Words From the Wings: Nyseli Vega of HELL'S KITCHEN

BroadwayWorld is bringing you Words From the Wings, a new series of interviews that take fans behind the scenes of some of their favorite Broadway stars' backstage routines!

Today we're chatting with Nyseli Vega, who is currently appearing in Hell's Kitchen. Nyseli told us all about her backstage routines, must-haves, and more!

Check out her answers, along with photos taken by BroadwayWorld's Jennifer Broski, below!

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?

I chat with the Doormen for a few minutes and check in with them. I sometimes grab a snack from the stage managers office (usually sour patches or peanut butter crackers). Then I sign in on the call board, head down to the “Oasis”  which is the dressing room I’m stationed in with some dope ass humans/dancers/vocal ensemble. 

What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?

I check my teeth for lipstick. Ms. Janet from the Sound Department puts the mic tape on my neck, and all of stage left does a hands-in moment where we all yell 1…2…3… “STAGE LEFT!” 

What’s your must-have backstage snack? 

I’m currently obsessed with peanut butter stuffed pretzels and gold fish. But Ms. Sherry- one of our amazing dressers-always brings fruit! Lychee, cherries, MANGOES!!  So she really is the MVP of snacks. 

Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?

Before I put my make up on, I stare in the mirror and pick a section of my face to try and count how many freckles there are in that section. My face is covered in freckles but I usually only count to like 11- then give up. 

What are five must-haves in your dressing room?

Plants. Family/Dog pictures. Floor mattress. Multiple options of snacks to satisfy all the taste buds. Room temperature water to drink. 

What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?

The scene before Kaleidoscope, where Ali and Ms.Liza Jane have their first encounter. Michael Greif is such a smart director. It’s silly how good he is. The simplicity of the staging with the rotating piano and the nuanced acting of Kecia and Maleah- ahhhh!!  ::chef’s kiss:: 

What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?

I think our backstage huddles are really beautiful. It changes from day to day. It can be a grounding moment, a reflection moment, a prayer, some collective breath work, wiggling etc. but whatever it is- it is always in service to uplifting our cast and supporting each other in any capacity. I’m grateful to be surrounded by and share in these moments with such soul centered humans. 

About Nyseli Vega

Nyseli Vega (Millie/Ensemble/u/s Jersey) is a Dominican-American multi hyphenate artist based in NYC making her Broadway debut!! Some proud credits include: working with John Leguizamo on undisclosed new works (The Public.) Torched! (PRTT- Off-Broadway), BATSU! (Japanese style improv show), Carmen La Cubana (Thèâtre Du Châtele in Paris), One Day the Musical (Off-Broadway), High Maintenance (HBO), OITNB (NETFLIX), The Odd Years (DominiRican Productions), Nyseli also co-created/produced and performed with the successful powerhouse vocal group ‘Ménage Music’ throughout reputable venues in NYC. Nyseli is also a Board member for the Latiné Musical Theatre Lab advocating, uplifting and elevating Latiné stories to be regularly included in the musical theatre cannon. Nyseli takes pride in encouraging non-linear paths to success and fulfillment. Her mission is to light common ground so others feel elevated in their humanity.