Standout Spartan: Ally Dods Keefe '16

A round of applause is in order for Ally Dods Keefe ’16, who received an award at the Richmond Theatre Community Circle Awards, or “Artsies," the community's recognition of excellence in Richmond-area theater, for her lead role in “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812.” The play was performed in 2025 at Richmond’s Firehouse Theatre. 

The musical is an adaptation of a small section of “War and Peace.” The story centers around a young countess named Natasha who is trying to find her place in the high society of Moscow, and a jaded member of that society named Pierre, who’s trying to remember the purpose of his life, and how their stories intertwine. Ms. Dods Keefe said that her role as Natasha was challenging and fun.  

“I most enjoyed working on the music for this show,” she said. “It is a super complicated piece musically, and I was proud of how it all turned out. ‘No One Else’ was my favorite song that I got to sing.”

 

Ms. Dods Keefe recently finished up performing in a Halloween-themed musical show at Kings Dominion. As always, she’s looking forward to her next theatre gig. 

“At Steward, I was involved in theatre,” she shared. “I always loved doing the spring musical and have the best memories of learning from [Lower School Theatre and Upper School Acting Teacher] Craig Smith.”