FROM constant health problems to starring in local theatre, Keely Crocker has overcome stacked odds, standing out among some of the brightest stars. She plays Zoë Murphy in the South African production of Dear Evan Hansen.

Also read: Caxton cares: Community rallies to knit, crochet warmth for elderly

The 22-year-old grew up in Amanzimtoti, living next door to her grandparents. She did homework with her gran, who listened to all her made-up stories and songs, and learnt how to play the guitar with her grandpa.

She was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at only nine-years-old and struggled with it for most of her life. She went into kidney failure in 2022 and her dad, Steven Crocker, immediately got tested to see if he was a match.

“During this time, I was on dialysis for a year before we finally got our date for a transplant. October 31 two years ago was life changing for me. My dad is my superhero,” said Keely.

She now lives in Sea Point, Cape Town, where she moved to study musical theatre at Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA).

“I’m fortunate to have a large, loving family on both my mom’s and dad’s sides. My mom and dad were always incredibly supportive of my love for the performing arts from a young age. They gave me the space to be creative. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without any of them. I’m more right-brained than left,” said Keely.

She has always harboured a deep love for music and started entering singing competitions at eight-years-old. When she was 15, she entered an international competition and was sponsored to travel to New York City to compete. Up until then, she considered it more a hobby and intended to pursue a career in sport science.

Also read: Green mamba claims lives of two dogs

“That all changed when I went to New York and saw Wicked on Broadway for the first time. Dear Evan Hansen is one of those musicals that no one ever expected to come to South Africa. It’s one of those ‘miracle’ shows. It was one of the first musicals I fell in love with because of the music. The songs, the story — everything is so heart-touching and beautifully written. I’m a sucker for good writing. I auditioned for the show last year in the middle of my third year at college. I was nervous since it was my first-ever audition, but it turned out to be one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. When I got the phone call, I started crying because it was a dream come true,” said Keely.

She added, “Zoë is a character who is unapologetically herself. Despite everything she’s been through, she tries to live life the best she can. I think every teenage girl can relate to her in some way. No one is perfect, and she embraces her imperfections. She’s frustrated by how others around her try to be perfect when no-one is. I think she sees a little bit of that in Evan before the lies are uncovered.”

Keely loves writing, playing guitar, soccer, watching movies, and going for walks. She advises aspiring artists to never compare yourself to others. “You are your own artist, and your journey is unique. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. Don’t take tomorrow for granted, life is too short to put things off. If you want to do something, do it now. Don’t wait.”

Currently, Dear Evan Hansen is showing in Teatro at Montecasino in Johannesburg, with shows taking place until April 6.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.