This interview is presented by Molloy University.
Broadway newcomer and Molloy University alumna Nichelle Lewis is currently starring as “Dorothy” and leads the cast of the Broadway revival of The Wiz. This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. A dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road.
The extraordinary Broadway cast features Nichelle Lewis as ‘Dorothy,’ Wayne Brady as ‘The Wiz,’ Deborah Cox as ‘Glinda’ and Melody A. Betts as ‘Aunt Em’ and ‘Evillene,’ Kyle Ramar Freeman as ‘Lion,’ Phillip Johnson Richardson as ‘Tinman,’ Avery Wilson as ‘Scarecrow.’ THE WIZ ensemble includes Lauryn Adams, Maya Bowles, Shayla Alayre Caldwell, Jay Copeland, Allyson Kaye Daniel, Judith Franklin, Michael Samarie George, Collin Heyward, Amber Jackson, Olivia Jackson, Christina Jones, Polanco Jones, Kolby Kindle, Mariah Lyttle, Kareem Marsh, Alan Mingo, Jr., Anthony Murphy, Dustin Praylow, Cristina Rae, Matthew Sims Jr, Avilon Trust Tate, Keenan D. Washington, and Timothy Wilson.
Nichelle Lewis attended Molloy and was part of CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, which offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts. Students study at the University’s Rockville Center Campus, about 35 minutes from NYC by train, and at the University's state-of-the-art studios in downtown Manhattan. The CAP21 integrated training program is taught by an expert faculty of seasoned professionals, many of whom are currently working in the industry. Molloy University, private regional comprehensive university with academic, experiential and service opportunities, is dedicated to providing an exceptional student experience. In addition to the nationally recognized Musical Theater program, the university offers a wide range of academic options including more than 50 undergraduate majors, 23 Master’s and three Doctoral degree programs. Students benefit from a breadth of offerings including athletics, vibrant student life and NCAA Division II athletic teams. Molloy’s main campus in Rockville Centre, NY is home to residence halls, and the Madison Theatre at Molloy College, all in close proximity to Long Island’s beaches, hiking and bike trails, and quick access to Manhattan, Brooklyn and international airports. The Manhattan Center at 50 Broadway, Suffolk Center at Route 110 and Center for Environmental Research and Coastal Oceans Monitoring on the Atlantic Ocean in Sayville, NY provide learning and experiential opportunities and advantages unparalleled outside the New York Metropolitan region.
BIO
Nichelle Lewis (Dorothy) is a 24 year old native of Virginia, and thrilled to portray Dorothy in the revival of The Wiz, marking her Broadway debut. The New York based singer-songwriter has performed in the national tour of Hairspray (Dynamite/Cindy Watkins); Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon/Crystal); Bare: A Pop Opera (Ivy); and most recently Labelless, a new musical.
Nichelle always felt she had a calling much bigger than herself. It wasn’t until she was asked to sing a solo tribute to her late father at age 10 that she realized what that calling was. She mustered up as much courage as she could to sing, “My Help,” and by the end of the song the whole church was crying, not tears of sadness but of love and joy. In that moment, she knew she was called to inspire others through song. Nichelle truly believes that the voice she sang with that day could have only been a gift. A gift she continues to hone and discover new things about over the years. She started her career singing in church and show choir, and booking gigs at weddings before “American Idol” reached out to her on Instagram to audition her on the show last summer.
Nichelle says all of this to say that she is unbelievably grateful for the amazing opportunity to portray Dorothy. A character, who much like herself and others, overcomes many trials and tribulations in life that only help to make her stronger, wiser, and more determined. Nichelle is grateful to her mother who raised her children with a will like no other and encouraged Nichelle to stay on the path, to remain hardworking and kind, and to never stop listening to her heart. And finally, she would like to thank her friends and family, both present and looking down from above, for their love and immense support. TikTok & IG @iamnichellelewis.