By Lori Leath Smith
They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway
They say there’s always magic in the air…
From “On Broadway” – sung by George Benson; written by Barry Mann / Cynthia Weil / Jerry Leiber / Mike Stoller
Magic is just what Niceville native Nicholas Ward has conjured up in New York City! This month’s hometown hero and Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) alumnus, Nicholas Ward is a “true Niceville local made good!” An extraordinarily talented singer as well as captivating performer, Nicholas has carved his career on the big stage – Broadway – now a veteran of four Broadway shows, including two original companies!
Born in Oakland, Ca., Nicholas’ family moved to Niceville when he was age 5. So, he has always considered Niceville home. A 2019 NWFSC Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, and currently residing in NYC, Nicholas began his “career” right here in our backyard as a former member of the then Okaloosa Walton Community College Soundsations Show Choir and the Madrigal Singers in the fall of 1997 until May 1998. Since graduation, he’s been up to a little something!
Most recently, after having finished his run with Disney Theatrical’s Broadway original cast of the hit Broadway musical Frozen, where he could be seen nightly as Elsa & Anna’s loving father, King Agnarr, Nicholas could be seen in another Disney Broadway phenomenon, The Lion King, in the iconic role of Mufasa, Simba’s father on various nights.
Nicholas’ Broadway debut was in the critically acclaimed revival of On The Town where he opened with a stirring rendition of “I Feel like I’m Not Out Of Bed Yet” by Leonard Bernstein. He was then seen in Broadway’s first a cappella musical, In Transit, nominated for the 2011 Drama Desk Award and resulted in his debut at the legendary Carnegie Hall.
Nicholas has shared his talents at a few other iconic venues as well including The Music Man at The Kennedy Center, with Norm Lewis and Jessie Mueller which featured the role of Olin Britt. He also performed at the famed Lincoln Center, where he was a featured soloist in composer Andrew Lippa’s Kristin thrilling opera, I am Harvey Milk starring Kristin Chenoweth. Some of his favorite regional and/or popular roles include Joe in National Tour of Show Boat, Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar, the European Tour of Porgy and Bess, Booker T. Washington in Ragtime, the Plant in Little Shop of Horrors, Fred (the Bass) Smokey Joe’s Café and The Giant in Big Fish.
He has worked with many Broadway greats including Kristin Chenoweth, Jessie Mueller and Norm Lewis and has shared the screen with the legendary Meryl Streep and Audra McDonald in the 2015 American musical comedy-drama, Ricky And The Flash. His work with New York City Center Encores includes Pipe Dream with Leslie Uggams, 1776 with Andre DeShields, Brigadoon with Kelli O’Hara, and Zorba with the late great Marin Mazzie, just to name a few. At one point, he even worked for the luxury cruise line Seabourn where he was a principal singer for a cruise around the world.
While Broadway has been shut down over the last few months, Nicholas could be seen visiting his old stomping grounds and appearing at places such as The Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWFSC or down on 30a at the Old Florida Fish House.
Nicholas says to be successful in this business, “it takes determination and patience.” That is Nicholas’ M.O. and what has led him to success in a tightly, competitive industry.
Fortunately, for us, the only Greyhound bus we want Nicholas to catch is back to his hometown—when he returns periodically to perform for us!
Bay Life’s “Hometown Heroes” are sponsored by Northwest Florida State College. To read about more Hometown Hero graduates or for more information, call 850.837.8880 or visit nwfsc.edu.
