Press

For The Grocer’s Goblin and the Little Mermaid:

Walter Shatley as the Bookseller, Kelsey as the Grocer's Wife, and Joe Lullo as the Grocer in The Grocer's Goblin and the Little Mermaid.
Walter Shatley as the Bookseller, Kelsey as the Grocer’s Wife, and Joe Lullo as the Grocer in The Grocer’s Goblin and the Little Mermaid.

“The Rose Theater’s The Grocer’s Goblin and the Little Mermaid hits creative high notes on so many levels, it’s hard to know where to start…[Joe] Lullo and Kelsey Celek are just right as the grocer and his loquacious wife…” – Bob Fishbach, Omaha World-Herald, 2/1/14

For Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical –

“Kelsey Celek…brought the oversize laundry to life as rod puppets, along with an extra large version of Knuffle Bunny…the puppetry and clever dance steps by choreographer Sue Gillespie Booton add much to the show.” – Bob Fischbach, Omaha World-Herald, 9/7/13

For Church Basement Ladies –

“Celek turns in a super performance as the matron of the kitchen and does much of her comedy routine with the sway of a hip, a frown, or the blink of an eye….outstanding.”  – Jeri Seely, The Papers, Inc. (Elkhart, IN) 4/18/12

Melody Goodell as Karin, Kelsey as Vivian, and Nicole Horton as Mavis in Church Basement Ladies.
Melody Goodell as Karin, Kelsey as Vivian, and Nicole Horton as Mavis in Church Basement Ladies.

For The Spitfire Grill –

“Lovely soprano Kelsey Celek, an outstanding Margaret Johnson in Wright State’s sublime production of The Light in the Piazza last season, brings an engaging timidity and warmth to her portrayal of Shelby Thorpe…Celek’s beautifully tender, lyric-driven renditions of ‘When Hope Goes”’and ‘Wild Bird’…are undeniable highlights that deserve an encore.” – Russell Florence, Jr., Dayton City Paper, 9/22/10

For The Light in the Piazza –

“Played to absolute perfection…Kelsey Celek has a brilliant career in this much needed genre ahead of her.” – Burt Saidel, Oakwood Register, 2/23/10

“Detailed, convincing, and memorable…Celek absolutely ruled as Margaret Johnson…” – Terry Morris, Dayton Daily News, 6/4/10

Kelsey as Margaret with Sarah Agar as Clara in The Light in the Piazza.
Kelsey as Margaret with Sarah Agar as Clara in The Light in the Piazza.

“Kelsey Celek is a remarkable focal point as Margaret…Celek’s splendidly crafted, nuanced portrayal, warmly accented with folksy asides to the audience, includes a dynamic rendition of the sweeping, spine-tingling ballad ‘Fable’…” – Russell Florence, Jr., Dayton City Paper, 2/24/10

Kelsey was named Best Leading Actress in a Musical by the Dayton City Paper for her “beautifully mature, heartfelt performance” as Margaret Johnson.