kimilee bryant

Kimilee most recently was seen as the Christine alternate on Broadway, leaving in October of 1998. Prior to that engagement, she was both alternate (to Adrienne McEwan) and principal on the 3rd US National Tour and the alternate in Basel, Switzerland, where she performed the role in both German and English. Before that time, she was cast as the Christine understudy in the Broadway company (with Davis Gaines, Tracy Shayne/Laurie Gayle Stephenson, and Ciarán Sheehan).

kimilee bryant

"Kimilee Bryant is excited to return to the Broadway company of Phantom! Ms. Bryant garnered rave reviews for her portrayal of Christine as she toured the US with the third national company. She also performed the role in the Swiss premiere of the show in Basel, Switzerland. Most recently she was the winner of the South Carolina Metropolitan Opera Auditions. New York City credits: Polly/The Beggar's Opera (The National Opera Association), Bianca/The Taming of the Shrew (John Brownlee Opera Association) and Phyllis/Iolanthe (NY Gilbert & Sullivan Players). Other roles include Maria/West Side Story, Laurey/Oklahoma!, Julie Jordan/Carousel, Eliza/My Fair Lady, and Hope/Anything Goes. Kimilee is a native of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Music from Converse College and performed with the Spartanburg and Greenville symphonies. Ms. Bryant earned her Master's Degree from the Manhattan School of Music. She has performed with Aspen Opera Theatre & Brevard Music Center and was the recipient of a Talent Preliminary Award at The Miss America Pageant where she represented her home state." (from Phantom program, Broadway - May 1998)

How did you get the role of Christine (were you asked, auditioned, etc)? What was your reaction when you got the news you were to be playing the role? "I auditioned in March 1994 and got the understudy for Broadway, which led to playing the role in Switzerland, US [Third National] Tour, and finally back to Broadway. I was thrilled!! Were the role and the show something you really wanted to do, or something you were attracted to more because of the voice and character type? Both. I knew it was right for me physically and vocally... and of course, it's a huge hit -- so that attracted me as well! Christine is a very demanding role -- how do you keep yourself in shape vocally? Physically? "I don't drink (or do very rarely) or smoke. I try to rest my voice as much as possible. Now that I only do two or three shows it's easier. I also take dance classes and other exercise classes -- yoga, aerobics, etc. What do you like to do on your days off? "Sleep! See other shows, friends, films, etc What do you find most challenging about the role and the show? "When doing 6 or 8 shows, I find it very difficult to do much else. It is a demanding role -- that's why it's split with two actors. Is there one scene in the show you always enjoy and are happy with, even with different performers playing opposite? Is there one scene that stands out with a particular performer? "The Final Lair is always exciting and different with every Phantom. You've performed with different companies -- did you find it difficult to come into a company after having been used to the dynamic with another company? "Oh, yes. I have changed four times with three different companies -- the most different for me was the Swiss company. Totally different costumes, choreography, staging, etc. Are there any performers within Phantom companies you'd have wished you could work with? "I'm sorry I never had a performance with Ciarán Sheehan as Phantom or Raoul -- we rehearsed many times. I'm still doing the role, so hopefully I'll get more chances with the other actors. What's your basic warm-up before each performance? "About 10-15 minutes vocal warm-up and some ballet barre and stretching exercises. What's your routine before a performance -- any superstitions, good luck charms, etc? "No superstitions, really, but I do have my 'routine' -- theatre by 7 pm, begin make-up; hair at 7:15; finish make-up; 7:30, warm-ups; 7:55, costume.. then more warm-ups. What was your most embarrassing moment onstage in Phantom? The most gratifying? "My most embarrassing -- forgetting the words in Switzerland and singing English instead of German! Most gratifying -- my first Christine (on Broadway)... and also when Hal Prince congratulated me in Switzerland. How did you *first* prepare yourself for the role characterwise? Have you read Gaston Leroux' novel, or any other fiction based on Phantom? (Susan Kay's Phantom, Angel of the Opera (Sam Siciliano), etc)? How do you feel the character of Christine in the musical differs from the character in the book(s)? "I read the novel and learned the music and blocking; found similarities between myself and Christine and decided what she was trying to accomplish. I've only read the original novel, as our story is based on that.. I would say the Christine in the musical is very similar to the Christine in the novel, though I do bring some of myself to her. How do you keep the character fresh, how have your perceptions of Christine as a character changed as time goes on? "As of May 1st [1998], I have done this show for four years! I feel I have grown so much vocally and in my portrayal of Christine. Performing with three different companies and performing/rehearsing with fourteen different Phantoms has kept it pretty fresh. Do you feel there any similarities between Christine and your own person? "Yes! She has a real desire to perform... and also feels great sympathy to those less fortunate. How has playing the role of Christine changed *you*? "The role itself has not changed me, though I do feel I have grown as a performer. But the 'job' has helped me become more independent and confident. I have also had great opportunities to see America and much of Europe! I've worked with terrific people and can contribute to charitable events. And finally... if you knew someone who said they wanted to play this role or that they had just gotten the role -- what advice would you give them? "Don't be afraid of change! The show has been going on for 11+ years and has changed so much. I have had to change my ideas many times; I finally learned to say 'why not?' I have lots of opportunities to try new things in this long-running show!"

If anyone would like to write to Ms. Bryant, you may do so by contacting me.