What happens when an EGOT winner and Chicago legend unexpectedly shows up to your community theater rehearsal? On this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we hear the incredible true story from director Andrew McBurnie about the night Jennifer Hudson visited Bourbonnais to see Acting Out Theatre Company's production of Godspell.

Andrew shares a behind-the-scenes account of how a passing joke among the cast turned into a secretive, last-minute confirmation during the most stressful week of the show. Hear about the moment the cast realized an A-list celebrity was in their small audience, the invaluable advice she gave them during an impromptu Q&A, and the unforgettable moment she stood just feet away and sang "Memory" with no microphone.

This is more than a celebrity story; it’s a powerful tale about humility, the validation of local arts, and the deep connection that makes the Kankakee County community so special.

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