It gives me great pleasure to introduce Kelley Jordan (shown above backstage at The Fox's production of Dr. Doolittle), a CWE-based wig and makeup artist who's been working on theatrical productions at The Muny and The Fox since 1990. She has also been working on Broadway productions at the Peabody Opera House since it reopened after extensive renovation in 2011. Kelley is a member of the IATSE Union based in New York City.
Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of observing a class Kelley offers on theatrical make-up and wig application for teens ages 13 to 18, and adults 18 and up. The day I visited she was instructing an up-and-coming young star how to apply her own makeup. Kelley explained that principal performers in theater or film have a makeup artist assigned to them, but everyone, whether a professional actor or ingenue, needs to understand the tricks of the trade.
From the moment she first said hello, I was absolutely charmed by 10-year-old Kennedy Holmes, above, who is playing Little Inez in this week's production of Hairspray at The Muny. Kennedy, the daughter of Karen and Shawn Holmes, attends Commons Lane Elementary in the Ferguson/Florissant School District. Her father said that Kennedy has been singing and dancing around the house since she was 3 years old. The couple is behind their daughter every step of the way as she pursues her dream.
Though Kennedy is a member of the Muny Kids Touring Troupe, Little Inez is her first role on The Muny stage. During the two-day audition last March, Kennedy was required to sing and dance. Her musical choice for the audition was Let It Go from Frozen.
Here is Kennedy in wig and makeup following Kelley's class, which was held in her CWE studio. The young actress was obviously pleased with the way she looked, and continued to add a cat whisker here or a dot there while I took photos. It was while I watched her make silly faces in the mirror that I saw how comfortable Kennedy is as an actress.
It's a strong hunch on my part that I suspect we'll be seeing lots of Kennedy Holmes in years to come. The Muny's production of Hairspray closes Tuesday, June 30.
Kelley Jordan's extensive makeup and wig classes for teens and adults in groups up to ten are $40 per person. Class supplies are included. Theatrical makeup is an art that Kelley is willing to share with others who may be interested in working in the field. For information on Theatrical 101: Wigs & Makeup, contact Kelley Jordan via her website, or (314) 258-7061.