Broadway Star Visits Topeka High

Two time Tony nominee and Topeka High graduate Jayne Houdyshell returned to her alma mater today to talk about her acting career.  Houdyshell, who graduated in 1971, met with some drama students who were excited to see the Broadway star.  She told the students that the training that she received at Topeka High was terrific.  She complimented her teachers Miss Herrick and Mr. Fly for giving her the work ethic that has helped her in her acting career.  She said she walked out of Topeka High thinking she could do anything.  

Houdyshell has appeared in more than 200 plays in regional theaters.  She received a Tony nomination in 2006 for her role in the Broadway production of Well.  She received another Tony nomination last year for her role as Hattie Walker in the revival of Follies.  Her other Broadway credits include Wicked and Bye Bye Birdie.  Houdyshell has been cast in the Broadway production of Dead Accounts with Norbert Leo Butz and Katie Holmes, which opens in November.