Background
"Kissy" is short for Kissimmee, the Floridian city near Orlando about 80 miles from Floral City where she was born.
"Kissy" is short for Kissimmee, the Floridian city near Orlando about 80 miles from Floral City where she was born.
University of South Florida.
She is best known for playing Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King and as of 2011 is reprising the role in the Las Vegas production at Mandalay Bay beginning May 5, 2009. She received a Bachelor in speech communications before going on to a successful modeling and theatre career in the Tampa Bay area. Professional credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette) and Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.
In April 2008, Simmons made her Carnegie Hall debut performing at the New York Pops 25th Annual Spring Gala.
Then in May 2008, along with Ashley Brown and Sierra Boggess, she performed at The New York Pops 25th Birthday Gala. The invitation came personally from The First Lady Laura Bush, who saw the show during its Kennedy Center engagement.
Along with ten other select members of the current Lion King cast, Simmons performed September 15, 2008 at The White House for a State Dinner.