

Kelli James has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Kelli James been in?

Kelli James has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Kelli James been nominated for?

Kelli James has been nominated for an Outstanding Play award at The Lortels for The Common Pursuit.

What awards has Kelli James won?

Kelli James has won the Outstanding Play award at The Lortels for The Common Pursuit.

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