Once More with Feeling Summary, Characters and Themes
Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman is a deeply emotional, sharply written story about reinvention, complicated relationships, and the power of second chances.
It follows Kathleen Rosenberg, once known to the world as teen pop star Katee Rose, whose career imploded in a blaze of scandal. Years later, a chance to return to the stage forces her to confront the past, including Cal Kirby—her former crush, now a Broadway director—and the heartbreak, betrayal, and shame that shattered her. Through the lens of musical theatre and fame’s fallout, Sussman delivers a story rich in nostalgia, romantic tension, and hard-won growth.
Summary
Kathleen Rosenberg, once a teen pop icon under the stage name Katee Rose, vanished from the spotlight after a scandal ruined her career.
She had been accused of cheating on her pop star boyfriend Ryan with his bandmate Cal Kirby. The rumors, fueled by sexist media coverage and industry betrayal, shattered her public image.
Years later, Kathleen is living quietly, far removed from fame, when she’s invited by her best friend Harriet—now a successful songwriter—to audition for a feminist-themed Broadway musical called Riveted!, written by Harriet and directed by none other than Cal.
Initially, Kathleen is reluctant. Cal, the source of so much past pain, demands she audition like everyone else. Their first reunion is tense and layered with unresolved emotions.
The audition process is grueling and brings back all the insecurities Kathleen tried to leave behind. Still, she lands the lead role. As rehearsals begin, she finds herself both empowered and unnerved, especially under Cal’s sharp, emotionally distant direction.
Flashbacks throughout the novel reveal how Kathleen’s past unravelled. At the peak of her fame, she was dating Ryan, the golden boy of boyband CrushZone. She and Cal, his bandmate, had a magnetic connection from the moment they met at music camp as teens.
Though Kathleen tried to stay loyal to Ryan, her bond with Cal deepened through late-night songwriting sessions and intimate performances. When their closeness sparked public speculation, Kathleen became the scapegoat—branded a cheater and a diva. Ryan’s public statements, the silence from Cal, and the industry’s rejection pushed Kathleen into isolation.
Harriet remained her only anchor.
In the present, Kathleen must navigate the trauma of returning to the industry that vilified her. She is haunted by tabloid headlines, fans who turned against her, and her own shame. Riveted! becomes more than a musical—it’s a chance to rewrite her story. Her relationship with Cal is volatile but evolving.
As they spend more time together, the guarded hostility between them softens. Cal admits he fought to cast her and begins to apologize for the role he played in her downfall.
Harriet’s storyline adds depth.
Though a brilliant songwriter, she’s long been overshadowed in an industry that favors flashy male performers. Riveted! is her chance, too—her voice finally heard without compromise. The bond between Harriet and Kathleen is a constant: full of love, tension, honesty, and mutual support.
As the show develops, Kathleen begins to heal. She confronts old wounds, particularly how the public stripped her of agency. She rediscovers joy in performance, not as Katee Rose the product, but as Kathleen, the artist.
Her final rehearsals are emotionally charged, culminating in a moment where she breaks down mid-song—only to be met with compassion, not criticism.
Cal and Kathleen finally address the kiss that changed everything, the years of silence, and the pain they caused each other.
He apologizes, this time sincerely. While they don’t fully resolve the romantic tension, there’s a promise of something more: mutual respect and maybe a future built on honesty.
The show opens to acclaim. Kathleen receives a standing ovation—not for her past, but for her present. She reconnects with a fan who remembers her music with joy, helping her reframe her legacy.
In the quiet after opening night, Cal and Kathleen meet again—not as pop scandal survivors, but as artists who endured, transformed, and found their voices.
Once More with Feeling is ultimately about reclamation—of one’s narrative, voice, and power. Kathleen’s comeback isn’t just about fame. It’s about healing, growth, and stepping back into the light on her own terms.
Characters
Kathleen Rosenberg (formerly Katee Rose)
Kathleen Rosenberg, once known as the pop star Katee Rose, is the emotional core of Once More with Feeling. She is a woman who has undergone a significant transformation, moving from the glittering heights of fame to the depths of personal and professional ruin.
Her journey is defined by a sense of lost identity and a constant search for redemption. Kathleen’s internal struggle revolves around reconciling her past with her present self. As Katee Rose, she was a product of the music industry, defined by her image and the persona created for her.
However, after her public scandal, she is forced to navigate a world that no longer sees her as the bright star she once was. Her career and personal life were marred by rumors, betrayal, and a sense of powerlessness. This loss of identity has led to a deep sense of isolation, which she attempts to overcome throughout the novel.
Kathleen is often depicted as conflicted, caught between the desire to reclaim her former glory and the need to grow into a new, more authentic version of herself. She grapples with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity but slowly begins to rediscover her love for performing, allowing her to take ownership of her future.
