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Nikki Snelson
Nikki Snelson
Nikki Snelson
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Nikki Snelson (born Nicole Snelson) is an American actress, who works mainly in stage musicals.

Biography

[edit]

Snelson is originally from St. Louis, Missouri,[1] and received her training at the Boston Conservatory.[2] Snelson’s first major role on Broadway came as Winnie Tate in the 1999 Broadway revival of Annie Get Your Gun (musical), opposite Bernadette Peters. She also appeared on Broadway in the revival of Sweet Charity in 2005, starring Christina Applegate.

She was in a long term relationship with actor Christian Campbell from 2005 to 2007.[citation needed]

In 2007, Snelson originated the role of fitness queen Brooke Wyndam in the world premiere of Legally Blonde: The Musical in San Francisco. She reprised her role in the Broadway production at the Palace Theatre, opening in April 2007.[3] She can be heard on the cast recording of the show, and was also in the MTV live broadcast, as well as the reality casting show Legally Blonde: The Musical – The Search for Elle Woods.

She left the company of Legally Blonde to join the national tour of A Chorus Line as Cassie, starting in May 2008.[4][5] She had been requested to audition for the role after she had been a finalist for the role of Val in the 2006 Broadway revival, as documented in Every Little Step. She then appeared in 42nd Street at The Muny in St. Louis in June 2009, as Anytime Annie, opposite Robert Cuccioli.[6]

Snelson originated the role of the Mad Hatter in the world premiere of the new Frank Wildhorn musical Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure. The musical had its world premiere on November 24, 2009 (previews) at The David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa, Florida, and opened at the Alley Theatre, Houston, on January 15, 2010.[7][8][9][10] While the plot of the show was reviewed poorly (though the production good), Snelson received great reviews for her portrayal, which featured her performing difficult choreography (by Marguerite Derricks) while singing “high-energy” Wildhorn tunes. Tampa Bay Online says Snelson “gives a knock-out performance.” [citation needed] Variety added that Snelson played the Hatter “deliciously wicked.” However, before its Broadway production, the musical’s creators altered the role of the Hatter drastically, including excising choreography and sarcastic dialogues, as well as replacing her signature song “Nick of Time,” and decided to replace Snelson.[11][12] In an interview following this, Snelson said, “it was a wonderful experience for me, and I will forever be heartbroken.”[13]

She took part in a reading of a new musical Sphinx Winx on March 15, 2010, in New York. The musical has music and lyrics by Kenneth Hitchner, Jr. and a book by Phillip Capice, Bob Keuch and Anne Hitchner.[14]

Television and Film

Snelson has appeared in several television shows, including as a guest on Desperate Housewives (2005) and as Chelsea on ABC's All My Children (2004).

Snelson was featured in the documentary Every Little Step and auditioned for the part of Val, but was not cast.

She was offered a role in the CW’s Valentine, but her contract with the Chorus Line national tour forbade her from leaving, as the producers threatened to sue.

References

[edit]
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Nikki Snelson

View on Grokipedia
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Nikki Snelson (born Nicole Ruth Snelson; June 28, 1976) is an American actress, director, choreographer, and educator specializing in musical theater. Born in , , she has built a multifaceted career spanning over three decades, encompassing performances on Broadway, national tours, television appearances, and global directing and teaching engagements. Snelson trained in musical theater at the Boston Conservatory and made her professional debut at age 16 with the , an outdoor amphitheater known for its large-scale productions. Her Broadway breakthrough came in 1999 when she originated the role of Winnie Tate in the revival of Annie Get Your Gun starring , which ran for 1,045 performances. She later achieved prominence originating Brooke Wyndham in : The Musical (2007–2008), a role she reprised in the pro-shot adaptation, alongside ensemble and replacement work in (2005) and a dance role in Chess (2003). Beyond Broadway, Snelson has starred in national tours of classics like (as ), , , and Hello, Dolly! (with ), as well as regional productions including Velma in and Sally in . Her screen credits include guest roles on and , and appearances in films such as , Reefer Madness, and . In recent years, Snelson has expanded into directing and choreographing, helming productions like Legally Blonde at Kansas City Starlight Theatre, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat internationally in locations including Argentina and Singapore. She serves as an artist-in-residence and master teacher at institutions such as Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore and is the CEO of Musical Theatre Mayhem, a platform dedicated to musical theater education and resources. As of November 2025, her recent projects include directing Grease at Moonlight Amphitheatre (April–May) and Heartbreak Hotel at Theatre By The Sea (August), as well as choreographing Starmites at UC Irvine, with upcoming engagements in 2026 at Lyceum Theatre and Moonlight Amphitheatre, reflecting her continued influence in the field. Snelson resides in Orange County, California, with her husband and 5-year-old son.

