Kecia Lewis-Evans Talks Obama, Dreamgirls & Singing with Once On This Island Co-Star LaChanze at 54 Below

Broadway belter Kecia Lewis-Evans has wowed audiences with her powerhouse vocals in the Main Stem musicals Once on This Island, Dreamgirls, Chicago, Leap of Faith, Shrek, The Drowsy Chaperone and Ain’t Misbehavin’. Now, she’s bringing her larger- than-life talents to 54 Below with the new one-night-only show Songs I Feel Like Singing. Below, Lewis-Evans discusses why Obama makes her smile, how she continues to sing songs from Dreamgirls and her reunion with Once on This Island co-star LaChanze.

What is your go-to audition song?
"I Am Changing" from Dreamgirls.

What song are you most excited to perform in your show?
"Imagination" by Gladys Knight and the Pips.

What musical theater track is the most played on your iPod?
The entirety of Once On This Island.

If you could invite any performer onstage for a duet at 54 Below, who would it be?
LaChanze (who is one of my closest friends and will be appearing)!

What musical theater performer from the past do you wish you could collaborate with?
Pearl Bailey.

What song makes you feel sexy?
"Brown Skin" by India.Arie.

What is your favorite workout track?
"Shackles" by Mary Mary.

What’s the best hidden gem in on your iPod?
"I Feel Pretty" by Little Richard.

Favorite break-up song?
"So What" by P!nk.

What song most makes you smile?
"Let's Stay Together" by Al Green (because of President Obama's version).

Check out Kecia Lewis-Evans in Songs I Feel Like Singing on November 26. Below is a video of her performing "Mama Will Provide" from Once on This Island live.