Calvin “Cal” Kirby
Calvin Kirby, or Cal, is a complex figure in Once More with Feeling, serving as both a source of tension and potential healing for Kathleen. He is portrayed as a highly talented and somewhat enigmatic individual who plays a significant role in both Kathleen’s past and her present.
As a former bandmate and later a director of the musical Riveted!, Cal’s relationship with Kathleen is fraught with unresolved emotions and complications. In the past, Cal and Kathleen shared a strong emotional and creative bond, one that was overshadowed by her relationship with Ryan and the inevitable fallout of their closeness.
Their chemistry, however, was undeniable, and despite their best efforts to resist it, it led to a scandal that tore apart both their careers. Cal’s actions throughout the story reveal a man who deeply regrets his part in Kathleen’s downfall, but his inability to fully defend her or stand by her at crucial moments adds layers to his guilt and emotional conflict.
In the present day, Cal is a director who remains distant and cold toward Kathleen, yet there are hints of unresolved feelings. His reluctance to fully open up to her suggests a deep fear of further hurt, both for himself and for her. By the end of the novel, Cal has grown to be more vulnerable, offering a sincere apology and showing a willingness to explore the possibility of a future with Kathleen, albeit without making any promises.
Harriet
Harriet plays a pivotal role in Once More with Feeling as Kathleen’s best friend, confidant, and a supportive force throughout the story. She is a talented songwriter and has her own struggles within the entertainment industry, which adds a layer of depth to her character.
Harriet’s loyalty to Kathleen is evident from the very beginning, as she arranges the meeting between Kathleen and Cal, knowing it will stir up old wounds but also believing it could provide a chance for healing. Harriet is portrayed as someone who has her own share of unfulfilled ambitions and frustrations.
She often finds herself overshadowed by others, and despite her considerable talent, she remains largely unnoticed in an industry that tends to prioritize appearance and marketability over substance. However, it is through her friendship with Kathleen that she finds a sense of purpose and solidarity.
Harriet’s character arc revolves around her growing awareness of her own worth and the realization that her friendship with Kathleen is just as important as her career. Her support for Kathleen throughout the book is both emotional and practical, offering guidance when needed and acting as a mediator between Kathleen and Cal.
By the end of the story, Harriet begins to reclaim her own voice and her own narrative, becoming a stronger, more self-assured individual in the process.
Ryan
Ryan, Kathleen’s former boyfriend and bandmate from CrushZone, is a key figure in her past but plays a less prominent role in the story’s present-day events. However, his influence on Kathleen’s emotional journey is undeniable.
Ryan’s relationship with Kathleen is marked by possessiveness, jealousy, and insecurity, which ultimately contribute to their downfall. His increasing paranoia about her growing connection with Cal leads to a toxic dynamic, and his inability to support Kathleen when she needed it most becomes a source of deep emotional pain for her.
Ryan’s character is important because he represents the toxic aspects of fame and the entertainment industry. He embodies the pressures of maintaining a public image and the fragility of personal relationships when surrounded by media scrutiny.
His breakup with Kathleen is one of the pivotal moments that drives her into seclusion, as she is publicly vilified and emotionally devastated. Though Ryan is absent for much of the novel, his impact is still felt, especially when Kathleen reflects on how his actions shaped her downfall and her sense of self-worth.
Rachel James
Rachel James is another key character in the present-day storyline, serving as a rival to Kathleen in the audition process for Riveted!. Rachel’s reappearance after years of competition brings a sense of tension, particularly for Kathleen, who is already dealing with insecurities about her ability to reclaim her career.
Rachel’s motivations appear to be driven by her desire to outshine Kathleen and secure the role for herself, which adds an element of professional rivalry to the story. However, as the narrative unfolds, Rachel’s role becomes more nuanced.
While initially appearing to be a mere antagonist, she is revealed to be more than just a rival. Her own struggles and vulnerabilities become apparent, and she, like Kathleen, is trying to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry.
Although she remains a competitor, her character adds depth to the theme of female rivalry and the challenges women face in a male-dominated industry. By the end of the novel, Rachel’s presence serves to highlight Kathleen’s growth, as Kathleen learns to focus less on competing with others and more on her own journey of self-discovery.
Themes
The Psychological Impact of Public Scandal and the Struggle for Personal Redemption
One of the central themes in Once More with Feeling is the psychological toll of public scandal and the difficult path to personal redemption. Kathleen Rosenberg, formerly known as Katee Rose, spends much of the narrative grappling with the aftermath of her career’s downfall.
