76. “Suddenly Seymour” (with Kelsie Watts)

Sentimental Men – Episode 76: “Suddenly Seymour” (with Kelsie Watts)

Podcast: Broadway Podcast Network
Date: September 22, 2025
Hosts: Quincy Brown & Kevin Bianchi
Guest: Kelsie Watts (Broadway’s SIX, The Voice)

Episode Overview

In this rich and lively episode, Quincy and Kevin welcome Kelsie Watts, currently starring as Jane Seymour in Broadway’s SIX. The conversation explores Kelsie's unique journey from gig life and The Voice to her Broadway debut, the intersection of pop and theatre, and the hard realities and delights of eight shows a week. The episode is a love letter to the evolving landscape of musical theatre, pop crossover, and hustle—punctuated by warmth, humor, and a few signature tangents.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Hugh Jackman Detour

[00:32–07:12] Hugh Jackman’s Multifaceted Appeal
- Quincy and Kevin reminisce about Hugh Jackman’s status as a musical theatre icon, and his reputation for kindness (Kevin once held the door for him at Trader Joe’s).
- Fun musings on Jackman’s career beyond “Wolverine”—his stage persona, The Greatest Showman, and the blurred lines of celebrity in NYC.
- Quote:
  - Kevin: “If James Corden can be a late night host, so can Hugh.” [04:46]
- Conversation spirals into dream-casting Hugh as a Glee-style teacher and acknowledging the queer allegory of X-Men.

Book Talk

[07:12–09:42]
- Kevin’s deep into the Les Mis audiobook (“It’s four times as long as the musical!” [07:46])
- Quincy’s rediscovering reading real books as a grounding routine, contrasting with audio content.
- Quote:
  - Quincy: “My boyfriend was telling me I need an activity that grounds me instead of just waking up and going straight to working or scrolling.” [08:41]

Kelsie Watts: Introduction and Journey

[09:44–13:52] Background & Education
- Kelsie grew up in a musical family, exposed to everything from gospel to classic rock and Broadway scores.
- Studied opera, vocal performance, and commercial music—an “interesting formula for being a pop star.” [10:27]
- Rose to prominence on The Voice (Team Kelly Clarkson). Accumulated viral fame on social media with covers and original music.
- Now, making Broadway debut as Jane Seymour in SIX.
- Quote:
  - Kevin: “Six is such an easy gateway show for the pop girlies to cross over into theater.” [12:59]

SIX Fan-Casting (Pop Girlies Crossover)

[13:17–15:23]
- Dream Blending: The hosts imagine pop stars like Renée Rapp, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift in SIX roles.
- Quote:
  - Quincy: “Taylor Swift can be, you know I love you, boy, every single way. That’s like a good song for her.” [14:55]

Segue to Kelsie & Wicked “Touch Point”

[19:22–20:55]
- Per Sentimental Men custom: What’s Kelsie’s Wicked connection?
- Kelsie: “I’m literally, like, every day, I’m like, paint me green, please.” [19:49]
- Her Broadway initiation was Wicked (2009), first Broadway show, and she’d gravitate more to Elphaba, both vocally and in personality.

Kelsie’s Theatre and LIFE Journey

[21:15–22:32]
- Musical family with an eclectic soundtrack.
- Never expected professional theatre, citing past Broadway industry body/appearance expectations:
  - “Back in the day… it wasn’t acceptable to have tattoos… you had to look a certain way… I really just kind of, like, wrote myself off...” [21:50]
- Applauds today’s inclusivity, and credits SIX for being a show where “everybody is right for one of those girls.”

From Showboat to Broadway: The Long Road to SIX

[23:45–28:30]
- Gigging, bartending, and meeting Roberta Duchak (music supervisor for SIX) led to her first audition pre-pandemic.
- Multiple auditions over several years, getting cut, constructive feedback (“If you could work on acting, that would be amazing” [25:13]), and coaching with Benji Shaw.
- Finally, contracted as Seymour after persistent effort, even after buying a house:
  - “My manager calls me and she was like, ‘Kelsey, I need to talk to Jane.’ And I said, ‘Melinda, who the heck is Jane?’ She goes, ‘Jane Seymour.’ I said, ‘What?!’ She goes, ‘You’re going Broadway?’” [27:08]
- Moved to NYC with her husband, changed life overnight.

