Steve On Broadway (SOB)

Star Rising: Nicole Van Giesen

Star Rising: Nicole Van Giesen

If you've never heard of Nicole Van Giesen, you're probably not alone. But she's quite the delectable discovery when you've seen her act and sing.

I was first introduced to this gorgeous actress when I caught her in The Last Five Years three years back in Philadelphia. Portraying Cathy, Van Giesen gave such an enormously touching and believable performance that I decided that I'd continue to scan cast lists so that I could see her again.

It's taken nearly three years, but alas, her name is now included among those in the touring company of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which begins performances in Seattle just a little more than a month away. Although I don't know for certain which role she'll portray, something tells me that she's likely to serve as the understudy for the Christine Colgate role originated on Broadway by Sherie René Scott. After all, Van Giesen -- who was last seen on Broadway back in 2000 in The Wild Party (as an understudy) and Cabaret (as a replacement player in the role of Frenchie) -- was Scott's understudy in the Off-Broadway production of The Last Five Years and then went on to take the lead once the show hit Philly. Rest assured, this talented actress can hit all the right notes.

When The Last Five Years ran in Philadelphia, Inquirer Theatre Critic Douglas J. Keating raved about this charming actress, glowing "Van Giesen is superb. She makes the songs for Cathy appear so natural to her character that she seems to have written them herself." Amen. Hopefully, audiences for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will have an opportunity to see her in the spotlight where she belongs.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

Click here for ticket information for the touring production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
Related Stories:
Great Scott...She's Back! Sherie René Scott Returns to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (June 21, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2004-05 (May 26, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2002-03 (May 24, 2006)

Labels: Broadway, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Musical, The Last Five Years, Touring Production

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Monday, June 26, 2006