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Nancy Opel

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BIO

Broadway: A Christmas Carol, Wicked, Beautiful: The Carol King Musical, Honeymoon in Vegas, Cinderella, Memphis, Gypsy, Fiddler on the Roof, Urinetown, Triumph of Love, Anything Goes, Sunday in the Park With George, Evita, others. She starred in the world premiere of Taylor Mac's play, Hir, at the Magic Theatre in San Francisco. Recently she appeared in the Barrington Stage production of On The Town and Washington D.C. audiences saw her as Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! at Ford's Theatre. She played Huey Calhoun's mama in Memphis on Broadway, and Melvin Ferd's mama/evil mayor Babs Belgoody in The Toxic Avenger Off-Broadway and at Houston's Alley Theatre. Other Broadway credits include Gypsy with Patti LuPone at City Center, Fiddler on the Roof, Urinetown (Tony nomination, Best Actress in a Musical), Triumph of Love, the Lincoln Center revival of Anything Goes, the original Sunday in the Park with George, and many others. She has originated roles in a number of David Ives plays in All in the Timing, Mere Mortals, and Polish Joke (Drama Desk and Lortel nominations). Other favorite roles include the title role in The Drowsy Chaperone (national tour) and her serio-comic turn in My Deah (Obie Award). On television, she has appeared on "The Big C" all the "Law and Orders," "Flight of the Conchords," "All My Children," and others. In her spare time, she knits sweaters for her poodle.


Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
2025
Ghost of Christmas Past ()

[US Tour]
US Tour, 2023
Cinderella's Stepmother


[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2022
[Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
City Center Encores! Production, 2018
Gramma


[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2017
Bobby Goldman


[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert Revival, 2016
Performer


[International Tour]
World Premiere Production, 2015


[St. Louis, MO (Regional)]
The Muny 2015 Production, 2015
Louise


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Bea Singer


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2013
Madame [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[West End]
Menier Chocolate Factory Production, 2010
The Soap Manufacturer's Wife


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2009
Mama [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Mayor Babs Belgoody / Ma Ferd / A Nun

Mayor

Mayor Babs Belgoody / Ma Ferd / A Nun

Mayor

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 2007
Mazeppa/Miss Cratchitt


[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2004
Performer

Other Roles

Performer

Other Roles

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Yente


[New York]
Reading, 2004
Jolene


[New York]
Reading, 2004
Performer


[New York]
Reading, 2003


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
Madame Morrible [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Magda/Florist/Mrs. Flanagan/Olga/Zosia/Enid/Nurse


[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2001
Penelope Pennywise


[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2001




[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2000
Mrs. Hatch


[New York]
Workshop, 1999
Business Men

Mrs. Eva Slotesbury

Ensemble

Business Men

Mrs. Eva Slotesbury

Ensemble

[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 1999
Capulat (Understudy)

Isabelle's Mother (Understudy)

Lady India (Understudy)

(Unknown)

Capulat (Unknown)

Lady India (Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

Capulat (Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

Isabelle's Mother (Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Musicals in Mufti Concert, 1998
Performer


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1997
Corine


[Off-Broadway]
1997
Performer


[Broadway]
Angela Lansbury Tribute Benefit, 1996
Singer


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1996
Pamela Prideaux (Saint Tome (Sao Tome) and Principe)

Dossie Lustig (Saint Tome (Sao Tome) and Principe)

Pamela Prideaux (St. Louis, MO (Regional))

Dossie Lustig (St. Louis, MO (Regional))

(Standby)

Pamela Prideaux (Standby)

[Off-Broadway]
1995
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
1995
Sandy


[Broadway]
Reunion Concert, 1994
Betty

Frieda

Betty

Frieda

[Off-Broadway]
1993
Performer


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1987
Eleanor Roosevelt


[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 1987
Hope Harcourt [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1985
Ensemble

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Louise/Others

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1985
Louise

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Louise/Others

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1985
Ensemble

Louise

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1984
Frieda (Act One) [Replacement]

Frieda

Betty

Betty (Act Two) [Replacement]

