Nihar Duvvuri Shares the Backstage Scoop From JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN
John Proctor is the Villain is now playing at the Booth Theatre on Broadway.
By: Stephi Wild May. 06, 2025
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We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving.
In this edition, we catch up with Nihar Duvvuri, currently appearing in John Proctor Is the Villain on Broadway. Below, he takes us backstage at the Booth Theatre (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of his favorite backstage moments, must-haves, routines, and more!
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?
First thing - I finish off the cup of coffee I’ve brought in. Turn on the speaker and start playing some music - a soundtrack or Radiohead or Adrianne Lenker, lately. Based on how I’m feeling I’ll either warm up onstage or read a book.
What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?
I usually chug a bottle of water and mess up my hair to find that Mason energy.
What’s your must-have backstage snack?
Literally anything I can salvage from around the theater. Nuts, cranberries, donuts, etc. Foraging like a squirrel. If I can find any fruits, it’s a good day.
Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?
Pencil tricks - Mason is very fidgety so I always spend my last moments before the curtain opens spinning and rolling my pencil along my fingers or tapping some pencil beats.
What are five must-haves in your dressing room?
Coconut water, a good book, Aquaphor, Celsius, headphones
What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?
I love seeing Shelby’s entrance - it’s a strong moment that every audience handles differently, and it’s exciting to see how Sadie navigates it each night.
What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?
There have been many many, many moments but I will say I really love the backstage chess games that we have been playing - taking turns moving throughout the shows, playing week-long games. It’s nice to take my mind completely off of the show for a few moments before returning to it.
About Nihar Duvvuri
Nihar's previous Broadway credits include Romeo + Juliet. He also appeared in the Pre-Broadway workshop production of SMASH (2024). On television, he can be seen in “FBI: Most Wanted.”
About John Proctor Is the Villain
In John Proctor Is the Villain, five young women – fueled by pop music, optimism, and fury – clash with their school, their Georgia town, and the stories they've been instructed to believe. As their class dissects The Crucible, they begin to question who we deem heroic, who we call a villain, and who gets burned in the process.
