As MKCHS celebrates 130 years, Alumna Ginger Grace ’70 shares how Kelly’s values shaped her award-winning career in theatre and film. Read her story here!
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
As you all start the year, on the 130th Anniversary of MKCHS, I am sending this Letter of
Appreciation regarding the extraordinary impact Kelly High School has had on my life and
work in theatre and film. Whenever I find myself in a landmark production in the theatre or
an award-winning film, what I find vitally at play are the values instilled in me at Kelly, and
the power that comes with impeccable teamwork – like that which our Class of ’70 built
together (with older and younger students joining with their own invaluable support!).
Most recently this struck me with Bruce Gorman’s WEEKEND AT THE AGAMEMNONS, a film
written for myself and Austin Pendleton for which we won Best Actor & Best Actress at the
Atlantic City Cinefest Film Festival. Everyone involved -- cast, crew and producers -- “lifted
the bar” so high on both a personal and creative level, and THAT made all the difference in
the world with the film that evolved, and THAT, was just like our Class at Kelly High School!
I keep finding, and want to share with you, that what we all learned and built together at
Kelly keeps resonating in work of import – be it small downtown theatre, as well as those
productions that gain extraordinary visibility and prominence. It’s our core values that lift a
production to brilliance.
To all this, I add the insights and perspective with which Monsignor Marvin Enderle guided
us. They were to me, the essence of our Faith. He taught me that when you are confronted
with an obstacle, you find strength within yourself -- maybe strengths you never had to use
before -- and you rise above that problem. And, in doing so, you simultaneously gain a
greater understanding of the problems that other people are facing. That is the greatest
blessing, a blessing illuminating you, empowering you to seek out and extend a helping
hand to others in need. THIS LESSON has been at the core of every great ensemble I have
been a part of, and in material (theatrical and filmic) that I have been extremely fortunate to
be cast in and perform for audiences throughout the country.
Major experiences for me in New York theatre include leading classical roles under the
direction of Christopher Martin at Classical Stage Company; and a lineup of Tennessee
Williams’ productions (which I especially treasure in having grown up in the South!), all
directed by the esteemed Austin Pendleton. Other instances of note are the National Tour
of THE PRESIDENTS, (playing opposite Rich Little as all of the First Ladies from Jackie
Kennedy to Hillary Clinton), a production that drove me to write, perform and produce my
own one-woman shows. These include THE FIRST LADIES COALITION (directed by Austin
Pendleton); and INSIDE EMILY DICKINSON: HER POETRY & HER LIFE (an interactive
performance piece), both which have played throughout the country. Ensemble-driven film
work includes WEDDING MARCH (Winner, PBS Reel 13 Competition) and as mentioned,
WEEKEND AT THE AGAMEMNONS, currently on the Festival Circuit. (Full Bio & Videos:
A quick mention -- our Kelly High School production of OLIVER (the musical based on
Charles Dickens’ OLIVER TWIST) was ebullient and left me no choice but to wrap my life
around theater. It was our sophomore year, and I will never forget Sister Davidica pounding
away at the piano with her huge smile through every rehearsal and every performance.
Students from every class were involved (I was one of the urchins, helping Oliver make it
through the world!) and it was pure magic with the way we lifted that production
resoundingly to life, right in the auditorium at Kelly High School. It set the bar – and I carry it
through my life and work in theatre and film.
With Faith in God, anything is possible. Our class worked relentlessly, teaming together in
setting and achieving goals, and we had the time of our life in the process. (And now, when
we’re all together for any reunion, THAT resonates in brilliant fashion!) A blessing to carry
on with!
Best to You All in this 130th Anniversary Year of 2025-2026!
Ginger Grace