Young Man sitting on the bank

Frieda (Act One) [Replacement]

Frieda

Young Man sitting on the bank

Betty (Act Two) [Replacement]

Betty

Naomi Eisen (Understudy) [Replacement]

Yvonne (Understudy) [Replacement]

Naomi Eisen (Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

Yvonne (Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

Naomi Eisen (Unknown) [Replacement]

Yvonne (Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Playwrights Horizons Workshop, 1983
Dee (Act Two)

Bette (Act One)

Dee (Act Two)

Bette (Act One)

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Eva Peron (Albania) [Replacement]

(Alternate) [Replacement]

Person of Argentina


Eva Peron (Understudy)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Nancy Opel, Honeymoon in Vegas

Helen Hayes Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical

Nancy OpelHello, Dolly!

The Lortels - 2010 - Outstanding Featured Actress

Nancy Opel, The Toxic Avenger

Drama Desk Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Nancy Opel, The Toxic Avenger

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Nancy Opel , The Toxic Avenger


winner
Obie Awards - 2007 - Performance

Nancy OpelMy Deah


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Nancy Opel, Polish Joke

The Lortels - 2003 - Outstanding Featured Actress

Nancy Opel, Polish Joke

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Nancy Opel, Urinetown The Musical

Videos

News


Video: In Rehearsals with the Cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 3, 2025

New York City is about to get a little bit merrier with the arrival of A Christmas Carol- Matthew Warchus’ production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic, adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne. Watch in this video as the cast gets in the holiday spirit in the rehearsal room!
Photos: Meet the Cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL at PAC NYC
by Jennifer Broski - Oct 30, 2025

Next up at Perelman Performing Arts Center is the New York return of Matthew Warchus’ production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic, adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne. The cast just met the press and you can check out photos here!
Complete Cast Set for A CHRISTMAS CAROL at PAC NYC
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2025

Perelman Performing Arts Center has revealed the complete cast for the New York return of Matthew Warchus’ production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic, adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne. Learn more!
Michael Cerveris, George Abud and More to Star in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at PAC NYC
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 7, 2025

Two-time Tony Award winner Michael Cerveris (Fun Home, Sweeney Todd) will make his PAC NYC debut playing “Ebenezer Scrooge” in the New York return of Matthew Warchus’ A Christmas Carol. Learn more!
Interview: Robert Yacko of AN EVENING WITH THE MAESTRO at The Broad Stage of Santa Monica
by Gavin Glynn - Aug 31, 2025

This one of its kind world premiere event also pays tribute to Bernstein’s passion for education, with proceeds supporting MTG’s Youth Education Outreach programs.
Photos: STEEL MAGNOLIAS Opens at Bell Theater in Holmdel
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 30, 2025

The Bell Theater’s star-studded production of Steel Magnolias is now running in Holmdel, NJ through August 10. Directed by Nate Patten, this new staging of Robert Harling’s beloved comedy features a powerhouse cast of Broadway veterans and award nominees. See photos from the production.
Photos: STEEL MAGNOLIAS In Rehearsal at Bell Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 17, 2025

Take a peek inside the rehearsal room of Steel Magnolias, opening next Friday, July 25, at Bell Theater in Bell Works. Check out photos of the cast!
Charlotte d'Amboise, Amy Spanger and More to Star in STEEL MAGNOLIAS at Bell Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 23, 2025

A beloved celebration of friendship and community, Steel Magnolias has become an American cultural classic on stage and screen. Robert Harling’s original play comes to Bell Theater at Bell Works this summer with a starry cast of Broadway icons. Learn more!
THE LAP DANCE KID, A New Musical To Have Private Industry Presentations This Month
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2025

Fifth Dentist Productions will present private, two by-invitation only industry presentations of The Lap Dance Kid, a new musical created with music by Adam Blotner, and book and lyrics by Adam Blotner and Mike King, based on a story by Mike King.
Video: It's WICKED Game Night on Stars in the House
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 9, 2025

