Biography
After completing her studies at the Kleinkunstacademie in Amsterdam, Simone Kleinsma received the 1978 Pisuisse Prize as the most promising graduate. That distinction quickly opened doors, leading her into starring roles across Dutch cabarets, revues, television comedies, and musical productions. She released her first solo album, 'N Deel van Mij (A Part of Me), in 1990, then followed it five years later with Met Open Ogen (With Open Eyes). Two decades of stage work earned her the Golden Harp in 2000 for her impact on Dutch cabaret. In 2004 she paid tribute to one of her idols with the CD/DVD release Simone Kleinsma Sings Doris Day. The same decade brought three John Kraaijkamp Musical Awards, honoring her work in the 2004 production of Mamma Mia, the 2009 staging of Sunset Boulevard, and her own 2010 theater presentation Simone: Songs from the Heart. A live album documenting that show appeared the same year and was soon succeeded by Songbook, an album of her takes on songs by Bon Jovi, the Beatles, and other artists. Her commitment to musical theater remained clear with a role in the 2012 rock musical Next to Normal and a featured part in the 2013 Dutch mounting of Sister Act.
Albums
Singles
