Nikki Snelson, Part 2: The Show Must Go On- Motherhood, Mayhem and Making Art

Nikki makes the unattainable attainable (0:00), persevering, Nikki directs and finds excellence in Singapore and beyond (3:14), our physicality, butter popcorn and cheese (9:04), the mind blowing revelation about how much we care if our children get upset or are going through something (11:35), the harmony of our villages that help us be successful and care for our families (18:35). WATCH ON YOUTUBE @ https://youtu.be/pk_mjdDthT8 Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson   Guest: Nikki Snelson Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions   FOLLOW NIKKI: Instagram: @nikkisnelsonaugh Website: https://www.nikkisnelson.com/ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1863951/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikkiSnelson/ @ Musical Theatre Mayhem @ Indiana University Bloomington The Department of Theatre, Dance, and Contemporary Dance   FOLLOW US:  Instagram @creativemamasunplugged Facebook @creativemamasunplugged Apple Podcasts  @CreativeMamasUnplugged Spotify  @CreativeMamasUnplugged Amazon Music  @CreativeMamasUnplugged   YouTube  @CreativeMamasUnplugged iHeart Radio  @CreativeMamasUnplugged Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged EXTENDED SUMMARY In this deeply honest and energizing conversation, Broadway icon and director Nikki Snelson returns to the show for a wide-ranging discussion that blends artistry, motherhood and authenticity. Known for originating the iconic role of Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde on Broadway and standout turns in A Chorus Line, Sweet Charity, and Annie Get Your Gun, Nikki brings honesty and presence to this conversation as she does to the stage. We dive into her evolution from celebrated performer to dynamic director, exploring the creative muscles she’s strengthening and the projects she’s currently helming. Nikki opens up about the transformative experience of being on another continent with her toddler at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic — the fear, the togetherness, the unexpected pivots, and how that chapter added to the surprises that life as a mom brings.  Together, we talk about what it means to readjust health priorities as older moms, shifting into new rhythms, honoring changing bodies, and unlearning the pressure to “bounce back.” Nikki also shares the most surprising thing motherhood has taught her — and it’s equal parts relatable and profound. This episode is candid, funny, uplifting, and full of wisdom for anyone navigating creativity, career, or parenting in a world that never stops changing.   BIO Nikki Snelson has been working on Broadway and beyond as an actress, creator, director, choreographer  and educator for the last 30 years.  As an actress, Ms Snelson is most recognized for her performance of Brooke Wyndam in the original Broadway and MTV cast of LEGALLY BLONDE.  While at the Palace in LB, she was a part of the deliciously campy “Search for the New Elle Woods” on MTV.   Nikki originated the role of Winnie Tate in the Broadway revival of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (starring Bernadette Peters).  She was also seen on Broadway in SWEET CHARITY (starring Christina Applegate). Nikki spent several years on National Tours as "Cassie"  in A Chorus Line and “Susan” in TICK, TICK, BOOM!   She also performed in the  Broadway National Tours of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SHOW BOAT and HELLO, DOLLY with Carol Channing.  Snelson originated the role of The Mad Hatter in Frank Wildhorn's Wonderland, played Velma in CHICAGO at Maine State Theater and Sally Bowles in CABARET at The Napa Valley Opera House. On the big screen, Nikki was featured in the groundbreaking documentary EVERY LITTLE STEP as well in the major motion pictures REEFER MADNESS and ACROSS THE UNIVERSE. On the small screen, Nikki has been seen on Desperate Housewives and All My Children. She received her training in Musical Theatre from Boston Conservatory after growing up in St Louis and making her professional debut at the St Louis Muny. Most recently, Nikki directed and choreographed legally blonde at the Kansas City starlight.   Ms Snelson has directed, choreographed, and taught ALL over the world including: Argentina, Chile, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Ireland, Scotland, Paris, London and many more. She is an artist in residence at Singapore’s famed theater school,Lasalle College of the Arts. Her directing credits include: MAMMA MIA, HOLIDAY INN, ALL SHOOK UP, WORLD GOES ROUND, GYPSY, WEDDING SINGER, PAJAMA GAME, CABARET, CHICAGO, JOSEPH and A CHORUS LINE.  Nikki has choreographed for Elton John's Life Ball in Vienna, The Young and the Restless, The Miss America Pageant and the “The Funny Dance Show” on E!   Ms Snelson is the voice and CGI likeness of “Annie” in RockStar Games’ MIDNIGHT CLUB-LOS ANGELES.    in the spring, Nikki will work on beauty and the beast at vanguard university and the prom at university of california-irvine.  Nikki resides in Orange County, California with her husband and 5 year old son.    Nikki is the CEO of Musical Theatre Mayhem, a triple threat workshop experience featuring Broadway’s biggest stars!