Marshal Kennedy Carolan left his SoCal digs behind when he took a gamble on Vegas. A year later the out actor is still winning big, starring in Sin City’s production of Mamma Mia!

by Jeff Katz

What has your experience been like thus far in Mamma Mia! in Vegas?

I was so incredibly nervous coming into this show. It was the first time I had ever moved away from home and my first step into what I guess we call “adulthood.” But once I got here, the cast took me in as a family and I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. I have been in the show for a little over a year now, but I still feel like I got here last week!

Had you been a fan of the show prior? Why did you want to take on the role of Sky?

Mamma Mia! was the first Broadway show I ever saw. Ironic, right? I loved it! The audience was on their feet dancing, my mom was singing—and she never sings. [Laughs] The theater was filled with such a good energy. I was watching thinking, “I can do that! I want to do that!” So when I got Sky, everything came full circle.

How does the film stack up in comparison to the stage show?

Our company was lucky enough to have a private screening, and we were so anxious to see it. I was blown away; the scenery is truly breathtaking. I wanted to go to Greece so badly after I stepped out of the theater. The film captured the heart and campiness that the show has. Of course the film had changes to make it its own, and I loved every second of it.

Vegas obviously has a reputation as a party town, and the people can get a little rowdy. Have there been any interesting or memorable audience moments?

Oh, man, when the seats have cup holders, you expect the audiences to be rowdy! Bachelorette parties come to see the show a lot. There is a part where I get stripped down into little briefs and they whistle or scream. I will always turn bright red—always.

Where did your desire to be an actor and involved in theater come from?

I quit sports in high school, my senior year, and just decided to do theater. I knew I loved to sing and wanted to try out the musical. I stepped onstage, got my first laugh, and that was all it took! I became driven to make that my career ever since.

If you could take on any other role in theater, what character would you want to play?

Ah, good question! I would love to play Link in Hairspray, Fiyero in Wicked—anything with a pop sound. But my ultimate dream role is Melchoir in Spring Awakening; the music in that show is brilliant!

Aside from coming to see you in Mamma Mia!, if our readers are heading to Sin City in the near future, what do you recommend they do for a hot Vegas weekend? Where are we likely to find you on a day off?

A hot Vegas weekend? What’s that? [Laughs] Since we work almost every day, we don’t get to use Vegas as a getaway, unfortunately. But there are tons of great shows; La Reve is great, Bette Midler will make you pee your pants she’s so funny. I think the Wynn is the “it” place to go right now, but I don't know if you should take my word on that! We have Fridays off; I usually sleep in until noon! Who am I kidding? Maybe later. I veg, though, sometimes go get a massage at one of the spas, or lay out by my pool—nothing crazy. I save that for Thursday night!

Catch Marshal Kennedy Carolan in Mamma Mia! at the Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. Visit mamma-mia.com/lasvegas for more information.