Meg Donnelly's 'Moulin Rouge!' debut fulfils theatre kid dream

When she was still just a child, Meg Donnelly gave off a serious theater kid vibe.

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At 5, her favourite musical role wasn't the sunny “Annie.” It was Mimi from “Rent,” the struggling erotic dancer who is also a heroin addict. Donnelly grew up to become a film and TV star through her breakout role in Disney's music-filled “Zombies” franchise and the ABC sitcom “American Housewife.” She's also appeared on “The Masked Singer” and has a new EP, “dying art.”

This week, the New Jersey-raised actor returned to her first love - theater. Donnelly made her Broadway debut Tuesday in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” playing cabaret star Santine. She'll be aboard the jukebox hit until March. The show is about the goings-on in a turn-of-the-century Parisian nightclub, updated with tunes like “Single Ladies” and “Firework” alongside the big hit “Lady Marmalade.”

The Associated Press got a chance to ask Donnelly about her big night and how it fits into her blossoming career. Answers have been edited for clarity and brevity.