McKenzie Kurtz
Born (1997-01-13) January 13, 1997
Milton, Georgia, United States[1]
Alma materUniversity of Michigan
Occupation(s)Actress, singer, dancer
Years active2019–present
Websitemckenziekurtz.com

McKenzie Kurtz (born January 13, 1997) is an American actress, singer, and dancer. In her Broadway debut, she played the role of Anna in Frozen.

Early life

Kurtz's childhood home is in Alpharetta, Georgia.[2] Kurtz was active in her high school's theater program, playing the titular role of Mary Poppins at Milton High School in 2015.[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

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

Year Title Role Notes
2019 Footloose Ariel The Muny
2020 Frozen Anna Broadway
2022 National tour
Trading Places Penelope Regional (World premiere)
2023–present Wicked Glinda Broadway

References

  1. ↑ "Q&A: McKenzie Kurtz says Atlanta paved her yellow brick road to Broadway". ArtsATL.org. May 16, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 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.
  3. 1 2 "Listen to Frozen's New Star McKenzie Kurtz with These Incredible Clips from Her Past". Broadway.com. January 15, 2020.
  4. ↑ "BWW Review: FOOTLOOSE at The Muny is a Timeless Smash Hit". Broadwayworld.com. July 20, 2019.
  5. ↑ Tran, Diep (March 4, 2020). "See Why Ciara Renée, McKenzie Kurtz & Ryan McCartan Are Excited to Put Their Stamps on Frozen". BroadwayW.com.
  6. ↑ "Full Cast Revealed for ANNIE LIVE! on NBC". BroadwayW.com. November 16, 2021.
  7. ↑ Rabinowitz, Chloe (March 10, 2022). "McKenzie Kurtz to Join the National Tour of FROZEN as 'Anna'". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Aneesa Folds, Bryce Pinkham, Marc Kudisch, More Cast in World Premiere of Trading Places Musical". Playbill.com. March 23, 2022.
  9. ↑ "Broadway's Wicked Will Welcome a New Glinda in February". Playbill.com. January 13, 2023.
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