Burns performed in regional theatre at Paper Mill Playhouse, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, and Northern Stage, among other places, for the first six years of her career. She starred in the 2009 Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of Hair as part of the "Black Boys Trio." Burns also appeared in the original Off-Broadway cast of Rock of Ages. From July 8, 2010 to June 5, 2011 Burns starred as Elphaba in the first national tour of Wicked opposite Chandra Lee Schwartz and later Amanda Jane Cooper as Glinda. Following her departure from the tour, Burns reprised the role of Elphaba in the Broadway production, replacing Teal Wicks on September 27, 2011. Burns was initially reunited with her former tour co-star Chandra Lee Schwartz as Glinda, and was later paired with Alli Mauzey. Her last performance was scheduled to be on February 10, 2013, however she was unable to perform due to illness. She was succeeded as Elphaba by international star Willemijn Verkaik. Burns recently appeared in the Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey musical "If/Then" as the standby for Elizabeth. The musical, directed by Michael Greif, had its world premiere at the National Theatre in Washington D.C., starting with previews on November 5, 2013, and an official opening on November 24, 2013 before transferring to Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway, which began previews on March 4, 2014 and opened on March 30, 2014. Burns' first performance as Elizabeth occurred on May 14, 2014, following intermission. The next three days, Burns went on the full show. If/Then closed on March 22, 2015. On January 27, 2016, Burns joined the national tour of If/Then as the full-time Elizabeth replacing Menzel in Dallas, Texas. She stayed with the production for the remainder of the run, closing on August 14, 2016. On July 31, 2017, Burns returned to the role of Elphaba in the Broadway production of Wicked, four and a half years after she had last played the role. She performed opposite former tour co-star Amanda Jane Cooper as Glinda and played her final performance on July 14, 2018. She was succeeded by Jessica Vosk. Burns currently holds the distinction of being Broadway's longest-running Elphaba. On October 31, 2018, Burns began performances as Elphaba in the second national tour of Wicked, starring opposite Kara Lindsay as Glinda. She performed in San Diego and Los Angeles before playing her final performance in the role to date in Salt Lake City on February 24, 2019. She was succeeded in the role by Mariand Torres.
Credits
Stage credits
Broadway
If/Then – Elizabeth
Wicked – Elphaba
Hair – Member of Black Boys Tribe, Sheila, Jeanie, assistant dance captain
