THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As with Your Favorite Broadway Stars- Nikki Renee Daniels!

Welcome to THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As With Your Favorite Broadway Stars. Want to know what hooked them to a career in the theater? Their dream roles? Their Broadway crushes? Read on!

In this next edition, we caught up with Nikki Renee Daniels, who is starring as 'Clara' in THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS- currently playing at the Richard Rodgers Theatre!

What is the first Broadway show you ever saw?

I saw THE KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN with Chita Rivera and Brian Stokes Mitchell- I went with my school choir on a trip to New York. I remember thinking how amazing Chita Rivera was and how awesome it was seeing her in person. And I was so excited to see Brian Stokes Mitchel because at that time he was on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and I knew him from that!

What is your most unique pre-show ritual?

While the overture is playing I sing along to it backstage, because I have to start off the show. I’m always so worried that I’m not gonna be warmed-up enough, so I sing the whole thing! Then as that ends I talk to my doll to try to get into character.

What is your most memorable "the show must go on" moment?

A few years ago I was playing ‘Belle’ in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and at the final dress rehearsal (we had 2000 people coming) I got a concussion because they changed our exits and a Steel Bar flew in and hit me right in the head. So I didn’t even do the final dress rehearsal but I was back for opening night.

What is the one role you want to play before you die?

I would love to play ‘Maria’ in WEST SIDE STORY, though I think I’m getting a little old for it at this point. Maybe I can do it at the Muny!

Who is your Broadway crush?

Well officially I have to say my husband Jeff Kready- he was in BILLY ELLIOT and we did LES MIS together.

Where can people stalk you online?

I have a Facebook fanpage, and an official website: nikkireneedaniels.com. You can follow me on Twitter- @nikkireneesings. And also iTunes! I have a CD that recently came out!

More Articles by This Author...