Pop vs. Musical Theatre Storytelling

[28:30–31:21]
- Kelsie still studies acting and dance, discusses nuances of embodying a character vs. singing as herself.
- “SIX is really weird because you’re kind of yourself, but you’re not really yourself.” [29:45]

Broadway Bootcamp & Adjusting to SIX

[31:21–34:45]
- Intense logistics — learning precise marks, Rubik’s cube–like choreography:
  - “We don’t leave the stage the entire show…and so the formations are, like, constantly like a Rubik's Cube...” [33:12]
- Surprised by how not freewheeling the show is, artistically and technically.

Freedom vs. Structure in SIX Performance

[34:45–37:54]
- Though SIX feels pop, there’s precision; even riffs and vocal choices are pre-approved and fixed.
- Kelsey advocates for honest, intentional performance:
  - “Throughout the entire song of Heart of Stone, I want people to know how I’m feeling, even if I weren’t saying words.” [37:19]

The Art of the Cover & Finding Your Voice

[38:12–41:26]
- Kevin and Kelsie discuss making a cover your own (“they don’t sound like karaoke”; “you made this song” [38:13]).
- Kelsie shares her “vocal thumbprint” philosophy, as taught by vocal coach Mama Jan Smith:
  - “People need to know when you’re singing a song that it’s you.” [40:02]

The Realities of Eight Shows a Week

[41:34–44:48]
- Performing on Broadway is “the Olympics of performing.”
  - “Touring is easy, man. ...You want me to go be on Broadway? …Why? Crazy rehearsal.” [41:45, 42:14]
- Juggling shows, music, press, gym, mental challenge, and audience energy (“you’re hoping... ‘I hope they’re gonna like it’” [43:04])
- Handling mid-show distractions—a far cry from arena tours.

SIX Sisterhood and Ensemble Dynamics

[45:19–47:37]
- Tight cast bond, support, “no drama or divas.”
- Cast even takes group trips together—watching Love Island at a cabin!
- Quote:
  - Kelsie: “It’s kind of impossible to do the show without that relationship. Like, six women on stage who can’t stand each other would... be unwatchable.” [47:37]

Broadway Community vs. Music Industry

[48:02–50:28]
- Despite being on Broadway, Kelsie feels “not part of the larger community yet.”
- The eight-shows-a-week grind and joining a hit show (not a new musical) makes it harder to attend industry events.
- Both Broadway and pop worlds are supportive but insular; geography and exhaustion are real obstacles.
- Looking ahead, she aspires to more community involvement—maybe with her next show.

Pursuing Multiple Dreams

[50:45–52:24]
- Wants both: music and theatre (“I will pursue everything as hard as I can until something gives” [50:45]).
- Dream roles: Satine in Moulin Rouge, star of The Greatest Showman in London, and of course—Elphaba in Wicked.
- Positive, manifesting attitude to growth and change.

“Fit In” and Kelsey’s Music Message

[59:02–64:07]
- Kelsey details the journey and meaning behind her new (and self-identified!) sound in her single “Fit In” —a song inspired by not belonging, and embracing individuality.
- Quote:
  - “I want anybody that listens to my music, whether they like my voice or not, I want them to listen to it and know that they belong. …With me, you fit, because you’re human.” [62:36]
- Song especially resonates with theatre kids and LGBTQ+ youth (recently featured at HMI benefit).

