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A native of Dayton, Ohio (where she co-founded the Summer Youth Theatre Company), McKenny earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in oral interpretation at Northwestern University, and wrote her first play there, Chatauqua. But musical theater took pride of place in her career. She co-founded the Chicago Musical Theatre Works and collaborated with fellow NU alum Doug Frew on several projects. She and Frew wrote the lyrics for Northlight’s 2007 frontier version of She Stoops to Conquer, receiving an After Dark Award along with composer Andrew Hansen.
McKenny wrote songs for many cabaret singers, including Kat Taylor , who, in a message distributed to Chicago Cabaret Professionals, said, “We heard her lovely, intelligent lyrics blended with the music of so many Chicago and national composers. We CCP members received her tireless efforts on our behalf: be it venue, advice, or support.”