Early life and education

Early years

Nikki Snelson was born Nicole Ruth Snelson on June 28, 1976, in , . Raised in by her single mother, Snelson faced a significant challenge in when she became gravely ill, requiring extended time away from school. Her mother, a working parent, took leave to care for her, providing comfort through VHS recordings of classic musicals such as Grease 2, Grease, and . These films introduced her to the world of and ignited her passion for ; she has credited watching 's performance in as a pivotal moment, declaring, “That is what did it for me. Seeing doing his thing, I knew I had to do that.” Inspired by these early viewings, Snelson began taking dance lessons in her hometown, where her instructor encouraged her to pursue voice training as well. This marked her initial foray into local activities during childhood and adolescence, fostering her skills in a community rich with theatrical opportunities, including the renowned outdoor venue , which played a formative role in the arts scene.

Training and debut

Nikki Snelson made her professional debut at the age of 16 in a production of at in , , performing as part of the ensemble during the show's run from July 20 to 26, 1992. This early opportunity marked her entry into professional theatre, building on her local roots in the city's vibrant scene. Following her debut, Snelson enrolled in the (BFA) program in at Boston Conservatory, where she completed her degree. The rigorous curriculum honed her triple-threat abilities, providing intensive training in acting techniques, vocal performance, and dance disciplines essential for musical theatre. This formal education equipped her with the foundational skills that propelled her subsequent career in stage performance.

Stage career

Broadway roles

Nikki Snelson's Broadway debut occurred in the 1999 revival of Annie Get Your Gun, where she originated the role of Winnie Tate, the ingénue daughter of , opposite in the title role. The production, directed by and choreographed by Jeff Calhoun, ran for 1,045 performances from March 4, 1999, to September 1, 2001, at the , earning multiple including Best Revival of a Musical. In 2003, Snelson appeared as a Dancer in a one-night Actors' Fund of America benefit concert production of Chess at the on September 22. This concert version featured and and served as a high-profile showcase during the musical's limited Broadway return. Snelson joined the 2005 revival of as an ensemble member in roles including Woman at the 92nd St. Y, member of Daddy's All-Girl Rhythm Choir, and Susanna, while also understudying the role of Helene, from May 4 to December 31, 2005, at the . The production, directed and choreographed by and starring as Charity Hope Valentine, ran for 279 performances and 25 previews and highlighted Snelson's versatility in supporting dance and character work. Her breakthrough as a principal player came in : The Musical, where she originated the role of Brooke Wyndham, the fitness instructor and sorority sister on trial, first in the world premiere tryout at San Francisco's from January 23 to February 25, 2007, directed and choreographed by . Snelson reprised the role on Broadway at the Palace Theatre from April 29, 2007, to October 19, 2008, also appearing as Shandi in the ensemble, as part of the original cast that ran for 595 performances and 30 previews, and received seven Tony Award nominations including Best Musical.

Tours and regional theatre

Following her Broadway debut, Snelson joined the first national revival tour of in the role of , beginning performances in on May 4, 2008, and continuing through June 2010 across 24 cities. The production, directed by Bob Avian and featuring original musical staging by Michael Bennett, highlighted her dance prowess in the iconic audition sequence. Snelson also appeared in several other national tours early in her career, including the role of Susan in tick, tick... BOOM!, directed by Scott Schwartz, alongside Christian Campbell and Wilson Cruz. She performed in ensemble capacities for the national tours of Disney's Beauty and the Beast (1995–1999), where she took on roles such as the Wolf and Townsperson; Show Boat (1996–1998); and Hello, Dolly! (1994–1997) starring Carol Channing, in which she understudied Minnie Fay. In regional theatre, Snelson originated the role of the Mad Hatter—a reimagined female antagonist—in the world premiere of Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure at Tampa's Straz Center for the Performing Arts, running from November 30, 2009, to January 3, 2010, with music by . She earned acclaim for her energetic portrayal, including the song "The Mad Hatter." Later regional credits include in at Maine State Music Theatre in , from July 21 to August 7, 2010, opposite Erin Maguire as . Snelson portrayed in a production of presented by Napa Valley Broadway Playhouse at the Napa Valley Opera House from June 22 to July 1, 2012, delivering a "stunningly fearless" performance noted for its emotional depth. At in , she played Anytime Annie in 42nd Street from June 15 to 21, 2009, alongside as Julian Marsh, bringing charm and humor to the chorus girl role in this tap-heavy revival. Additionally, Snelson participated in developmental readings for new works, such as the industry-only staged readings of the musical comedy The Sphinx Winx on , 2010, at New York City's Theater Center. These opportunities allowed her to contribute to emerging projects outside traditional productions.

