Every day is opening night.

Kristine Nielsen

Kristine Nielsen

From her first role in 1985 as Pearl in the revival of The Iceman Cometh, to currently working alongside Nathan Lane as the troubled maid, Janis, in the original cast of Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus, Kristine Nielsen is no stranger to the Broadway world. Join us on the couch with the two-time Tony Award®-nominee as she talks to us about her most embarrassing and proudest moments on the job!

What do you consider to be your best asset?
My sense of humor.

What was your proudest moment?
Opening night of The Iceman Cometh with Jason Robards. My family all attended and the party was at Sardi’s and it was the first time they all agreed I was in the right business!

What is your favorite drink?
Chardonnay.

What is your favorite food?
Anything with cheese in it.

What is your favorite condiment?
Dijon mustard.

What is your current obsession?
Watching all the Hercules Poirot mysteries -love to binge watch!

If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Shopping.

What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I wish I could have been a rock star – something special about an audience singing their hearts out with you.

What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Make-up…..trying to fix something that’s broken rather than love what one has….

What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Still shopping….

What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Breathing New York City constructions!

What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents? 
Tell the truth.

What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Fear of no money.

What in the world most thrills you?
Finding a new restaurant.

What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Too much gossip.

What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
I missed an entrance once at the Guthrie and the little girl playing my daughter turned to me and said “Don’t worry. I covered for you”.

What is your favorite place in the world?
Snuggled in my husband’s arms.

What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Truth with humor.

Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs.

What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Maybe win the lotto and cure a lot of life threatening diseases.

What is your personal motto?
Persevere.