White Lilac is thrilled to announce the return of Broadway award winner, acclaimed songwriter, actor, comedian, and multi-instrumentalist Nellie McKay for an exclusive performance in Kenosha. Known for defying simple genres, McKay seamlessly blends sophisticated jazz, Great American Songbook elegance, folk, pop, cabaret, rock, and biting satire into an unpredictable live experience.
Described by The New Yorker as “funny and touching, ceaselessly clever and scarily talented,” McKay has earned widespread critical acclaim throughout her career. Talking Heads frontman David Byrne told The Wall Street Journal that her cabaret performances were “jaw-dropping” and “completely subverted the genre,” praising her unique blend of a “tragic noir vibe” with a wicked sense of humor.
McKay’s career spans notable collaborations across theater, film, and music:
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Off-Broadway & Screen: In 2025, McKay was featured as “Musician & Original Song” in the world-premiere Off-Broadway production of Academy Award-winner Ethan Coen’s Let’s Love! at the Atlantic Theater Company, performing alongside Aubrey Plaza, Chris Bauer, and Mary Wiseman.
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Broadway Recognition: McKay made her Broadway debut as Polly Peachum in The Threepenny Opera at Studio 54 alongside Alan Cumming and Cyndi Lauper, earning a Theatre World Award. She also co-created and starred in the acclaimed Off-Broadway show Old Hats with physical comedians Bill Irwin and David Shiner.
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Beatles Connection: Her debut album Get Away From Me and her 1960s tribute My Weekly Reader were produced alongside legendary Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Revolver).
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Film, Television, & Conceptual Shows: Her original music has appeared in Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, Weeds, and Grey’s Anatomy. She has also created critically acclaimed theatrical portraits of figures ranging from Doris Day and environmentalist Rachel Carson to jazz musician Billy Tipton—the latter named one of The New York Times’best concerts of 2014.
“Nellie McKay is a White Lilac favorite, and our intimate room was built for an artist of her caliber,” said a representative for White Lilac. “Her performances reward close listening, moving effortlessly from hilarious satire to achingly beautiful songwriting. Seeing an artist with this depth of resume in such a close setting is a rare experience for local audiences.”
Tickets are expected to sell quickly. Music fans are encouraged to reserve their seats early to catch this unique live performance in Kenosha.
Ticketing Information: For show dates, times, and ticket purchases, visit the official White Lilac website