Colleen Zenk & Daughter Kelsey Crouch To Join "Mama and Her Boys" Family

Colleen Zenk and Kelsey Crouch - Photo: Sue Coflin/Max Photos

"Mama and Her Boys," the new hit Off-Broadway musical playing an open ended run at the Underground Theatre, will welcome extra special guests Colleen Zenk (AS THE WORLD TURNS) and daughter, Kelsey Crouch, on May 6.

Zenk is best known for her portrayal of Barbara Ryan on AS THE WORLD TURNS, a role she played continuously for 32 years. Her film credits include Annie, Woman on the Ledge and You'd Better Watch Out. On Broadway she starred opposite Chita Rivera and Donald O'Connor in "Bring Back Birdie."

An oral cancer survivor, celebrating her 5 year milestone, she continues to speak about early detection as the national spokesperson of the Oral Cancer Foundation. She is the recipient of numerous humanitarian. The mother of a blended family of 6, 4 girls and 2 boys, her favorite role to date. She served as a producer on the recent Broadway revival of "Godspell." Her one woman musical evening "Still Sassy" played Feinstein's at the Regency and she recently made her Nashville debut guest-starring with Johnny Rodgers. She can currently be seen portraying Agnes Snead in the indie Western web series THURSTON. She will soon be seen on Hulu in DON'T KNOW JACK, opposite Richard Kline. She will also portray the title role in the upcoming film Libby.

Kelsey Crouch is a New York based actor. She received her BFA in musical theatre from Syracuse University and continues to study with Andrea Green and Craig Carnelia  In addition to extensive regional theatre credits, she played Lucille Frank in the musical "Parade" in Israel and was seen in the International tour of the musical "Zorro."

Zenk and Crouch at the recent 4th Annual Indie Soap Awards

Created by Ethan Paulini, Christopher Sidoli and Wendy Watson, "Mama and Her Boys" is a funny and poignant musical that explores the dynamic relationship between mothers, sons and families. Featuring an eclectic mix of over 25 songs from all styles and genres. Erik Keiser, Christopher Behmke and Audrey Federici appear at certain performances. Paulini directs and choreographs with musical direction and arrangements by William Demaniow. Shaun Daley serves as production designer. The Off-Broadway run features musical contributions from Drew Overcash, Sam Carner and Derek Gregor, Lucy Simon, Sally Fingerett and more. Tony nominee Linda Kline serves as script consultant.

"I am so thrilled to be welcoming a mother and daughter to our guest star roster," said Paulini. "And what a fabulously talented pair they are. While the themes we explore in 'Mama and Her Boys' have to do with mothers and sons they are not gender specific. We worked hard to create a show that presented a universal point of view for all families. With Colleen and Kelsey that universality will be highlighted and explored, deepening this show that's already touching audiences every week. We are so lucky to have these two incredible talents sharing our stage. But the truly lucky ones will be the audience members who get to experience their performance."

Performances will continue every Monday at 9 p.m. at the new Underground Theatre, 955 West End Avenue (at W. 107th and Broadway). Tickets, priced $12-$44 are available by calling 866.811.4111 or visiting theatermania.com. 

Additional details and a special guest schedule can be found at ethanpaulini.com.