Nikki Crawford is a 2008/2009 Ovation Award Nominee for Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Young Lena in STORMY WEATHER at the Pasadena Playhouse.
As an Ovation Award Nominee, LA Stage asked Nikki the following questions:
What was the moment that first inspired you to pursue working in the theatre?
When I was 4 years old my parents took me to New York to see The Wiz. For a little kid who could never sit still for longer than two minutes I was totally spellbound and completely focused for the entire production. Watching Stephanie Mills and the rest of the fabulous cast live in this magical world seemed so thrilling to me. So thrilling in fact, that I knew from that moment, I had to be an actor.
What do you feel made the production you were nominated for particularly successful, either overall or for you specifically?
I believe Stormy Weather was a success, because people have always been amazed by the life of Lena Horne. A show chronicling her life has been long overdue. Not only was she a trailblazer in the world of entertainment, but she was able to break many of the unyielding racial and political barriers of her time. Her valiant efforts have left a major impact on the last three generations; hence the current interest in her life.
What project or projects are you currently working on?
Other than myself (smile), my one-woman show which will comprise of my many different sides.
What do you love most about theatre in Los Angeles?
You have the opportunity to work at some of the most beautiful theaters in the country as well as be a part of New York caliber productions, without the risk of your show closing.
What’s your dream project?
To work with Robert De Niro….on anything!
Biography: Regional credits include Young Lena in Stormy Weather at the Pasadena Playhouse; the Lady of the Lake (Vegas) in Spamalot; Lady Liv in Play On! at Arena Stage (Helen Hayes Award Best Supporting Actress nomination). Additional LA performances include, 1st Blues Singer in the Hollywood Bowl’s production of Leonard Bernsteins Mass; her one-woman show at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts; co-starring with Michael Feinstein in The Great American Song Book at the Mark Taper Forum; A Class Act at the Pasadena Playhouse; My Way at the La Mirada Theatre; Slam at San Diego Rep.; Blues in the Night at Seattle Rep.; As Bees In Honey Drown at the Pasadena Playhouse; and Desdemona in Othello with Charles S. Dutton at the Cannon Theatre
Some of her guest star roles were on such shows as Numbers, Malcolm in the Middle, The District, Dream On, and Lush Life. She also starred in the PBS Great Performances broadcast of Play On!
Film credits include the title role in “Retiring Tatiana” and co-starred in “Duck” opposite Philip Baker Hall and Bill Cobbs. Recently, Nikki starred in “Contradictions of the Heart” and “Applause for Miss E”.
For a full list of Ovation nominees, or for information about the Ovation Awards Ceremony on January 11th, click here!
