McKenzie Kurtz
McKenzie Kurtz | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 13, 1997 Milton, Georgia, United States[1] |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, singer, dancer |
| Years active | 2019–present |
| Website | mckenziekurtz |
McKenzie Kurtz (born January 13, 1997) is an American stage actress, singer, and dancer. In her Broadway debut, she played the role of Anna in Frozen.
Early life
[edit]Kurtz grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia.[2] As a teenager, Kurtz was active in the theater program at Milton High School, playing Mary Poppins in the school's 2015 production of Mary Poppins.[3] In 2015, Kurtz was also a finalist for a Jimmy Award.[3] Kurtz is a 2019 graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.[2]
Career
[edit]Kurtz played Ariel in a production of Footloose at The Muny directed by Christian Borle in 2019.[4]
In Kurtz's 2020 Broadway debut, she played the role of Anna in the musical Frozen opposite Ciara Renée as Elsa and Ryan McCartan as Hans.[5] According to Kurtz, her initial audition for the role did not go well, but she was personally offered a second chance by Kristen Anderson-Lopez after the co-songwriter of Frozen saw her sing at a "Women of Broadway" concert.[2]
In 2021, Kurtz appeared in the ensemble of Annie Live! on NBC.[6]
From March 17 to April 11, 2022, Kurtz reprised her role of Anna in the Frozen US national tour. During the tour she was reunited with McCartan, her Broadway Hans.[7]
Kurtz originated the role of Penelope in the 2022 world premiere musical of Trading Places at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. The production was directed by Kenny Leon.[8]
On January 13, 2023, it was announced that Kurtz would assume the role of Glinda in the Broadway company of Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre on February 14, taking over for Brittney Johnson.[9]
Stage credits
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Footloose | Ariel | The Muny |
| 2020 | Frozen | Anna | Broadway |
| 2022 | National tour | ||
| Trading Places | Penelope | Regional (World premiere) | |
| 2023–2024 | Wicked | Glinda | Broadway |
| 2024 | The Heart of Rock and Roll |
Cassandra[10] | Broadway |
References
[edit]- ^ "Q&A: McKenzie Kurtz says Atlanta paved her yellow brick road to Broadway". ArtsATL.org. May 16, 2023.
- ^ a b c Moynihan, Caitlin (April 22, 2020). "Frozen's McKenzie Kurtz on the Cruise that Changed Everything & Seeing Herself as a Princess for the First Time". Broadway.com.
- ^ a b "Listen to Frozen's New Star McKenzie Kurtz with These Incredible Clips from Her Past". Broadway.com. January 15, 2020.
- ^ "BWW Review: FOOTLOOSE at The Muny is a Timeless Smash Hit". Broadwayworld.com. July 20, 2019.
- ^ Tran, Diep (March 4, 2020). "See Why Ciara Renée, McKenzie Kurtz & Ryan McCartan Are Excited to Put Their Stamps on Frozen". BroadwayW.com.
- ^ "Full Cast Revealed for ANNIE LIVE! on NBC". BroadwayW.com. November 16, 2021.
- ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe (March 10, 2022). "McKenzie Kurtz to Join the National Tour of FROZEN as 'Anna'". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
- ^ "Aneesa Folds, Bryce Pinkham, Marc Kudisch, More Cast in World Premiere of Trading Places Musical". Playbill.com. March 23, 2022.
- ^ "Broadway's Wicked Will Welcome a New Glinda in February". Playbill.com. January 13, 2023.
- ^ Dilella, Frank. "Corey Cott and McKenzie Kurtz on Starring in The Heart of Rock and Roll". Broadway Direct. Retrieved 24 May 2024.