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.