BroadwayRadio Special Episode Summary: Kelsey Watts on Joining the Queendom of ‘SIX’

In a captivating special episode of BroadwayRadio, host Matt Tamminini sits down with rising star Kelsey Watts, who is making her Broadway debut as Jane Seymour in the acclaimed musical ‘SIX’. This in-depth conversation explores Kelsey's unique transition from a successful pop and commercial music career to the vibrant world of Broadway, shedding light on her personal journey, the challenges she has faced, and the exhilarating experiences she’s embracing on stage.

Introduction to Kelsey Watts and Her Broadway Debut

Kelsey Watts enters the Broadway scene with a remarkable background as a pop and commercial artist. With 1.7 million followers on TikTok, she has leveraged her social media presence to build a strong fanbase, showcasing both her musical talent and vibrant personality. Matt Tamminini introduces Kelsey as a fresh face taking on the role of Jane Seymour at the Leno Horne Theater.

Matt Tamminini [00:07]: "Kelsey is making her Broadway debut in a somewhat unusual way, having never been in a professional musical in her entire life."

Transitioning from Music to Broadway

Kelsey's move from Nashville to New York marks a significant shift from her established music career to the demanding realm of musical theater. Despite never having performed in a professional musical before, her extensive experience in music competitions like American Idol and The Voice has equipped her with the necessary skills and resilience.

Kelsey Watts [02:51]: "It's insane. This whole thing is a whirlwind. I still honestly, like, can't believe I'm here, but to say that I've completed a week on Broadway feels amazing."

Relocating from Nashville to New York

The relocation process was fraught with logistical challenges due to a tight timeline. Just a week before being cast, Kelsey and her husband Brandon had to close on a house in Nashville, move all their belongings, go on tour, and subsequently arrange for storage and a new apartment in New York.

Kelsey Watts [03:49]: "So far, I'm using Wayfair, Ikea furniture, Amazon. I'm literally using this little, like, key wrench to try to put together a dresser."

Despite the chaos, Kelsey remains optimistic about settling into her new home, highlighting the small victories like having a coffee pot and using the stove.

Embracing the Role of Jane Seymour

Kelsey delves into her character development for Jane Seymour, emphasizing the extensive research and preparation involved. She worked closely with an acting coach and immersed herself in the character's history through books and documentary series provided by the production team.

Kelsey Watts [06:09]: "I really got to harness the strength that she has that I think people often miss, myself included."

Kelsey highlights the nuanced portrayal of Jane Seymour, balancing her character's awkwardness with inherent strength and control, offering audiences a fresh perspective on a historically nuanced figure.

The Physical Demands of ‘SIX’

Performing in ‘SIX’ is likened to a "Beyoncé concert for an hour and a half", with constant movement, varied dance styles, and the endurance required to perform in heels. Kelsey discusses her active lifestyle, which includes weightlifting, Pilates, and dance, as crucial in preparing for the show's rigorous demands.

Kelsey Watts [10:58]: "It's a lot. But conveniently, I've done, like, even just my own shows, you know, as Kelsey Watts, the artist, I'm used to performing for that long by myself."

To aid in recovery, she's utilizing compression boots to soothe her legs after long performances, highlighting the physical toll and her commitment to maintaining peak performance.

Building Sisterhood with Co-Cast Members

One of the standout elements of ‘SIX’ is the strong camaraderie among the queens. Kelsey emphasizes the immediate rapport and ongoing support within the cast, fostered by a shared goal of uplifting one another and creating a positive environment.

Kelsey Watts [12:59]: "We all got along so well. Like, I was like, oh, my gosh, thank God. This is amazing."

This sisterhood transcends rehearsals and performances, extending to social interactions and mutual celebrations, reinforcing the show's message of female empowerment and unity.

Support from Husband, Brandon Watts

Brandon Watts plays a pivotal role in Kelsey's journey, offering unwavering support both personally and professionally. His involvement in entertainment and willingness to relocate across continents exemplify his commitment to their partnership.

Kelsey Watts [08:55]: "He's South African. He's from Johannesburg. So not only did he move continents for me the first time just to be my husband, you know."

Their dynamic is a source of strength for Kelsey, with Brandon often featured in her social media, further endearing them to fans and showcasing a relationship built on mutual support and shared passions.

Comparison of Audition Processes: Reality Shows vs. Broadway

Kelsey's experiences on American Idol and The Voice provided her with a unique perspective on auditions, treating them as just another gig and maintaining composure under pressure. This mindset was instrumental in her approach to the more intense Broadway audition process.

Kelsey Watts [20:05]: "It allowed me to just see it as another gig. It's just another audition."

Her ability to remain grounded and not let the grandeur of Broadway overwhelm her was a direct result of her reality TV experiences, enabling her to navigate the competitive casting environment with confidence.

Life in New York and Future Plans

Moving to New York opens up new personal and professional avenues for Kelsey. She expresses excitement about exploring the city's diverse culinary scene, parks, and adapting to life with her two dogs in a bustling urban environment.

Kelsey Watts [21:26]: "I love that New York is such a foodie town... I have two dogs, so I have like a Yorkie and a schnauzer."

Kelsey looks forward to integrating into the vibrant New York lifestyle while balancing her commitments to the Broadway production.

What Audiences Can Expect from Kelsey as Jane Seymour

Kelsey promises audiences a portrayal of Jane Seymour that blends humor with strength, offering a fresh take on a character often perceived as gentle. Her emphasis on showcasing Seymour's resilience and control aims to provide a multifaceted and engaging performance.

Kelsey Watts [22:17]: "They'll get a lot of humor, but a lot of strength. It's a much less of an ingenue approach to her."

This nuanced performance seeks to resonate with both long-time fans of ‘SIX’ and newcomers, highlighting Kelsey's unique artistic vision and commitment to bringing depth to her role.

Closing Thoughts

As the episode concludes, Matt congratulates Kelsey on her achievements and expresses excitement for her future endeavors on Broadway. Kelsey's enthusiasm and gratitude shine through, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating her performances in 'SIX'.

Kelsey Watts [23:14]: "Thank you. For real. Thank you so much. This has been awesome."

Kelsey Watts' journey from music artist to Broadway queen encapsulates a story of passion, resilience, and the power of support systems. Her dynamic presence in ‘SIX’ promises to add a fresh and compelling dimension to the beloved musical, making this special episode a must-listen for fans of Broadway and emerging talents alike.