Stand-by Joined: 11/27/04
I listened to sound clips of her singing from The It Girl. I was amazed at how good she sang because you can't tell from watching Yes Dear. To bad she doesn't do more Broadway. Has anyone seen her live in the It Girl or any of her roles at Reprise? I have read reviews but I just want to hear from you guys and girls.
She just finished up a run as Eve in Reprise's APPLAUSE, opposite Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Stand-by Joined: 4/19/05
It's so disappointing that she is such an underrated actress. She has so much skill and prescense.
Have you seen the film of THE FANTASTICKS? I'm not a big fan of the show to begin with, but I have found so much love in her portrayl of Louisa.
Broadway Star Joined: 6/28/03
she's not related to Gene Kelly is she?
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
I liked her in the Fantasticks. She's ok on the tv show.
Stand-by Joined: 11/27/04
Bwaybaby109 I do not believe Jean Louisa Kelly is related to Gene Kelly.
Fosse: I love the show, do not like the movie...at all. The only thing that saved me from hating it was Jean Louisa Kelly's performance as Louisa. I agree, she was wonderful. BTW- Has anyone seen her in Uncle Buck? She was great as the "moody teenager".
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/9/04
Totally agree! She rescued the film of 'The Fantasticks' with her stunning performance.
she's super cool! i was listening to her at a talk back and someone on stage said they loved gene kelly and she goes: awww, thanks so much! she's awesome.
She was also Roina in the film Mr. Holland's Opus (also with a cameo by Joanna Gleason). Her actual voice was used for the film. She is a beautiful girl, with a beautiful voice...quit fooling around and get on Broadway!
She was also Snow White in the original Into the Woods. Her name was listed then though as just Jean Kelly.
She was also great in Uncle Buck!
IBDB
I saw her in INTO THE WOODS, and yes LOVED her in Uncle Buck! She was fantastic.
Loved her in "Mr. Holland's Opus" and try to catch Yes, Dear when I can...
I saw her maybe a year ago at Reprise's production of FOLLIES, she was great! very talented...
Perhaps the reason is a bad attitude. I worked crew on the film of The Fantastiks with Ms. Kelly about a decade ago....NOT A PLEASANT WOMAN!!!
"Yes Dear" will probably subsidize whatever theatrical fancy she wants to follow when the show's over.
I spent a good year of my life fantasizing about this woman when Mr. Holland's Opus came out. My high school, unfortunately, did not have a "Rowena."
I have very much enjoyed her performanced in Reprise's Company, Pippin, and Applause. Her reviews in the latter have been mixed, and a couple BWW posters have criticized her performance as Eve Harrington, but I (and the L.A. Times) thought she did a splendid job. She is a good singer and actress, and however she may have come across to Borstalboy, she was lovely when I spoke to her after the show.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/15/05
Yeah, i have the IT GIRL CD and was surprised at her voice. she's great!
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
Is she related to Grace Kelly? Or Paula Kelly? Or Kelly Preston? or Kelly Ripa? or Joe Kelly?
I think she's related to Kelly from Saved by the Bell.
If they ever revive "Promises, Promises" she's my #1 choice to play "Fran Kubelik"!
Broadway Star Joined: 6/28/03
lol please don;t make fun of me, I didn't know! I was just curious if she was related to Gene Kelly somehow. Don't judge me! lol jk!
She stole my heart in Mr. Holland.
Haven't seen her in anything else but when I saw the title of this thread I knew her name immediately from Mr Holland's Opus, I always thought she stood out in that film...and I'm glad to hear it WAS her voice that was used. I always wondered what she was up to and why she wasn't cast in a Broadway show. Thanks for the update.
That she has a beautiful voice goes without saying but she has real acting chops too. She made a whole lot out of very little when she played Catherine in Reprise's Pippin - for once the second act didn't drag and it was because of her scenes. I also thought she was excellent as Eve Harrington. Totally convincing as the scheming opportunist.
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