Kate Mansi reunites with Kristen Vaganos at Proof in Arizona

By Grace Kim

Kristen Vaganos flew from Los Angeles to Phoenix and back on the same day earlier this week to see Kate Mansi perform in Proof at the Arizona Theatre Company, according to Soap Opera Digest.

The schedule made the visit a compressed deadline. Soap Opera Digest listed Mansi’s run from September 27 through October 17 and said the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play would close on Sunday. Vaganos attended the matinee (the daytime performance) in Phoenix.

She parked at LAX, took an early-morning flight and returned to Los Angeles after Mansi drove her to the airport. Vaganos had to report to General Hospital the next day to film, leaving no room for a longer visit. “I flew there and back on the same day because it was my only day off,” Vaganos told Soap Opera Digest. “But it was totally worth it!”

What connected Vaganos and Mansi beyond General Hospital?

Soap Opera Digest reported that the actors joined General Hospital within a few months of each other in 2023. Mansi played Kristina Corinthos-Davis in the Daytime Emmy-nominated role, while Vaganos played Molly, the character she still holds. Mansi left the show in June, but their contact continued beyond the cast change.

Vaganos described the bond in blunt terms: “Kate is one of the greatest gifts the show has given me,” she said. “I have a friend and a sister for life!”

She had also followed Proof before it reached the stage. “Kate and I have talked a lot about this show and I know how much it means to her,” Vaganos explained. “I was there when she was auditioning and when she found out she’d booked it, and there’s no way I was going to miss it!”

What did Vaganos make of Mansi’s performance?

Vaganos had not seen Mansi in person for some time when she attended the matinee. “Kate’s mom was there, too, and her dog, Stanley,” she said. “It was so great to see them, and I hadn’t seen Kate in person in a while, either, so that was wonderful.”

She also described a lunch before Mansi began rehearsal. “I saw her for lunch before she started rehearsal,” Vaganos said, adding that they had kept in touch through phone calls since then.

Vaganos called Mansi’s work “incredibly, emotionally connected.” Her longer assessment was specific: “Kate was so grounded and truthful, never pushing,” she said. “Her performance was really tender and smart and beautiful. I’m so proud of her!”

She also noticed a change in the character. “I know you so well and I know all your mannerisms, and it was so interesting to see you channel such a totally different character,” Vaganos said.

How did the visit become a fan encounter?

The post-show reunion had to be brief because Vaganos needed to catch her return flight. In the Arizona Theatre Company lobby, Mansi used a step-and-repeat (a branded photo backdrop) to propose another picture. “We have to get a picture!” Mansi said, according to Vaganos.

A General Hospital fan then told Mansi how much she loved the show. Mansi pointed to Vaganos and said: “Oh, then you’ll love to meet my sister!”

The fan recognized Molly and replied: “Oh, my God, Molly!” The three women took a photograph together, Vaganos recalled: “It was really cute.” An accompanying ABC image identified Vaganos and Mansi as Kristina and Molly on General Hospital.

What does this reunion change for Vaganos and Mansi?

Professionally, the source announced no new shared project. The visit documents two separate developments: Mansi has moved into a stage role after leaving General Hospital in June, while Vaganos remains with the soap opera and supports her former castmate’s work. For audiences, it turns their on-screen kinship into a documented off-screen friendship.

Their next shared production, if one follows, will show whether that friendship becomes another creative partnership. For now, the visit records support rather than a new casting or venture.