She is perhaps best known for the distinction of being the only actress to portray both the young innocent Cosette and the tragic heroine Fantine in the original Broadway production of Les Misérables.
During her senior year, she received her Equity Card standing by for Carolee Carmello in the Boston Company of Nite Club Confidential starring Scott Bakula.
[7][8] During her year with Miss Saigon, Donovan was granted a leave of absence to perform as Nellie in Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein's Sweet Adeline at the nationally celebrated City Center Encores!
[14] In 2004, Donovan won the Helen Hayes Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Lizzie Curry in 110 in the Shade at the Signature Theatre in Washington, D.C., where she also originated the role of Elmira in the world premiere of the musical Nevermore.
[15] Almost exactly one year later, on May 11, 2012, history repeated itself when it was announced she would replace an injured Lorna Luft as Dolly in the North Shore Musical Theater's production of the same show.