Directing and choreography

Choreography work

Nikki Snelson has established herself as a versatile , blending her Broadway experience with innovative movement for both stage productions and high-profile events. Her often emphasizes energetic ensemble numbers and character-driven sequences that enhance musical , drawing from her background as a performer in shows like . In regional theatre, Snelson has choreographed several notable productions, including Mamma Mia! at in 2022, where she also directed, creating vibrant, ABBA-infused dance routines that captured the show's joyful spirit. For at LaSalle College of the Arts in in 2017, Snelson directed and choreographed the graduation show, faithfully recreating Michael Bennett's iconic steps while adapting them for student performers in numbers like the tap sequence and finale. Her work extended to , where she designed dynamic, period-specific choreography to underscore the show's playful deceptions and high-stakes pursuits. Snelson's choreography for : The Musical stands out in her portfolio, particularly her 2023 production at Kansas City Starlight Theatre, which she directed and choreographed, featuring high-energy routines like "Whipped into Shape" that echoed the original Broadway flair while infusing fresh athleticism. She revisited the show in 2024 as director-choreographer for City Springs Theatre Company's staging in , prioritizing choreography that amplified ' transformative journey through synchronized, empowering ensemble work. Beyond theatre, Snelson has contributed to prominent events, including for Elton John's in , where she crafted elaborate, celebratory dance segments for the annual AIDS charity gala. She also choreographed performances for the , designing visually striking routines tailored to the ceremony's fast-paced, pop-driven format. On television, her appeared in , enhancing dramatic scenes with subtle, integrated movement to support the soap opera's emotional narratives.

Directing projects

Nikki Snelson has transitioned from performing to directing musical theatre productions, focusing on regional and educational venues where she oversees narrative vision, staging, and overall production elements. Her directing work emphasizes character-driven storytelling and ensemble dynamics in beloved Broadway musicals, often in collaboration with emerging artists. In May 2024, Snelson directed and choreographed Legally Blonde: The Musical at City Springs Theatre Company in Sandy Springs, Georgia, a production that highlighted her experience originating the role of Brooke Wyndham on Broadway. The show ran from May 3 to 19, receiving praise for its energetic pacing and faithful adaptation of the film's spirit. Snelson's directing portfolio includes regional productions such as the graduation show at LaSalle College of the Arts in , where she guided student performers through the iconic audition narrative in 2014 and 2017. She also directed Ain't Misbehavin' and And the World Goes 'Round, showcasing her ability to handle jazz-infused revues and cabaret-style formats with precise emotional layering. As CEO and creator of Musical Theatre Mayhem, a workshop series founded in 2018, Snelson directs educational intensives and sessions worldwide, featuring Broadway stars as guest instructors to foster comprehensive in , , and movement for artists. These programs have expanded to international locations, including and , emphasizing practical directing techniques in a workshop format. In 2024, Snelson directed Disney's at University's Lyceum Theater, interpreting the classic tale through a lens of timeless romance and transformation for a cast. Later that year, from June 1 to 8, she choreographed The Prom at the , Irvine's School of the Arts, directed by Don Hill and Daniel Keeling, exploring themes of inclusion and self-acceptance. In early 2025, Snelson directed and choreographed Footloose (February 21–March 7) at Vanguard University. She followed with Grease (April 30–May 17) at Moonlight Stage Productions in Vista, California. Later in 2025, she directed and choreographed Guys and Dolls at Vanguard University. Snelson made her debut at Theatre By The Sea in Matunuck, , directing and choreographing the Elvis Presley bio-musical from August 20 to September 14, 2025, which chronicled the singer's life through high-energy numbers and authentic period staging. Critics noted the production's emotional depth and vibrant ensemble work under her guidance.

