Bundy to the Big Apple

Coral Drouyn talks to Nelia McNicol, the latest in a long line of Australian performers making their mark in New York.

It’s a long way from Bundaberg Queensland to the heady heights of Broadway, New York - and I am not just measuring the distance.

For Australia’s young performers, Broadway is the Holy Grail, and the chances of finding it are not great. It’s even more difficult if you decide to start your quest at a very young age, without the benefit of a string of Australian credits on your CV. There is no treasure map, no easy route, and it takes grit, determination, and an inordinate amount of hard work, plus a large dollop of good luck to guide you in the right direction. Even if you get there, you may well be swamped by the thousands of others on the same quest. Many may fall along the journey, but occasionally there’s a success story worth applauding.

One such story is that of Nelia McNicol. You haven’t heard of her. Don’t worry - it’s just a matter of time. New York, however, HAS heard of her and is watching her progress with excitement. In September, just a couple of months ago, Nelia, a Bundaberg girl, opened her one woman show, They Called Me Rita (in which she embodies the late great Rita Hayworth) Off-Broadway to packed audiences, standing ovations and critical acclaim. Not bad for a girl from a small North Queensland town whose previous claims to fame are its rum and its highly addictive Ginger Beer!

I had the chance to ask Nelia about life THEN and NOW. Here’s what she told me.

Coral: Can you tell me a bit about growing up in Bundaberg, and your family? Were there any performers? And what were you like in school.

Nelia: Growing up in a small coastal town was a great lifestyle and we were fortunate to be involved in many community activities and clubs from sports to the arts. My parents encouraged my siblings and I to be involved in as many activities as possible. I was in dance and music classes from as early as I can remember. 

I believe my Omi’s flamboyant presence left a great impression on me. She was a force of nature and a very charismatic woman. I think those qualities were imprinted on me at a young age and have served me as an artist. I loved any opportunity to perform in my younger years, and I was involved in many musicals and plays which helped build a sense of confidence and charisma. 

Coral: At what age did you decide you wanted to be a performer? Was there and epiphany or someone who inspired you? What was the first show you saw onstage and how old were you?

Nelia: I have a vivid memory of my mum taking me to see the Australian cast of Grease at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) when I was around 11 and thinking, ‘that's what I want to do’. The vibrant and electric atmosphere of that show from the singing, dancing and acting left a great impact. I was inspired by many musicals, films and tv growing up and always interested in people who could transform into someone else. As I've gotten older my appreciation has evolved into richer, raw and more vulnerable stories which is what I gravitate towards now as an actress. 

Coral: How scary was it to leave Queensland and go to New York? And what made you decide to do it?

Nelia: I was accepted into the Joffrey Ballet School’s Jazz and Contemporary 4 year trainee program. I was 17 so it was definitely daunting to leave home and venture to the other side of the world by myself. I'm very grateful for my parent’s support and that I listened to my gut which helped overcome the fear and the unknown. I’m definitely a ‘yes’ person and can be a little impulsive but that has enabled me to grab hold of opportunities, ultimately leading me on this incredible path. I trust that the universe has our back and that we have to be open and willing to take the leaps of faith. 

Coral: Was it your first trip abroad as a performer?

Nelia: I travelled to California with the performance team of my dance school (Bundaberg Dance Academy) when I was 15 and we performed at Warner Brothers, Disneyland and around LA.  It was a cool experience being in the heart of the entertainment industry where many films that I was inspired by had come to life. It was the first taste I had in the world of entertainment and art that seemed untouchable.  

Now, I'm living in New York and performing in the heart of Broadway while connecting with great artists. I'm so grateful for the support around me -  the highly respected Forest Whitaker and producer Tony Castringo attended my off-broadway debut, which was surreal. 

Coral: What is the ultimate goal for you as a performer?

Nelia: My goal as a performer is to tell stories that move and inspire people. I see myself in theater and film, playing characters that challenge me as an artist and individual. My acting coach, Lil Malinich has always said, ‘’people will always remember how you make them feel’. This has driven my love of storytelling and harnessing the ability to connect with people in a very vulnerable way. 

Recently, my one-woman show, They Called Me Rita made its sold out world premiere off-broadway at Theatre Row on 42nd street. The play was accepted into the United Solo Festivals Fall 2023 season which is the world's largest solo theatre festival. My director and acting coach, Lil and I first had the idea to create an original play in 2021. Through the method exercises and peeling back the layers of who I am, we created this show from the ground up. The play is inspired by the life of Rita Hayworth, a dancer and actress who rose to fame in the 1940’s, becoming one of Hollywood's top stars. I was captivated by her story and the adversity she faced and felt very drawn to her. That began the journey of bringing our playwright, Onyx Hartwell onboard and later our choreographer, Aydan Cohen and together we created a raw and electric story. The play highlights my strengths as an actress and dancer, whilst bringing to surface the truth of Rita Hayworth behind the glitz and glamor. This play honours Rita's life, paying homage to her success and desire for ultimate freedom. 

Coral: In your career, where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Nelia: I’m very proud of They Called Me Rita, it’s a story that is close to my heart and has a long life to evolve and transform in many possible ways. Our creative team has big ideas for the play to evolve and reach greater audiences.

I always want to be challenged, creating and producing work that I'm passionate about has allowed for this and has enabled me to find my voice as an artist and individual. 

I’ve fallen in love with New York, and can’t imagine living anywhere else. I'm fortunate to have access to an incredible calibre of diverse artists, being immersed in theater excellence is a privilege. I’m constantly inspired by the art and the talent this city offers. 

I have a few original plays and projects lined up in the coming years that I'm really excited about. I love the rehearsal process of theater, the play and surrender into a character and story over a period of time. 

It’s clear that Nelia’s talent, coupled with her determination and hard work, is having the kind of impact that she planned. But there’s something else at work, something that many talented young performers still lack. That essential element is SELF- BELIEF, the confidence to say ‘This is ME, and I have something to offer that you will want, and need, to see’. It’s not ego or vanity…those are largely unwarranted … but it is a trust in your own ability and a certainty that this is what you are meant to be doing with your life. Nelia McNicol has it in spades. Watch this space!