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Kathy Tyrell
starring as
Katharine Hartgrove
(2001 Spring Tour)

Kathy Tyrell is an actress who doesn't mind tooting her own horn -- trumpet, that is.  She is also a compulsive ivory tickler, both piano and organ, and when man-made instruments aren't available, she uses the one that came with the birth package (she is a Lyric Soprano).  But despite her varied and accomplished musical skills, Kathy's first love is acting.

After earning a MFA in acting from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Kathy became a much sought after east coast actress whose credits include the world premiere of Desdemona, and the southern regional premiere of Dancing at Lughnasa, in which she played Agnes.  She is a regional multi-award winner for her appearance as Rosabella in Most Happy Fella, and a Carbonell nominee for her portrayal of Lisa Morrison in Collected Stories.   Television appearances include Tom Hanks' award winning HBO series From the Earth to the Moon.

For the 10th anniversary tour of Letters from the Front: WWII, Kathy took on the role of the flinty but big hearted Katharine Hartgrove -- the fifth actress to do so.  During her audition in New York, Kathy had to not only impress Producer Marsha Roberts and Playwright Robert Rector, but also faced the daunting task of passing the scrutiny of Director Della Cole, who originated the role of Katharine Hartgrove and played her from 1991 through 1997 (returning briefly for the 1999 Pac-Rim tour).

"She knocked my socks off," says Della.  "Her audition was so powerful that when she finished, all three of us spontaneously stood and applauded.  That's pretty high praise from three people who have lived and breathed this project for ten years now.  And of course, I have quite a vested interest in seeing that the integrity of Katharine's character stays intact.  I feel certain that Kathy is worthy of that trust."

As for Kathy, she is an actress who has welcomed challenges throughout her accomplished career on the stage, and enjoyed bringing her unique talents and skills to the role of Katharine Hartgrove, as well as performing before Letters from the Front: WWII's very special audience.