Tune in for a special WICKED game night with Katie Rose Clarke, Eden Espinosa, Ana Gasteyer, Brandi Chavonne Massey, Nancy Opel, and Donna Vivino. Past leading ladies will join Seth and James for a night of fun and fundraising. And, yes, some live belting and soprano high notes! Watch in this video.
Rachel Zegler Will Lead Jamie Lloyd's EVITA at the London Palladium
by Stephi Wild - Mar 14, 2025

Rachel Zegler will star in Evita at the London Palladium this year. The stage and screen star will make her London theatre debut in the show, which is directed by Jamie Lloyd, and begins this June.
A History of EVITA and the Women Who Have Played Eva Perón
by Stephi Wild - Feb 2, 2025

With the Jamie Lloyd production of Evita in the works, we're revisiting some of the most iconic Evas to grace the stage and screen, from Elaine Paige to Patti LuPone, most recently Auli'i Cravalho, and of course, Madonna.
Ariana DeBose No Longer In Talks To Lead EVITA in London Due to Scheduling
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 29, 2025

Ariana DeBose is no longer in talks to star in Evita in London “due to scheduling.” Learn more about about the upcoming production of Evita at The London Palladium here.
Is West End's Upcoming EVITA Revival Broadway-Bound Next?
by Rialto Chatter - Jan 26, 2025

BroadwayWorld has learned that Evita, which will play the London Palladium this summer, and for which Ariana DeBose is in talks to star, might be headed to Broadway following its London run.
Ariana DeBose In Talks To Lead EVITA At The London Palladium
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2025

Ariana DeBose has revealed that she is in talks to star as Eva Peron in Evita in a revival at the London Palladium, directed by Jamie Lloyd. Learn more about the production!
A History of GYPSY's Mama Rose and the Women Who Have Played Her
by Stephi Wild - Dec 29, 2024

Gypsy is back on Broadway, starring Audra McDonald in the iconic role of Mama Rose. BroadwayWorld is looking back on some of the performers who have taken on the musical's lead role, from Ethel Merman to Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, and more.
Jamie Lloyd Will Direct EVITA at the London Palladium in 2025
by Stephi Wild - Dec 11, 2024

 Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, directed by Jamie Lloyd, is coming to The London Palladium next year. Performances begin in June 2025. Learn more here!
Deborah Grace Winer Releases FLASH FORCE! Podcast Featuring Broadway Alums
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 27, 2024

Deborah Grace Winer has recently released the first two episodes of her new scripted comedy podcast, which features an array of Broadway performers. FLASH FORCE! Middle-Aged Women Superheroes Save Democracy is available to stream on all platforms.
Hugh Coles, Arielle Jacobs & Jelani Remy to Star In TRAILS Musical Workshop
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 31, 2024

Hugh Coles, Arielle Jacobs, and Jelani Remy will star in an invitation-only presentation of the new musical TRAILS on June 6th, directed by Lorin Latarro. Learn more about the workshop!
NewYorkRep Presents THE OPPOSITE OF LOVE At Royal Family Performing Arts Space
by A.A. Cristi - May 3, 2024

Get ready for THE OPPOSITE OF LOVE, a powerful new play presented by NewYorkRep. Explore themes of trauma, connection, and the complexities of hook ups from

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Nancy Opel been in?

Nancy Opel has appeared on Broadway in 17 shows.

How many West End shows has Nancy Opel been in?

Nancy Opel has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Nancy Opel's first West End show?

Nancy Opel's first West End show was Paradise Found which opened in 2010

What awards has Nancy Opel been nominated for?

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Honeymoon in Vegas, Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Outstanding Featured Actress (The Lortels) for The Toxic Avenger, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Toxic Avenger, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Toxic Avenger, Performance (Obie Awards) for My Deah, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Polish Joke, Outstanding Featured Actress (The Lortels) for Polish Joke and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Urinetown The Musical.

What awards has Nancy Opel won?

Nancy Opel has won the Performance Obie Award for My Deahand and received the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play Drama Desk Award for Polish Joke.

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Videos