Meet Kaleigh Cronin // Broadway Performer, ‘Death Becomes Her’
Kaleigh Cronin is a multi-hyphenate performer whose work reflects discipline, range, and an undying respect for her craft. As a seasoned performer and current member of the original ‘Death Becomes Her’ cast, she’s been bringing the show to life eight times a week as part of the ensemble—while also serving as understudy for both leading roles. (Editor's note: Yep. Both. Very casual.)
This month, she takes her final bow in the show.
We chatted with Kaleigh before she starts her next show to talk about what it really takes to sustain a career on Broadway: the pressure of being perpetually ready, the invisible labor behind understudy work, and the lessons learned in showing up polished and prepared, every single time.
Let’s start at the very beginning: What was young Kaleigh like?
I grew up in New Hampshire and was raised by wonderful parents and an extremely musical mother. We were always singing and dancing; I’d invite the neighborhood to attend productions I staged for myself and my sister. I’m told as a toddler I would wake up and act as an imaginary character for the rest of the day. I don’t think there was any doubt that I’d be a performer. My parents allowed me to audition for a production of Annie at our local Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH, and the rest is history!
Which came first: acting, singing, dancing, music, or something else?
I think my first exposure to the arts was through music, but I really did all elements concurrently. I learned and got all my experience through being cast in productions in regional theaters rather than taking classes (save a few tap and jazz classes when I was very young). I think this served me well in terms of becoming well-rounded and not being forced to choose one discipline over the other.
When did performing start to feel like more than a hobby?
I don’t think I ever questioned pursuing performing. We have home videos of a very young me declaring that I would be an actress on Broadway someday, and with each passing year it only became more evident. After being cast on the PBS KIDS television show ZOOM at age 10 [and performing for two years], I knew I was going to dedicate my life to acting/performance. Once I committed to attending Carnegie Mellon University for acting and musical theater, I knew it was what I was meant for. There was no turning back.
What does a typical day look like for you right now (life at home, rehearsals, shows, understudying, the whole shebang)?
I’m currently in the ensemble as well as cover the two leading ladies in the Broadway Musical, Death Becomes Her. Days usually start with breakfast, the gym, and taking my dog Rosie for a good walk or park visit. Some days involve taping auditions for upcoming projects or learning material for in-person auditions. After lunch, it’s time to head into rehearsal.
Because I understudy two roles, I am usually called to every rehearsal to run through as one of the parts I cover! I’ll read on my dinner break to have a bit of an escape from the job, and then it’s showtime. I get ready to be “Stacey” (my nightly role in the show) but have to also be ready at a moment’s notice to go on for either lead role as well. I’ve had to switch from my role to one of the leads at intermission; I've found out an hour before; I’ve played one lead for one show and the other lead the following show. So, I have to have a clear head and a prepared mind and heart at all times! Anything can happen. After the show it’s home to Rosie for some cuddles and snacks and a TV show and then bed.
Tell us about a moment in your career that now looking back, feels pivotal.
The day I moved to NYC, my mom dropped me off in her mini van at an open call for a brand new Broadway National Tour of Jersey Boys which happened to be auditioning that same day. I stood in a huge line, got into the room, sang 16 bars of “Something to Talk About,” and left proud that I had done my first big NYC audition—but expecting nothing of it.
A week later, I got a callback. After several rounds of auditions and an approval by the entire creative team and Bob Gaudio, I was cast! I spent 2.5 years on the road touring with Jersey Boys playing Lorraine, and had the best experience of my life. It was on this show that I met my now husband, John, who played saxophone in the band. I also met people who are still some of my closest friends today. The Jersey Boys creative team went on to cast me in my second and third Broadway shows; I owe SO MUCH to that “small” two minute audition in the summer of 2011.
How do you handle rejection, comparison, or quiet seasons?
Rejection is simply a part of my job. I’m lucky in that I’ve been performing since age five, so at this point I feel numb to hearing “no” because it happens so often. I try to tell myself that if I miss out on a role or don’t get an opportunity, it’s because something else is coming that I’m meant to do. I think also having a full life outside of the business is important. When I get cut from an audition, I’m just as excited as when I get kept—because then I’ll have time to read or meet up with friends or take my dog to the park. It’s important to remember that this business is just what I happen to do for work; it isn’t a reflection of my worth.
Any pre-show rituals?
Myself and a couple of castmates do planks for three minutes and 20 seconds before every show to center ourselves and help get our bodies warm. I say a quick prayer to those watching over me to help me be the best I can be, and then give myself a quick reminder that I am capable, I don’t have anything to prove, and I just have to trust that I’m enough. I also can’t help but think before every show about how lucky I am to get to do what I love for a living. I get emotional when I think about it; I have to pinch myself every day because my dreams came true!
Offstage, what keeps you grounded and brings you back to yourself?
Having a solid support system is so important. I am lucky to have a wonderfully loving and attentive partner, family, and great friends who help remind me what’s important in life. I love what I do, but at the end of the day, it’s really just playing make believe. It’s a healthy reminder when I find myself taking things too seriously or being too hard on myself.
What’s something fans might not know about you?
I’m extremely introverted and shy in my normal life. I think that’s why I gravitate toward acting; I’m more comfortable putting on the armor of a character on stage than I am speaking as Kaleigh.
What does success look like in this season (not five years from now?)
For the first time in my career, I feel like I’ve succeeded in what I set out to do above all else: Prove to myself that I am capable. Right now, success looks like being content with and proud of what I’ve accomplished. When I was younger, I was constantly looking for the next job or the next role or how to level up in the business. Now, I’m finding there is great comfort in being happy where I am. If I get more exciting opportunities, awesome! If not, I’ll still feel incredibly fulfilled.
Looking ahead, what kinds of roles, shows, or creative projects are you excited to explore?
I’ve made a Broadway career out of being in the ensemble of musicals and covering the leading ladies. If I could choose what’s next, I’d love to have a shot at playing a leading role full-time on Broadway. I also loved my time on television, but haven’t been on screen regularly since I was 12. I’d love the chance to get back on!
What’s something you wish more women and creatives knew that isn’t said out loud enough?
Ask for what you want. This is something I’m working on; I wish it was instilled in me at a young age. In the past—whether because I’m a woman or just because it’s in my nature—I’ve tended to make myself small in situations, always aiming to be agreeable and easy to work with. While I think it makes me likable, I don’t know that it always garners respect. I’m trying to be more firm in being clear about what I want (and don’t want), and I think many women and creatives could benefit from doing the same.
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