Her emotional isolation and struggles with depression and anxiety highlight the deep scars left by public scrutiny and media backlash. The novel underscores how a single scandal, magnified by the public eye, can fracture one’s sense of self-worth and identity.
Kathleen’s journey is marked by her attempts to reclaim control over her narrative, fighting against the limitations imposed by others’ perceptions of her. Her internal battle is poignant, as she attempts to reconcile her past identity as a pop star with her current reality, embracing the complexity of her life and seeking personal transformation rather than mere redemption.
The Complexity of Creative Collaborations and Unresolved Emotional Tensions
Another significant theme in the novel is the intricate dynamic of creative collaboration, particularly when past emotional ties complicate professional relationships. The relationship between Kathleen and Calvin Kirby, both professionally and personally, is central to this theme.
Their collaboration on the musical Riveted! is not only a professional challenge but also a deeply emotional one. Their shared history—marked by a complicated, unspoken attraction and a past scandal—creates an environment charged with unresolved tensions.
Throughout the narrative, their working relationship is characterized by moments of creative synergy, but also conflict, as they struggle with personal feelings and old wounds. The novel explores how personal history, unaddressed emotions, and lingering unresolved issues can cloud professional interactions, making it difficult to maintain a balance between the personal and the professional.
The Feminist Perspective on Artistic Expression and Industry Expectations
The theme of feminism, particularly the exploration of how women are shaped by and often constrained by industry expectations, is deeply woven throughout the narrative. Kathleen’s journey is not just about recovering her artistic identity but also about challenging the ways in which the entertainment industry has objectified and commodified her.
Throughout the book, Kathleen is faced with the challenge of reclaiming her power in an industry that has often reduced her to her physical appearance or scandalous image. Her experiences with Harriet, who offers feminist perspectives on art and the entertainment world, become a significant counterpoint to the industry’s often reductive views on women in performance.
Kathleen’s struggle is not just against her past scandal but also against the expectations placed on her as a woman, particularly in terms of how she is perceived by both the public and her peers. The novel critiques the ways in which women are often sidelined in creative fields, and it explores the difficult journey of reasserting one’s voice amidst an industry that values profit over personal agency.
The Evolution of Friendship and the Importance of Support Systems in Personal Healing
A recurring and vital theme is the evolution of friendships, particularly the importance of having a solid support system in the journey of personal healing and professional growth. Kathleen’s friendship with Harriet plays a crucial role in her emotional recovery.
Harriet not only serves as a supportive friend but also as a creative collaborator who understands the complexities of the entertainment world. Their bond deepens throughout the novel, revealing how women in the industry often need to rely on one another to navigate the challenges they face.
Harriet’s understanding and unwavering support help Kathleen in moments of vulnerability, especially when dealing with the fallout from her scandal or when facing creative doubts. This theme highlights the importance of authentic relationships, built on mutual respect and understanding, in navigating personal and professional challenges.
In a world where public opinion often drives success, the novel emphasizes that true healing and transformation come from within, supported by the people who truly know and care for you.
Reclaiming Identity and the Tension Between Public Perception and Personal Growth
At the core of Once More with Feeling is the theme of identity reclamation. Kathleen’s journey is a profound exploration of how individuals can redefine themselves, especially when their past has been tainted by public perception.
Throughout the book, Kathleen struggles with the dichotomy between who she was as Katee Rose, the pop star, and who she is becoming as Kathleen Rosenberg, a woman trying to rebuild her career and sense of self. This struggle is exacerbated by the public’s tendency to cling to the past, as evidenced by the media’s continuous reference to her scandal.
Yet, the novel shows that true personal growth often involves shedding the labels and expectations imposed by others and embracing one’s authentic self. Kathleen’s eventual realization that she must live for herself, rather than for external validation, marks a significant turning point in her character arc.
The narrative illustrates how the process of rediscovering one’s voice and identity is fraught with tension but ultimately leads to a form of freedom and empowerment that is less dependent on public opinion.
The Role of Second Chances in Overcoming Past Mistakes and Embracing Transformation
A final significant theme is the idea of second chances and how they provide opportunities for growth and transformation. The novel illustrates that while redemption is a key desire for many characters, especially Kathleen, it is not merely about undoing past mistakes.
Instead, it’s about learning from those mistakes and using the lessons to transform into something better. Kathleen’s return to the stage in the role of Peggy is a metaphor for her personal transformation; it’s not just about resurrecting her career but about embracing a new version of herself.
This theme resonates with the idea that personal growth is a continuous process, where one learns to reconcile their past with their present and create a future that reflects their true self. The concept of second chances is not only about reclaiming a former identity but also about accepting the complexity of one’s journey, both the successes and the failures, and finding a way to move forward with purpose and hope.