Ten Questions with Kim Cea

When did you first get the performing bug?

My father owned a jazz club in Pittsburgh/>/>, PA/>/>/>/> for years called The Tender Trap and when I was little I used to go there to play the piano and sing just for fun. I was also a huge pop music fan, and I used to listen to the Bee Gee's in my bedroom with earphones on pretending I was the 4th Bee Gee. ; ) I started doing shows in high school and knew that musical theatre was in my blood. My first show was "Sweet Charity" in high school and I'll never forget singing "Big Spender" at 15 years old!

Performing in a cabaret setting is a more intimate setting than most other types of entertainment, what's its appeal to you?

A connection with my audience is the most important thing to me, and if you have that, the show is always going to be special. I have played huge theatres and small cabaret rooms, and I've found that a cabaret setting makes the audience feel like they are part of the show so the response is much more personal.

Much has been discussed recently about a decline in the cabaret world, both in terms of audiences and performers... As a constant sell-out in spaces throughout the city and as a recent MAC award winner, what's your take on the current state of the Cabaret world?

I started working in the cabaret world in 2000 and realized very quickly how much of a family that world was. Up to that point, I was strictly doing theatre and television work. I joined MAC but continued to do everything else I loved because I realized that you don't have to do one thing in this business -- there are so many options for everyone to explore. I have a lot of friends that dedicate 100% of their time to the cabaret world and continue to grow with each show that they do. On the other hand, there are also people that do shows and you never hear about them again! As someone that does both cabaret and theatre, I am grateful to have both facets in my life and having a fan base supporting what I do is the best gift of all.

What's been your most memorable audience member over the years?

When I did "Smokey Joe's Cafe" there were always celebrities in the audience… The best was Muhammad Ali, who was in the audience in Louisville/>/>, Kentucky/>/>/>/>. He came backstage after the show and was doing magic tricks for the cast with a red scarf and a flower. It was a little scary and funny at the same time.

In 2003, you won a MAC Award for Best Female Stand-up Comedy - tell us about what that experience was like?

It was a great night, and even more special because I won on my birthday - April 15th. I had been nominated in 2001 & 2002 and lost both times, so the third year was a charm! I won for Best Female Standup and that was an amazing thing considering I had only started doing standup in 2000. I always thought if I won a MAC award it would be for something that involved singing! Being recognized for something you love to do is a gift in itself, and winning an award is the icing on the cake.

You toured starring in Smokey Joe's Cafe from Hartford/>/> to Tokyo/>/>/>/>, what are some fond memories that you have of that tour?

Wow.... I got the tour in July 1996, and when I saw the route sheet of the cities I would be going to, I knew my life was going to change and it did. I was out on the 1st National Tour until 1998 in one city a week, with 8 shows, hotels, planes, buses and fans, fans, fans!!!

They loved this show and embraced the music of Leiber & Stoller each and every night. I've got so many memories but only one stands out from the rest, and that was when I got the chance to do the show in my hometown of Pittsburgh/>/>, PA/>/>/>/> and my family was in the audience. Seeing their smiling faces from the stage is an image I will have in my mind forever.

You've been set to play the role originated by Cher/>/> in the musical of the Mask, a show currently on hold. What's the latest?

I got cast in MASK in June 2003 to play the role of Rusty and I was thrilled... The plan was to do a workshop produced by Paper Mill Playhouse in October 2003, but after some changes on the creative team and with the producers, the show was put on hold. I waited patiently hoping for the best but it didn't happen last year. I believe in this show and have faith that the public will one day see this production. There are certain roles in life you know you should play, and this is definitely one for me.

Regionally, you've starred in shows like Funny Girl, and Little Shop of Horrors. What differences do you find performing for a regional crowd vs. a New York/>/>/>/> audience?

There is not really that much of a difference, and I've found that audiences react the same way on Broadway as they do in Ohio/>/> or California/>/>/>/>. Not to mention the fact that tourists make up most of the audience on Broadway anyway, so when we go to their hometowns it is the same feeling. Performing out of town is a nice change but nothing beats doing a show in NYC and being "home."

BroadwayWorld.com Radio Exclusive: Click Here to Hear Kim Sing "Woman in the Moon" by Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher

What has been the most magical night for you at the theater and why?

I actually have 2 magical nights… The first was my Broadway debut in "Smokey Joe's Cafe" in 1988. I was on the road and was asked to come and fill in for some shows, so one minute I was on stage in Michigan/>/> and the next at the Virginia/>/> Theatre/>/>/>/>.

My second magical moment would have to be the debut of my one woman show "Kim Cea LIVE" in Feb. 2003. I started it at The Cutting Room, played The Zipper Theater and last month I went into Joe's Pub. Now I am at the Ars Nova Theatre and I am thrilled to be a part of this beautiful new theatre space.

BroadwayWorld.com Radio Exclusive: Click Here to Hear Kim Talk About Her Mother and Celebrity Names...

Doing my own show is a powerful experience and it once again proves that you don't have to do one thing in this business. I followed what I was meant to do and I never imagined it would be this fulfilling. However, I could not do it without my fans that are always there for me and that is really where the magic comes in.

You talk a bit in your show about your internet addiction... For those of us on the site with the same problem, share your woes with us?

To quote my act.....
"I am obsessed with the internet.
I could have an ax in my back,
mud dripping down my head,
pee in my pants
and I have to LOG/>/> ON/>/>/>/>!!!"

I believe that says it all. ; )

BroadwayWorld.com Radio Exclusive: Click Here to Hear Kim Talk About Internet Addiction

On a final note ~ BroadwayWorld.com has been a constant support system for me since I logged on to the site when it debuted. I thank you from my heart for everything & am glad to be a part of the "family." Thanks a million!

BroadwayWorld.com Radio Exclusive: Click Here to Hear Kim Sing "The Best Seat in the House" by Barry Manilow