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Nellie McKay

Birth Place: Guntersville, AL, USA

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Nellie McKay 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.

Nellie McKay Photos

Nellie McKay STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway World Premiere One Act Plays, 2021
Performer

[Broadway]
Special Benefit Production, 2007
Singer

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2006
Polly Peachum

Nellie McKay Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2021]
Composer

Nellie McKay Awards and Nominations


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2006 - Performance

Nellie McKay, The Threepenny Opera

Nellie McKay Videos

Nellie McKay News


12th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS to Take Place at Joe's Pub in June


The 12th 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. Learn more about the event and see how to purchase tickets.

Comedians With Disabilities Act to Make Debut At SF Sketchfest At The Alameda Comedy Club


The Comedians with Disabilities Act (CWDA) makes its debut at SF Sketchfest at the Alameda Comedy Club. This comedy troupe, founded by the late comedian Michael O'Connell, features talented comedians with disabilities sharing their unique perspectives.

Norm Lewis, Richard Kind and Angel Desai to Join Jason Kravits' OFF THE TOP


Jason Kravits, Norm Lewis, Richard Kind, and Angel Desai will join the benefit performance of Jason Kravits’ award-winning cabaret show OFF THE TOP for a hilarious night of music, comedy, improv and cabaret for a great cause.

Photos: The Gasp Collection


After four years at Broadway World Cabaret, quite a collection of photos has been amassed. These are the gasp-worthy pics.

SF Sketchfest Unveils Lineup for 2024 Comedy Festival Featuring More Than 200 Shows


SF Sketchfest has revealed the initial lineup for the 2024 Comedy Festival in San Francisco. Tickets go on sale on November 19.

Jason Kravits to Bring OFF THE TOP! Improvised Cabaret to Chelsea Table + Stage


Broadway World Award Winner and “Master Improviser” Jason Kravits will star in “OFF the TOP!” a hilarious night of music, comedy, improv, and cabaret at Chelsea Table + Stage on December 21, 2023 at 7:00 PM.

Patti LuPone, David Foster & Katharine McPhee and More Set for 2023�"2024 Season of Renée Fleming VOICES


Discover the incredible lineup of performances and special events for the 2023–2024 season of Renée Fleming VOICES at the Kennedy Center. From renowned artists to captivating concerts including a number of favorites including a new Patti LuPone show.

F. Murray Abraham Announced As Guest For Jason Kravits' OFF THE TOP! at Joe's Pub


Academy Award Winner, Broadway legend and White Lotus star F. Murray Abraham will join Jason Kravits for Joe's Pub debut.

Cast Set for Film Adaptation of Eric B. Sirota's FRANKENSTEIN, Now Streaming


The cast has been revealed for the film adaptation of the long-running Off-Broadway musical, Frankenstein, by Eric B. Sirota, which has been released and is now available to stream.

Review: 11th Year Of NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS An Extraordinary Night at Joe's Pub


Justin Elizabeth Sayer and co., have, once again, brought their A-Game to this annual feast of love, art, and fundraising.

Jason Kravits Will Make Joe's Pub Debut July 14th With Smash Hit Show OFF THE TOP!


OFF the TOP! with JASON KRAVITS, the Award-Winning Completely Improvised Cabaret, Heads Downtown to JOE'S PUB on July 14th at 7 pm

Nellie McKay to Join NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS Featuring Julie Benko, Telly Leung & More


Acclaimed singer and songwriter Nellie McKay, along with dancers Daniel Booda and Wyatt Slone, have joined the cast of the 11th annual “Night Of A Thousand Judys'.

Interview: Justin Elizabeth Sayre of 11th ANNUAL NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS at Joe's Pub


June 12th marks the 11th NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS benefit and Justin Elizabeth Sayre is just as passionate about it today as they were when the whole thing began.

Lauren Patten, T. Oliver Reid, Hilary Kole & More Join NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS


Tony Award winner Lauren Patten, T. Oliver Reid, jazz vocalist Hilary Kole, Jack Bartholet, and rising star Jae W.B. have joined the cast of the 11th annual “Night Of A Thousand Judys'. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Julie Benko, Telly Leung & More to Star in 11th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS


The 11th annual “Night Of A Thousand Judys” – the Pride concert to benefit The Ali Forney Center written and hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre – will take place at Joe’s Pub on Monday, June 12. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Julie Benko Will Join OFF the TOP! with Jason Kravits at Birdland Theater


OFF the TOP! with JASON KRAVITS, the Award-Winning Completely Improvised Cabaret, Returns to Birdland Theater March 27th at 8:30pm.

OFF the TOP! with JASON KRAVITS Returns to Birdland Theater March 27th


Over the course of an exhilarating 75 minutes, Kravits keeps you on the edge of your seat by using audience suggestions pulled from a fishbowl to create an entire life story in song, with every bit of it - including every lyric and melody - made up on the spot!

Latest Standings Released For The For 2022 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards


The final standings have been announced as of Tuesday, December 27th for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

12 Days Left To Vote For The 2022 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards


The latest standings as of Monday, December 19th, have been released for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.

Latest Standings Released For The For 2022 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards


Voting is now open for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.

Nellie McKay 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?

Nellie McKay has been nominated for a Theatre World Award for her performance in The Threepenny Opera.

What awards has Nellie McKay won?

Nellie McKay won a Theatre World Award for her performance in The Threepenny Opera.

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