Film and television

Television appearances

Nikki Snelson's television career includes guest roles on popular American soap operas and dramas, primarily in the mid-2000s, where she portrayed supporting characters that showcased her acting versatility alongside her established stage presence. In 2004, Snelson appeared on the ABC soap opera All My Children as Chelsea, a recurring role that highlighted her ability to deliver emotional depth in dramatic narratives typical of daytime television. She followed this with a guest spot on Desperate Housewives in 2005, playing a saleswoman in the episode "Fear No More" from season 1, where her performance contributed to the show's blend of suspense and suburban intrigue. In 2020, Snelson appeared in the web series Ms. Guidance as Janelle Kincaid in the episode "Night, Jenny."

Film roles

Snelson reprised her Broadway role as Brooke Wyndham in the 2007 MTV film adaptation of Legally Blonde: The Musical. Nikki Snelson appeared in the 2007 musical film , directed by , where she contributed to the ensemble as a dancer. She performed as a female dancer in the 2005 film adaptation of , a satirical musical comedy based on the 1936 propaganda film, which premiered on Showtime. Snelson was featured in the 2009 documentary Every Little Step, which chronicles the audition process for the 2006 Broadway revival of A Chorus Line. During the film's coverage, she auditioned for the role of Val but was not cast; subsequently, she received an offer for a part in the CW series Valentine but declined due to contractual obligations from her ongoing national tour of A Chorus Line.

Video games

In addition to her live-action work, Snelson provided voice acting as the character Annie in the 2008 video game Midnight Club: Los Angeles, developed by Rockstar San Diego.

Personal life

Relationships

Nikki Snelson was in a long-term relationship with actor from 2005 to 2007. The couple frequently appeared together at public events during this period, including the New York premiere of Showtime's Reefer Madness adaptation in April 2005 and the after-party for the Hustle & Flow screening in June 2005. This relationship overlapped with a pivotal phase in Snelson's Broadway career; in 2005, she was part of the ensemble in the revival of , which ran from May to December at the . By early 2007, as their partnership continued, Snelson originated the role of Brooke Wyndham in , which premiered in April and marked one of her most prominent stage features. Their shared history in musical theater added context to the romance, as both had previously co-starred in the 2003 national tour of tick, tick...BOOM!, with Campbell as Jonathan and Snelson as Susan, though they did not begin dating until two years later. Snelson has been married to Casey Cavanaugh since 2013.

Family and residence

Snelson and Cavanaugh reside in . The couple has one son, born in 2018, who is seven years old as of 2025. Snelson balances her family life with an ongoing career in education and directing, serving as the CEO of Musical Theatre Mayhem.

