From Understudy to Esplanade Stage: Vanessa Kee’s Journey with SRT

For Vanessa Kee, Legally Blonde – The Musical marks more than just an Esplanade Theatre debut. It is the latest chapter in a journey with Singapore Repertory Theatre that has steadily opened new doors for her as a performer.

This time, she takes on Vivienne Kensington – ambitious, formidable and far more than the rival she first appears to be – while also covering the role of Elle Woods. We spoke to Vanessa about growing with SRT, stepping into the world of Legally Blonde, and how each opportunity has pushed her towards the performer she is becoming.

1. Can you tell us about your journey with SRT and how it's shaped you as a performer?

Vanessa: Oh my where do I start!! I think I did my very first show with SRT being Kit Chan’s understudy in The LKY Musical. Being thrown into such a wonderful room of performers was really such a privilege and I learnt so much being there. Following that I was lucky enough to join the cast of Shakespeare in the Park for both A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth, and now here I am!

(From top) Vanessa Kee, Inch Chua and Melissa May Garcia as the witches in Shakespeare in the Park – Macbeth (2025)

2. What has been the highlight of making your Esplanade Theatre debut with Legally Blonde so far?

Vanessa: Urgh!! The people for sure!! Cast, crew, orchestra - the whole team has been such a joy to be around. We are just soaking in how surreal it is to be here. Can I also give a special mention to THE AUDIENCE!! Our audience response has been phenomenal!!! I think Legally Blonde in itself has such a wonderful cult following that it’s spilled into the reception for this show. I’ve never seen so many standing ovations and a more excited crowd at stage door. It means more than people know to see our work touch so many hearts. We love you all so much!!

3. You play Vivienne Kensington, a character who surprises audiences as the story unfolds. What drew you to the role, and how have you approached bringing her to life?

Vanessa: I think Viv’s redemption arc is one of the best in the show!! Viv stan forever!! I love the haters to best friends trope, and it’s so evident in Elle and Vivienne’s relationship. Both were girls who had to prove something to survive in a man’s world, and both found a sister in each other (once the man was out of the picture, hehe). I think one of the main things I’ve discovered about Vivienne is that she lives so much of her life based on her ambition, passion and most importantly, she’s very meritocratic. Once you’ve earned her respect, she’s a buddy for life. Unfortunately for Warner, she’s lost all respect for him, but fortunately for Elle, she has all the respect for her.

(From left) Vanessa Kee, Nathan Hartono and Nathania Ong in Legally Blonde – The Musical.

4. You're also covering the role of Elle Woods, which is no small feat. How do you balance preparing for two such different roles?

Vanessa: Woah. Where do I start! I would firstly just acknowledge the BEAST of a role that is Elle Woods, which Natty [Nathania Ong] executes perfectly!! I did a cover run one day and FULLY understood the extent and demand of that role. Hats off!

I do think that being a big fan of the show helps for sure (I’ve spent many a days watching MTV Legally Blonde), so I came into the process knowing most of the show (I love you Laura Bell Bundy and Christian Borle), but also balancing that with discovering a new Elle Woods that was my own and doing deep character dives so fulfilling. I say this to my friends very much but highlighting the script lines of Elle Woods AND Vivienne Kensington is a dream I never thought would come true and yet - here I am! PINCH ME NOW TO MAKE SURE! 

When it comes down to the logistics of covering Elle while doing Viv, it involved alot of personal learning time and shadowing. The SRT team (shoutout to Ruishan our Dance Captain, and Isabella Chiam our Assistant Director) helped immensely too and were such an integral part of the cover system. They ensured I got ample time to learn the songs, dances and character work that was needed for Elle. We even had few cover runs to make sure all covers feel confident in our roles! I got to opportunity to burst through the Havard Sigil, and that will be something I could never forget. Chills.

(From left) Timothy Wan and Vanessa Kee rehearsing as covers for Emmett and Vivienne in Legally Blonde – The Musical.

Catch Vanessa Kee as Vivienne Kensington in Legally Blonde – The Musical, playing at Esplanade Theatre (29 Jul – 16 Aug 2026). Find out more and get your tickets here.