Broadway as a Business: The Commercial Music Degree

[53:27–56:36]
- Studied “commercial music”—meaning not classical, but pop/rock/jazz, plus music business minor.
- Kelsey is proud of being business-minded—knows her way around running a show, reading contracts, negotiating.
- Encourages fellow performers to develop business sense:
  - “Updating my one sheet, social media—that’s a job. That’s not a luxury.” [55:00]
- Advocating for yourself “from a business-minded perspective, a non-emotional perspective” is essential. [56:36]

Social Media and Selling the Show

[57:29–59:07]
- No pressure from the producers to promote SIX on her channels, but they do use her platform for ads.
- Her goal is authenticity: “If I went over the top on trying to advertise SIX people would be like, what? …But I talk about it all the time.” [57:54]
- She’s grateful for management’s support of her music-career ambitions.

Broadway’s Demands and Next Steps

[64:07–end]
- Performing SIX is physically demanding—dancing in heels for months.
- Kelsey is excited, upbeat, and grateful—hopes for more shows, even as she hustles on all fronts.

Notable Quotes

“If I get to be painted green one day, I will actually pass away. I will literally pass away and then come back so that I can do the role.”
—Kelsie Watts [00:10, 52:24]
“Touring is easy, man. …You want me to go be on Broadway? …Why? Crazy rehearsal.”
—Kelsie Watts [41:34]
“Six is such an easy gateway show for the pop girlies to cross over into theater.”
—Kevin [12:59]
“Everybody can sing their face off, you know? That’s not what people are coming to see all the time. They want to— they want to feel something, you know.”
—Kelsie Watts [37:54]
“It’s kind of impossible to do the show without that relationship. Like, six women on stage who can’t stand each other would... be unwatchable.”
—Kevin [47:37]
“If you are in this business, you are an entrepreneur.”
—Kevin [54:57]
“I want anyone who listens to my music to know that they belong. …With me, you fit, because you’re human.”
—Kelsie Watts [62:36]

Timestamps for Important Segments

00:32–07:12 – Hugh Jackman / Greatest Showman tangent
09:44–13:52 – Kelsie Watts’ intro and journey to SIX
19:22–20:55 – Kelsie’s “Wicked” touchpoint
23:45–28:30 – How Kelsie got SIX (castings, setbacks, and the big call)
28:30–31:21 – Distinguishing concert and theatre performance
34:45–37:54 – Artistic “freedom” vs. structure in SIX
41:34–44:48 – The marathon of 8 Broadway shows/week
45:19–47:37 – Cast sisterhood and backstage life
53:27–56:36 – Studying commercial music / the business of artistry
59:02–64:07 – “Fit In” and music for the outsiders

Memorable Moments

Kelsie’s recurring green dream: painting herself as Elphaba
Kevin and Quincy’s hilarious Hugh Jackman / musical theatre musings
Kelsie’s honest take on ensemble camaraderie and her admiration for "no divas"
The tale of getting SIX—including an unforgettable phone call in Home Depot
Kelsie’s candidness about feeling “not part of the Broadway community…yet”
Business, boundaries, and why TikTok isn’t just for fun—it’s a career tool
The heartfelt story and intention behind Kelsey’s original song, “Fit In”

Tone & Style

Conversational, fast-paced, and inviting. The hosts’ love for musical theatre and pop culture oozes from every tangent, while Kelsie’s down-to-earth charm is met with warmth and curiosity. The episode is as much about Broadway’s changing landscape as it is about finding your place—and your people—on any stage.

For more on Kelsie Watts’ music and journey, check out her latest single “Fit In”, and catch her as Jane Seymour in SIX on Broadway.

Sentimental Men – Episode 76: “Suddenly Seymour” (with Kelsie Watts)

Podcast: Broadway Podcast Network
Date: September 22, 2025
Hosts: Quincy Brown & Kevin Bianchi
Guest: Kelsie Watts (Broadway’s SIX, The Voice)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Hugh Jackman Detour

[00:32–07:12] Hugh Jackman’s Multifaceted Appeal
- Quincy and Kevin reminisce about Hugh Jackman’s status as a musical theatre icon, and his reputation for kindness (Kevin once held the door for him at Trader Joe’s).
- Fun musings on Jackman’s career beyond “Wolverine”—his stage persona, The Greatest Showman, and the blurred lines of celebrity in NYC.
- Quote:
  - Kevin: “If James Corden can be a late night host, so can Hugh.” [04:46]
- Conversation spirals into dream-casting Hugh as a Glee-style teacher and acknowledging the queer allegory of X-Men.