References

  1. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/nikki-snelson-453745
  2. https://www.nikkisnelson.com/
  3. https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-off-broadway/article/Nikki-Snelson-Will-Direct-Theatre-By-The-Seas-HEARTBREAK-HOTEL-20250716
  4. https://drama.arts.uci.edu/events/starmites
  5. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/nicole-ruth-snelson-60484
  6. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1863951/bio/
  7. https://glamadelaide.com.au/interview-nikki-snelson-broadway-superstar-brings-her-legally-blonde-knowledge-to-adelaide/
  8. https://www.abouttheartists.com/artists/288057-nikki-snelson
  9. https://americanvoices.org/artist/nikki-snelson/
  10. https://theatre.indiana.edu/about/company/_guest-artists/snelson_nikki.html
  11. https://www.lasalle.edu.sg/visiting-artists/nikki-snelson
  12. https://www.findworldedu.com/2022/stage-legend-directs-student-blondes.html
  13. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/annie-get-your-gun-6287
  14. https://www.playbill.com/production/annie-get-your-gun-marquis-theatre-vault-0000008185
  15. https://www.allmusicals.com/lyrics/anniegetyourgun/cast.htm
  16. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/chess-13503
  17. https://www.playbill.com/person/nikki-snelson-vault-0000049856
  18. https://www.playbill.com/production/chessbroadway-new-amsterdam-theatre-2003
  19. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/sweet-charity-378059
  20. https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Nikki-Snelson/
  21. https://www.playbill.com/article/an-elle-of-a-town-san-fran-welcomes-world-premiere-of-legally-blonde-com-137882
  22. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/legally-blonde-423552
  23. https://playbill.com/article/a-chorus-line-national-tour-kicks-off-in-denver-may-4-com-149789
  24. https://www.ibdb.com/tour-production/a-chorus-line-506307
  25. https://www.abouttheartists.com/productions/34715-disneys-beauty-and-the-beast-first-national-tour-at-orpheum-theatre-and-others-1995-1999
  26. https://www.ibdb.com/tour-production/hello-dolly-511292
  27. https://variety.com/2009/legit/markets-festivals/wonderland-alice-s-new-musical-adventure-1200477949/
  28. https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/galleryphoto.php?photoid=125530&personid=8559
  29. https://castalbums.org/recordings/Wonderland-Alices-New-Musical-Adventure-2009-Original-Cast/18101
  30. https://playbill.com/article/nikki-snelson-and-erin-maguire-star-in-maine-state-music-theaters-chicago-starting-july-21-com-170204
  31. https://www.theatermania.com/news/nikki-snelson-erin-maguire-curt-dale-clark-et-al-set-for-msmts-chicago_28847/
  32. https://www.broadwayworld.com/san-francisco/article/The-Napa-Valley-Broadway-Playhouse-Presents-CABARET-Through-71-20120628
  33. https://napavalleyregister.com/arts-and-entertainment/art-theater/cabaret-welcomes-broadway-stars-locals/article_9bf376e4-bb67-11e1-b57d-001a4bcf887a.html
  34. https://www.theatermania.com/news/robert-cuccioli-dee-hoty-nikki-snelson-et-al-set-for-the-munys-42nd-street_19519/
  35. https://www.abouttheartists.com/productions/17292-42nd-street-at-the-muny-june-15-21-2009
  36. https://playbill.com/article/sphinx-winx-readings-with-anderson-bolton-dalton-hurlbert-snelson-presented-march-15-com-166743
  37. https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/Snapple-Center-Hosts-THE-SPHINX-WINX-Reading-20100312
  38. https://www.kcstarlight.com/wp-content/uploads/Legally-Blonde-Creative-Bios-2023.pdf
  39. https://www.broadwayworld.com/costa-mesa/article/Vanguard-University-to-Present-MAMMA-MIA-Directed-by-Nikki-Snelson-20220127
  40. https://www.kcstarlight.com/blog/know-the-show-legally-blonde/
  41. https://www.cityspringstheatre.com/blonde/
  42. https://www.nikkisnelson.com/director-choreographer
  43. https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2024/05/02/in-conversation-with-nikki-snelson-director-and-choreographer-of-city-springs-legally-blonde/
  44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ziVpanbuBk
  45. https://centre-stage.com/home/musical-theatre-masterclass-broadways-nikki-snelson/
  46. https://www.musicaltheatremayhem.com/awards
  47. https://www.nikkisnelson.com/musical-theatre-mayhem
  48. https://www.broadwayworld.com/costa-mesa/article/Vanguard-Universitys-Department-Of-Theatre-Arts-Presents-Disneys-BEAUTY-AND-THE-BEAST-20240403
  49. https://www.arts.uci.edu/event/prom
  50. https://www.broadwayworld.com/costa-mesa/article/FOOTLOOSE-Will-Be-Performed-as-Part-of-Vanguard-Universitys-Department-Of-Theatre-Arts-20250220
  51. https://www.thevistapress.com/moonlight-stage-productions-44th-season-opens-with-grease-returning-after-25-years/
  52. https://www.instagram.com/p/DO6dkuqAac-/
  53. https://www.theatrebythesea.com/elvis.html
  54. https://www.broadwayworld.com/rhode-island/article/Nikki-Snelson-Will-Direct-Theatre-By-The-Seas-HEARTBREAK-HOTEL-20250816
  55. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1863951/
  56. https://desperatehousewives.fandom.com/wiki/Fear_No_More
  57. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12340290/
  58. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1125194/
  59. https://www.amazon.com/prime-video/actor/Nikki-Snelson/amzn1.dv.gti.2b35d8e2-3cf5-4f84-8566-473c7c395053/
  60. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1314798/
  61. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/nikki-snelson
  62. https://alchetron.com/Christian-Campbell
  63. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/christian-campbell-and-nikki-snelson-attend-hustle-flow-ny-news-photo/591539046
  64. https://www.robinplatzertwinimages.com/image/I0000x6zXrTIATS8
  65. https://www.ibdb.com/tour-production/tick-tick-boom-508332
  66. https://playbill.com/article/photo-call-tick-tickboom-tick-ticktour-com-110865
  67. https://www.stltoday.com/life-entertainment/local/art-theater/article_25761db0-588a-57ca-8fbb-fdd614739b9f.html
  68. https://www.facebook.com/nikki.snelson.9/
  69. https://able.adelaide.edu.au/music/ua/media/911/legally-blonde-program.pdf
  70. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8J8Hn_uQcK/
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