Nicole Palmer
I first saw the amazing Nicole Palmer as Ariel in NTPA’s The Little Mermaid and became totally enchanted by the warmth she projected and her beautiful vocals. Last fall she was the sassy, sexy Babette in Firehouse Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast and I realized she was also a terrific comic actor. Recently, Nicole was back at the Firehouse Theatre as the Donna Summerish club singer Candy. To say that Nicole was great in the part is an understatement. Her vocals rocked the Firehouse and the way she turned the Bee Gees hit “Nights on Broadway” into a sultry torch song was unforgettable. Nicole Palmer is magic on the stage. Take a few moments to learn more about Nicole and her inspirations and love for the performing arts.
When was your first time on stage?
The first time I was on stage was when I was in preschool. I was in a yellow tutu doing a “ballet” recital, just tapping my little toes to the music. The next year they put me front and center to lead one of the tap dances. I slipped and fell in the middle of one of the numbers!!!! After the performance (and I still remember exactly where we were standing) my dance teacher told the class how proud she was of me and how great I did for getting right back up and continuing the dance without missing a beat. I will never forget that moment..
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
I was in the pit playing the flute during my sophomore year of high school for our production of The Wizard of Oz. It was magical! I was so in awe of that show!! As much as I loved being in the pit, there was an even stronger pull to be on stage. I auditioned the following year and landed my very first role as Geneva in 1940’s Radio Hour. To this day my favorite music is 40s and 50s music.
Who is your greatest mentor?
I wouldn’t say I have one single mentor. I’d like to think that I take away something from various people throughout my life. In preschool I learned the valuable lesson of persevering after a fall. One of the high school teachers taught me to not let my shyness and fear stop me from sharing my gifts with the world. My mom taught me that people will remember you by the impact you had on their lives. The list goes on. From fellow actors to directors to stage managers to family and friends, I’m constantly learning how to be a better me and a better performer.
What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?
My favorite role was Eponine in Les Miserables at the Houston Family Art Center, now known as Stageworks. The show was incredible. The talent was incredible. I connected with Eponine more than I have ever connected with anyone I’ve ever played. I remember watching the movie, bawling and yelling at the screen because Marius was only concerned about Cosette even though I…I mean..Eponine just died! Talk about method acting!
Do you have a dream role?
I would love to play Eponine again. I’m curious how I would play her today, ~ 9 years later. Or Fantine!! I tear up every time I sing “I Dreamed a Dream”. I just love that song. I love everything about Les Miz! I would also love to be The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods.
What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?
Keala Settle, Ariana DeBose, Kristin Chenoweth, Ramin Karimloo. Incredible actors and incredible singers.
What performances have you seen that impressed you?
I was impressed by Next to Normal – I cried so much after the show! It was so good. And of course, Les Miserables on Broadway with Ramin and Keala.
What are your career goals?
I’m not sure yet what my career goals are. Right now, I’m working on shifting my mindset from “oh I do this on the side as a hobby” to “I, Nicole Palmer, am a performing artist.” I need to stop minimizing myself and what I do. I love performing! And I want to do more of it.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I think people would be surprised that I play flag football and a lot of it! I have played in tournaments all around the country and even outside of the country. All of my flag football friends, on the other hand, would be surprised that I act and sing.