Book Talk

[07:12–09:42]
- Kevin’s deep into the Les Mis audiobook (“It’s four times as long as the musical!” [07:46])
- Quincy’s rediscovering reading real books as a grounding routine, contrasting with audio content.
- Quote:
  - Quincy: “My boyfriend was telling me I need an activity that grounds me instead of just waking up and going straight to working or scrolling.” [08:41]

Kelsie Watts: Introduction and Journey

[09:44–13:52] Background & Education
- Kelsie grew up in a musical family, exposed to everything from gospel to classic rock and Broadway scores.
- Studied opera, vocal performance, and commercial music—an “interesting formula for being a pop star.” [10:27]
- Rose to prominence on The Voice (Team Kelly Clarkson). Accumulated viral fame on social media with covers and original music.
- Now, making Broadway debut as Jane Seymour in SIX.
- Quote:
  - Kevin: “Six is such an easy gateway show for the pop girlies to cross over into theater.” [12:59]

SIX Fan-Casting (Pop Girlies Crossover)

[13:17–15:23]
- Dream Blending: The hosts imagine pop stars like Renée Rapp, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift in SIX roles.
- Quote:
  - Quincy: “Taylor Swift can be, you know I love you, boy, every single way. That’s like a good song for her.” [14:55]

Segue to Kelsie & Wicked “Touch Point”

[19:22–20:55]
- Per Sentimental Men custom: What’s Kelsie’s Wicked connection?
- Kelsie: “I’m literally, like, every day, I’m like, paint me green, please.” [19:49]
- Her Broadway initiation was Wicked (2009), first Broadway show, and she’d gravitate more to Elphaba, both vocally and in personality.

Kelsie’s Theatre and LIFE Journey

[21:15–22:32]
- Musical family with an eclectic soundtrack.
- Never expected professional theatre, citing past Broadway industry body/appearance expectations:
  - “Back in the day… it wasn’t acceptable to have tattoos… you had to look a certain way… I really just kind of, like, wrote myself off...” [21:50]
- Applauds today’s inclusivity, and credits SIX for being a show where “everybody is right for one of those girls.”

From Showboat to Broadway: The Long Road to SIX

[23:45–28:30]
- Gigging, bartending, and meeting Roberta Duchak (music supervisor for SIX) led to her first audition pre-pandemic.
- Multiple auditions over several years, getting cut, constructive feedback (“If you could work on acting, that would be amazing” [25:13]), and coaching with Benji Shaw.
- Finally, contracted as Seymour after persistent effort, even after buying a house:
  - “My manager calls me and she was like, ‘Kelsey, I need to talk to Jane.’ And I said, ‘Melinda, who the heck is Jane?’ She goes, ‘Jane Seymour.’ I said, ‘What?!’ She goes, ‘You’re going Broadway?’” [27:08]
- Moved to NYC with her husband, changed life overnight.

Pop vs. Musical Theatre Storytelling

[28:30–31:21]
- Kelsie still studies acting and dance, discusses nuances of embodying a character vs. singing as herself.
- “SIX is really weird because you’re kind of yourself, but you’re not really yourself.” [29:45]

Broadway Bootcamp & Adjusting to SIX

[31:21–34:45]
- Intense logistics — learning precise marks, Rubik’s cube–like choreography:
  - “We don’t leave the stage the entire show…and so the formations are, like, constantly like a Rubik's Cube...” [33:12]
- Surprised by how not freewheeling the show is, artistically and technically.

