A Broadway Star Who Never Forgot Her Roots

A Broadway Star Who Never Forgot Her Roots

Before she was a Broadway star, Kate Baldwin was a Shorewood High School student who found her voice in the school’s celebrated theater program under the late Barbara Gensler and at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. She launched her Broadway career in The Full Monty and quickly established herself with standout roles in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Wonderful Town, and Big Fish.

Her breakthrough came in 2009 with her performance as Sharon McLonergan in the revival of Finian’s Rainbow, earning nominations for the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards. She later wowed audiences as Irene Molloy in Hello, Dolly!, sharing the stage with Bette Midler and again receiving widespread critical acclaim.

Beyond Broadway, Baldwin has performed Off-Broadway, sung with major symphony orchestras, and appeared on prestigious stages such as Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. Throughout her illustrious career, she has maintained strong ties to her hometown—frequently returning to Milwaukee to perform, mentor, and lead masterclasses and workshops for emerging artists. Her ongoing engagement in Milwaukee’s arts community underscores her commitment to giving back to the place that nurtured her early artistic development.

Watch this conversation with WCM alum and Broadway star Kate Baldwin: