They did it because nobody told them that they couldn't, and because of sheer will and determination. And I come from a long line of bumblebees.
Nikki M. James, the Tony Award-winning actress and star of the acclaimed musical The Book of Mormon sits down with Ask Me Another host Ophira Eisenberg to discuss her path to the stage, as well as her deep love of musical theater. James grew up listening to Andrew Lloyd Webber and admits she's seen Rent over 30 times. As a bonafide Renthead, it's no surprise that James is undaunted by our Ask Me Another Challenge, in which Jonathan Coulton performs parodies of classic songs from famous musicals. If Lent: The Musical ever hits Broadway, we have its showstopper ready to go.
About Nikki James
Nikki M. James won the 2011 Tony Award Winner for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Nabulungi in The Book of Mormon. The character is a young, optimistic Ugandan girl who sings about the land of Mormon utopia in Utah's capital.
James has performed in several Broadway roles, including All Shook Up and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, as well as in other theatre performances — from Romeo and Juliet, to Dorothy in The Wiz. She's also been on several TV shows: 30 Rock, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Third Watch.
A graduate of the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, James holds a BFA in Drama from NYU. She got her start at age 5 singing at church.
Watch a clip from James' recording session of "All New", part of OVER THE MOON: The Broadway Lullaby Project.
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