Freedom vs. Structure in SIX Performance

[34:45–37:54]
- Though SIX feels pop, there’s precision; even riffs and vocal choices are pre-approved and fixed.
- Kelsey advocates for honest, intentional performance:
  - “Throughout the entire song of Heart of Stone, I want people to know how I’m feeling, even if I weren’t saying words.” [37:19]

The Art of the Cover & Finding Your Voice

[38:12–41:26]
- Kevin and Kelsie discuss making a cover your own (“they don’t sound like karaoke”; “you made this song” [38:13]).
- Kelsie shares her “vocal thumbprint” philosophy, as taught by vocal coach Mama Jan Smith:
  - “People need to know when you’re singing a song that it’s you.” [40:02]

The Realities of Eight Shows a Week

[41:34–44:48]
- Performing on Broadway is “the Olympics of performing.”
  - “Touring is easy, man. ...You want me to go be on Broadway? …Why? Crazy rehearsal.” [41:45, 42:14]
- Juggling shows, music, press, gym, mental challenge, and audience energy (“you’re hoping... ‘I hope they’re gonna like it’” [43:04])
- Handling mid-show distractions—a far cry from arena tours.

SIX Sisterhood and Ensemble Dynamics

[45:19–47:37]
- Tight cast bond, support, “no drama or divas.”
- Cast even takes group trips together—watching Love Island at a cabin!
- Quote:
  - Kelsie: “It’s kind of impossible to do the show without that relationship. Like, six women on stage who can’t stand each other would... be unwatchable.” [47:37]

Broadway Community vs. Music Industry

[48:02–50:28]
- Despite being on Broadway, Kelsie feels “not part of the larger community yet.”
- The eight-shows-a-week grind and joining a hit show (not a new musical) makes it harder to attend industry events.
- Both Broadway and pop worlds are supportive but insular; geography and exhaustion are real obstacles.
- Looking ahead, she aspires to more community involvement—maybe with her next show.

Pursuing Multiple Dreams

[50:45–52:24]
- Wants both: music and theatre (“I will pursue everything as hard as I can until something gives” [50:45]).
- Dream roles: Satine in Moulin Rouge, star of The Greatest Showman in London, and of course—Elphaba in Wicked.
- Positive, manifesting attitude to growth and change.

“Fit In” and Kelsey’s Music Message

[59:02–64:07]
- Kelsey details the journey and meaning behind her new (and self-identified!) sound in her single “Fit In” —a song inspired by not belonging, and embracing individuality.
- Quote:
  - “I want anybody that listens to my music, whether they like my voice or not, I want them to listen to it and know that they belong. …With me, you fit, because you’re human.” [62:36]
- Song especially resonates with theatre kids and LGBTQ+ youth (recently featured at HMI benefit).

Broadway as a Business: The Commercial Music Degree

[53:27–56:36]
- Studied “commercial music”—meaning not classical, but pop/rock/jazz, plus music business minor.
- Kelsey is proud of being business-minded—knows her way around running a show, reading contracts, negotiating.
- Encourages fellow performers to develop business sense:
  - “Updating my one sheet, social media—that’s a job. That’s not a luxury.” [55:00]
- Advocating for yourself “from a business-minded perspective, a non-emotional perspective” is essential. [56:36]

Social Media and Selling the Show

[57:29–59:07]
- No pressure from the producers to promote SIX on her channels, but they do use her platform for ads.
- Her goal is authenticity: “If I went over the top on trying to advertise SIX people would be like, what? …But I talk about it all the time.” [57:54]
- She’s grateful for management’s support of her music-career ambitions.

Broadway’s Demands and Next Steps

[64:07–end]
- Performing SIX is physically demanding—dancing in heels for months.
- Kelsey is excited, upbeat, and grateful—hopes for more shows, even as she hustles on all fronts.

