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Nellie McKay

Birth Place: Guntersville, AL, USA

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BIO

Nellie McKay is a singer-songwriter, actress, and comedian known for her unique blend of jazz, pop, and cabaret music. Born in London, England in 1982, McKay was raised in New York City where she began her career as a musician and performer.


McKay made her Broadway debut in 2006, starring in the musical "The Threepenny Opera" alongside Alan Cumming and Cyndi Lauper. The production, which was directed by Scott Elliott, received mixed reviews but McKay's performance was praised for her rendition of the song "Pirate Jenny."
Prior to her Broadway debut, McKay had already gained a following in the music industry with her debut album "Get Away From Me" in 2004. The album, which was released on Columbia Records, showcased McKay's unique style and garnered critical acclaim for its blend of jazz, pop, and cabaret music.
In addition to her music career, McKay has also acted in several films and television shows. She made her film debut in 2006 in the movie "P.S. I Love You" starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler. McKay also appeared in the film "Downtown Express" in 2011, where she played the lead role of a Russian immigrant who dreams of becoming a famous musician in New York City.
On television, McKay has made appearances on shows such as "The Blacklist," "Madam Secretary," and "Boardwalk Empire." She also had a recurring role on the HBO series "High Maintenance" as a quirky dog walker.
McKay's talents extend beyond music and acting as she is also a gifted comedian. She has performed stand-up comedy at venues such as The Comedy Cellar and The Laugh Factory in New York City.
In 2015, McKay returned to the stage in the Off-Broadway production of "Old Hats" at the Signature Theatre Company. The production, which was created and performed by Bill Irwin and David Shiner, featured McKay as a musical guest and received critical acclaim for its mix of comedy, music, and physical theater.
McKay continues to tour and perform her music around the world. In 2018, she released her seventh studio album "Sister Orchid" which features a collection of jazz standards and original compositions.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway World Premiere One Act Plays, 2021
Performer

[Broadway]
Special Benefit Production, 2007
Singer

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2006
Polly Peachum

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2021]
Composer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2006 - Performance

Nellie McKay, The Threepenny Opera

News


Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup " Aug. 26 to Sept. 1, 2024

Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including album release shows, Isaac Mizrahi, and plenty of jazz.
Interview: Karen Mack Celebrates the Release of CATCH AND KEEP at Birdland

This Monday, August 26, Birdland Jazz Club will present multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Karen Mack celebrating her new solo album Catch & Keep, a fun mix of contemporary jazz classics alongside originals that speak to how we hold onto things and how we let go. We spoke with Mack about the new album and her songwriting inspiration.
Karen Mack to Celebrate New Album CATCH & KEEP at Birdland

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present multi-award-winning singer/songwriter Karen Mack celebrating her new solo album Catch & Keep. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater Reveal August 2024 Programming

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will operate this August with a full slate of nightly performances.
Jason Kravits Adds Special Guest Tony Danza For Show at Joe's Pub

Television and Broadway star, Jason Kravits, will return to Joe's Pub on Friday evening, July 26, 2024 with his critically acclaimed solo show, “OFF the TOP!” - an unforgettable evening of spontaneous music and comedy -with a portion of the show benefiting The Creative Coalition. Joining Jason will be special guest star, Tony Danza.
Sara Bareilles & More to Perform in Kennedy Center 2024"2025 Season Of Renée Fleming VOICES

The Kennedy Center announces the 2024–2025 season of Renée Fleming VOICES, featuring a diverse lineup of artists and performances that celebrate the power of the human voice.
Vocal-Guitar Duo Nancy And Spencer Reed Release New Album

Nancy and Spencer Reed, a vocal-guitar duo from the Pocono Mountains, released their career-spanning album Happying. Listen now!
Natalie Joy Johnson Joins NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS at Joe's Pub

Natalie Joy Johnson joins the cast of NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS at Joe's Pub on June 3. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Graham, Henson, Zuraitis, and More to Headline NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS at Joe's Pub

The 12th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys,” the Pride concert to benefit The Ali Forney Center written and hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre, will play at Joe's Pub on Monday, June 3.
Justin Vivian Bond to be Honored With Judy Icon Award From NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS

The 12th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys” – the Pride concert to benefit The Ali Forney Center written and hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre – will honor Mx Justin Vivian. Learn more.
The Kennedy Center & Renée Fleming VOICES to Present John Gallagher Jr. And Band

Renée Fleming VOICES at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will present an additional program this season: John Gallagher Jr. and Band. Learn how to purchase tickets.
12th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS to Take Place at Joe's Pub in June

The 12th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys” – the Pride concert to benefit The Ali Forney Center written and hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre – will be performed at Joe’s Pub. Learn more about the event and see how to purchase tickets.
Comedians With Disabilities Act to Make Debut At SF Sketchfest At The Alameda Comedy Club

The Comedians with Disabilities Act (CWDA) makes its debut at SF Sketchfest at the Alameda Comedy Club. This comedy troupe, founded by the late comedian Michael O'Connell, features talented comedians with disabilities sharing their unique perspectives.
Norm Lewis, Richard Kind and Angel Desai to Join Jason Kravits' OFF THE TOP

Jason Kravits, Norm Lewis, Richard Kind, and Angel Desai will join the benefit performance of Jason Kravits’ award-winning cabaret show OFF THE TOP for a hilarious night of music, comedy, improv and cabaret for a great cause.
Photos: The Gasp Collection

After four years at Broadway World Cabaret, quite a collection of photos has been amassed. These are the gasp-worthy pics.
SF Sketchfest Unveils Lineup for 2024 Comedy Festival Featuring More Than 200 Shows

SF Sketchfest has revealed the initial lineup for the 2024 Comedy Festival in San Francisco. Tickets go on sale on November 19.
Jason Kravits to Bring OFF THE TOP! Improvised Cabaret to Chelsea Table + Stage

Broadway World Award Winner and “Master Improviser” Jason Kravits will star in “OFF the TOP!” a hilarious night of music, comedy, improv, and cabaret at Chelsea Table + Stage on December 21, 2023 at 7:00 PM.
Patti LuPone, David Foster & Katharine McPhee and More Set for 2023"2024 Season of Renée Fleming VOICES

Discover the incredible lineup of performances and special events for the 2023–2024 season of Renée Fleming VOICES at the Kennedy Center. From renowned artists to captivating concerts including a number of favorites including a new Patti LuPone show.
F. Murray Abraham Announced As Guest For Jason Kravits' OFF THE TOP! at Joe's Pub

Academy Award Winner, Broadway legend and White Lotus star F. Murray Abraham will join Jason Kravits for Joe's Pub debut.
Cast Set for Film Adaptation of Eric B. Sirota's FRANKENSTEIN, Now Streaming

The cast has been revealed for the film adaptation of the long-running Off-Broadway musical, Frankenstein, by Eric B. Sirota, which has been released and is now available to stream.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Nellie McKay been in?

Nellie McKay has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Nellie McKay been in?

Nellie McKay has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Nellie McKay been nominated for?

and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for The Threepenny Opera.

What awards has Nellie McKay won?

Nellie McKay has won the Theatre World Award for her performance in The Threepenny Opera.

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