Chilina Kennedy has had to withdraw from the 2014 Stratford Festival season because she is pregnant. Chilina and her partner, Jacob James, are expecting a baby.

Update, March, 10,2013 – Chilina Kennedy to appear this summer in “South Pacific“ with Drayton Entertainment.

Kennedy was to play Polly Baker in “Crazy for You” and Aldonza in “Man of La Mancha“, but she is now unable to undertake two such physically challenging roles. Ms Kennedy remains a valued member of the Festival family, and plans are underway to include her new concert as part of the 2014 Forum.

I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Kennedy in June of 2013. In the interview she discusses the nurturing and supportive environment she grew up in. The full interview is available HERE.

Robin Hutton will step into the role of Aldonza in “Man of La Mancha” and is also playing Irene Roth in “Crazy for You.” Ms Hutton shone in the key roles of Louise in the 2012 production of “Wanderlust“, Irene in 2005’s “Hello, Dolly!” and Tzeitel in 2000’s “Fiddler on the Roof,” a musical she returned to last season, playing Rifka. Her other Stratford credits include “Tommy” and “Henry V.”

Natalie Daradich, most recently seen as Glinda in the U.S. tour of Wicked, will take on the role of Polly Baker in “Crazy for You”.
Ms Daradich, whose career took her to New York after she graduated from the Sheridan musical theatre program with Ms Kennedy more than a decade ago, will make her Festival debut in “Crazy for You.”

Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino said “We are absolutely delighted that Natalie and Robin are able to take on these roles,” adding “They are both exceptionally talented performers whom we are privileged to have on our stages. Our audiences have a real treat in store. I’m so happy for Chilina and look forward to welcoming her back to the company in future seasons.”

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