Notable Quotes

“If I get to be painted green one day, I will actually pass away. I will literally pass away and then come back so that I can do the role.”
—Kelsie Watts [00:10, 52:24]
“Touring is easy, man. …You want me to go be on Broadway? …Why? Crazy rehearsal.”
—Kelsie Watts [41:34]
“Six is such an easy gateway show for the pop girlies to cross over into theater.”
—Kevin [12:59]
“Everybody can sing their face off, you know? That’s not what people are coming to see all the time. They want to— they want to feel something, you know.”
—Kelsie Watts [37:54]
“It’s kind of impossible to do the show without that relationship. Like, six women on stage who can’t stand each other would... be unwatchable.”
—Kevin [47:37]
“If you are in this business, you are an entrepreneur.”
—Kevin [54:57]
“I want anyone who listens to my music to know that they belong. …With me, you fit, because you’re human.”
—Kelsie Watts [62:36]

Timestamps for Important Segments

00:32–07:12 – Hugh Jackman / Greatest Showman tangent
09:44–13:52 – Kelsie Watts’ intro and journey to SIX
19:22–20:55 – Kelsie’s “Wicked” touchpoint
23:45–28:30 – How Kelsie got SIX (castings, setbacks, and the big call)
28:30–31:21 – Distinguishing concert and theatre performance
34:45–37:54 – Artistic “freedom” vs. structure in SIX
41:34–44:48 – The marathon of 8 Broadway shows/week
45:19–47:37 – Cast sisterhood and backstage life
53:27–56:36 – Studying commercial music / the business of artistry
59:02–64:07 – “Fit In” and music for the outsiders

Memorable Moments

Kelsie’s recurring green dream: painting herself as Elphaba
Kevin and Quincy’s hilarious Hugh Jackman / musical theatre musings
Kelsie’s honest take on ensemble camaraderie and her admiration for "no divas"
The tale of getting SIX—including an unforgettable phone call in Home Depot
Kelsie’s candidness about feeling “not part of the Broadway community…yet”
Business, boundaries, and why TikTok isn’t just for fun—it’s a career tool
The heartfelt story and intention behind Kelsey’s original song, “Fit In”

Tone & Style

For more on Kelsie Watts’ music and journey, check out her latest single “Fit In”, and catch her as Jane Seymour in SIX on Broadway.

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Summary

Sentimental Men – Episode 76: “Suddenly Seymour” (with Kelsie Watts)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Hugh Jackman Detour

Book Talk

Kelsie Watts: Introduction and Journey

SIX Fan-Casting (Pop Girlies Crossover)

Segue to Kelsie & Wicked “Touch Point”

Kelsie’s Theatre and LIFE Journey

From Showboat to Broadway: The Long Road to SIX

Pop vs. Musical Theatre Storytelling

Broadway Bootcamp & Adjusting to SIX

Freedom vs. Structure in SIX Performance

The Art of the Cover & Finding Your Voice

The Realities of Eight Shows a Week

SIX Sisterhood and Ensemble Dynamics

Broadway Community vs. Music Industry

Pursuing Multiple Dreams

“Fit In” and Kelsey’s Music Message

Broadway as a Business: The Commercial Music Degree

Social Media and Selling the Show

Broadway’s Demands and Next Steps

Notable Quotes

Timestamps for Important Segments

Memorable Moments

Tone & Style

Summary

Sentimental Men – Episode 76: “Suddenly Seymour” (with Kelsie Watts)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Hugh Jackman Detour

Book Talk

Kelsie Watts: Introduction and Journey

SIX Fan-Casting (Pop Girlies Crossover)

Segue to Kelsie & Wicked “Touch Point”

Kelsie’s Theatre and LIFE Journey

From Showboat to Broadway: The Long Road to SIX

Pop vs. Musical Theatre Storytelling

Broadway Bootcamp & Adjusting to SIX

Freedom vs. Structure in SIX Performance

The Art of the Cover & Finding Your Voice

The Realities of Eight Shows a Week

SIX Sisterhood and Ensemble Dynamics

Broadway Community vs. Music Industry

Pursuing Multiple Dreams

“Fit In” and Kelsey’s Music Message

Broadway as a Business: The Commercial Music Degree

Social Media and Selling the Show

Broadway’s Demands and Next Steps

Notable Quotes

Timestamps for Important Segments

Memorable Moments

Tone & Style