Actor Grace Capeless (Photo courtesy of Broadway in Chicago)
How often does an actor get to grow up in a place that becomes the setting of a production they’re involved in?
That’s the case for Grace Capeless, who hails from Bergen County, New Jersey.
Capeless, the daughter of two parents who met doing musical theater, landed her first role at age eight after seeing a Broadway production of Godspell. She begged her parents to let her audition during an open call and got the part.
“I started working at the age of eight,” she said. “I saw a Broadway show, and they happened to have an open call for it, and I auditioned and somehow managed to get the role.”
From that moment, a passion for the stage was born.
Now, years later, Capeless plays Delia in the national tour of Kimberly Akimbo, the funny, thought-provoking musical, playing at Broadway in Chicago’s CIBC Theatre, June 10-22.
Drawn to a Smart, Honest Story
Capeless saw Kimberly Akimbo on Broadway and immediately knew she had to be a part of it- just like when she saw Godspell as a child.
“I was so moved by the show and so excited,” said Capeless, “It was like I would do anything to be in this show.”
“The characters are all so beautifully written and represent the experiences of high school in such a unique and honest way,” she added.
Capeless plays Delia McDaniels, whom she describes as a hard-working, theater-loving teen who travels in a “little pack,” a characterization that hits close to home.
“She is a theater kid at heart. And, you know, as I said, I grew up doing theater and constantly creating, so I would say we’re very similar in that way.”
A First Tour and Life Lessons
In touring with Kimberly Akimbo, this is Capeless’s first time on the road as a performer. This life happens while she is still in school at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), where she studies musical theater.
“I always say to people, ‘I’m studying abroad this year,’ it has been such a great experience because I’m getting to do what I’m training for every day.”
For Capeless, it’s about putting what she learned in the classroom into practice on the stage.
“I just finished school, but I would spend the day on Zoom zooming in live to classes and then doing the show at night,” she said.
Learning From a Legend
For Capeless, the lessons have also come from outside the classroom, thanks to her learning from Broadway vet Carolee Carmello, who plays the title role in Kimberly Akimbo.
“She is a Broadway Legend, 16-time Broadway star, three-time Tony nominee,” said Capeless, “She is the one, and I just really look up to her and learned how to be a leader, how to be a woman in the industry and really advocate yourself.”
A Scene That Hits Home
Every night, there’s one scene that hits Capeless particularly hard. Without giving away too much, she says it’s a moment in Act Two when the teens gather around Kim, imagining their futures. The moment turns poignant as the focus shifts to Kim—whose time may be limited.
“It’s again just a reminder to take advantage of every single day,” she said. “But the show is so smart and brilliant because even considering that that’s such an… intense thought, they put such a positive spin on it, and it somehow is also insanely funny at the same time.”
Looking Ahead—With Gratitude
Away from the lights, Capeless treasures time with family. She and her brother were adopted and raised by two moms.
“Everyone growing up said we looked like twins,” she laughed. “So, you know, everything happens for a reason.”
She’s also a dog mom to Sabrina, a 16-year-old Dijon Yorkie, a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Dachshund. “She’s such a little grandma,” Capeless joked.
As for what comes next, Capeless is staying open and hopeful.
“First, I’ve got to graduate, and then after that, I don’t know,” she said.
“I just want to keep doing the work and keep creating. I don’t know in what capacity I will do that, but I just keep auditioning. That’s the biggest part of the job, and then go from there.”
A Message for Chicago Audiences
With Kimberly Akimbo hitting the stage in Chicago, Capeless hopes audiences walk away with a renewed appreciation for life—and fond memories of their teenage years.
“I hope that they’re transported back into the times of high school… and just remember all the positive things that have come to them and just to live life to its fullest and take advantage of every moment and the people around them.”
For More Information
Kimberly Akimbo runs June 10–22 at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre.
Ticket Information:
Individual tickets range from $35–$125, with a select number of premium tickets available. Additional fees apply for online purchases.
Group tickets (10 or more) are available by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com.
For more details, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
To learn more about the show, visit KimberlyAkimboTheMusical.com and follow @akimbomusical on social media.