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Nellie McKay Headshot

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]
Atlantic Theater Company World Premiere, 2025
Singer/Musician ()

[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

Videos

News


Cabaret Roundup: November 24-30- Seth Rudetsky, Christine Ebersole & More
by Rebecca Kaplan - Nov 24, 2025

Here are a few top picks for shows to consider this week including eclectic singer Nellie McKay, Seth Rudetsky with an all-star Broadway lineup, and more.
Photos: Aubrey Plaza Shines at LET'S LOVE! Opening Night
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 20, 2025

Discover photos from the opening night of Ethan Coen's Let's Love! starring Aubrey Plaza and more at Atlantic Theater Company.
Review Roundup: Aubrey Plaza and More Star in LET'S LOVE! at Atlantic Theater Company
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 16, 2025

The world premiere of Let’s Love!, written by Academy Award winner Ethan Coen and directed by Tony Award nominee Neil Pepe, is now running at the Linda Gross Theater! Let’s Love! is a comedy, a trio of one acts, that explores love in all its miserable glory. Read the reviews!
Video: Aubrey Plaza Shines in LET'S LOVE! at Atlantic Theater
by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2025

Watch new footage featuring Aubrey Plaza in LET'S LOVE! at Atlantic Theater, a comedic exploration of love and confusion written by Ethan Coen and directed by Neil Pepe.
Video: Aubrey Plaza Shares How She Landed Her Role in Ethan Coen’s LET'S LOVE!
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 8, 2025

Aubrey Plaza joined TODAY, where she spoke about Atlantic Theater Company's Let’s Love!, now in previews at the Linda Gross Theater. She spoke about how Ethan Coen more-or-less wrote the part for her- even though he didn't know it. Watch the conversation now.
Photos: Aubrey Plaza Shines in LET'S LOVE! Extended Run
by Stephi Wild - Oct 3, 2025

Aubrey Plaza stars in LET'S LOVE!, now extended through November 22nd. Discover new photos from this world premiere at Atlantic Theater Company!
All the Off-Broadway Shows to See in Fall 2025 - A Complete Guide
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2025

BroadwayWorld is here with your fall 2025 guide to all the shows lighting up New York’s stages. From world premieres to long-awaited revivals, this season’s Off-Broadway lineup delivers something for every kind of theater fan!
Inaugural Everything Fab Four Fest to Take Place at the historic Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 15, 2025

The Beatles' seminal 1965 album Rubber Soul, often considered the first major turning point in the band's recorded career, will take center stage at the inaugural Everything Fab Four Fest.
Photos: Aubrey Plaza and More in LET'S LOVE Rehearsals
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 9, 2025

You can now get a first look inside rehearsals for Atlantic Theater Company’s world premiere production of Let's Love! at Atlantic's Linda Gross Theater. See photos here!
Aubrey Plaza, Chris Bauer and More to Star in LET’S LOVE! at Atlantic Theater Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 7, 2025

Atlantic Theater Company has revealed the cast for the world premiere of Let’s Love!, written by Academy Award winner Ethan Coen and directed by Tony Award nominee Neil Pepe. See who is starring, and learn more!
Jason Kravits Returns To Joe's Pub Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Jun 26, 2025

Television and Broadway star (and Snow White's 'Sneezy'), Jason Kravits, returns to Joe's Pub with his critically acclaimed solo show, “OFF the TOP!” Learn more here!
Photos: Exclusive Look at the Art For the NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS 2025 Judy Art Auction
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2025

The 13th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys” will host its 2025 Judy Art Auction. We've have an exclusive look at the art in these photos! Learn more about the event here.
Bruce Vilanch to Join 13th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2025

Two-time Emmy Award winner Bruce Vilanch has joined the cast of the 13th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys,” at Joe's Pub. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Lea DeLaria, NaTasha Yvette Williams and More to Headline 13th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 13, 2025

Grammy winner and Tony nominee NaTasha Yvette Williams, SAG Award winner Lea DeLaria, and more will headline the 13th annual Night of a Thousand Judys at Joe's Pub. Learn how to purchase tickets!
13th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS is Coming to Joe's Pub in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 9, 2025

The 13th 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 this summer. Learn more!
Photos: Karen Mack Celebrates New Solo Album CATCH & KEEP At Birdland
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 28, 2024

Birdland presented singer Karen Mack in concert on Monday, August 26. The event celebrated Karen’s new solo album 'Catch & Keep,” a fun mix of contemporary jazz classics, including works by Dave Frishberg, Bob Dorough, Nellie McKay and Betty Bryant. See photos from the show. 
Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup " Aug. 26 to Sept. 1, 2024
by Rebecca Kaplan - Aug 26, 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
by Rebecca Kaplan - Aug 22, 2024

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
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 29, 2024

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
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 27, 2024

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will operate this August with a full slate of nightly performances.

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

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Videos