Paul Alexander Nolan

Last updated

Paul Alexander Nolan
Born1979 (age 44–45)
Rouleau, Saskatchewan, Canada
Occupation(s)Actor, singer
Years active2001–present
SpouseKeely Hutton (m. 2014)
Website paulalexandernolan.com

Paul Alexander Nolan is a Canadian actor and singer, who has appeared in several musical theatre productions across Canada and the United States.

Contents

In Canada, Nolan appeared in 9 Stratford Festival productions, including starring as Jesus in their 2011 production of Jesus Christ Superstar . In 2012, he made his Broadway debut when that same production transferred to Broadway. Since then, he has originated the roles of Jimmy Ray Dobbs in Bright Star , Tully in Escape to Margaritaville , and Jim in Slave Play . He has also played Billy Flynn in Chicago and Hugh Dorsey in the 2023 Broadway revival of Parade . He is currently starring in Water for Elephants , where he originated the role of August Rackinger / Charlie O'Brien. [1]

Early life

Nolan was born and raised in Rouleau, Saskatchewan, which is a small farming community. [2] Growing up, he developed an interest in music by listening to folk, opera, show tunes, and classical music. [3] He attended Rouleau School, where he performed in several musicals and received vocal lessons. [4]

He attended the Randolph College for the Performing Arts. [5] Following college, he worked with Disney Cruise Line as a performer. [6]

Career

In 2001, Nolan made his professional stage debut when he appeared in the ensemble for the Canadian production of Mamma Mia! , which played at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. [4]

Nolan made his debut with the Stratford Festival during its' 2007 season, where he appeared as Slim in a production of Oklahoma! . [7] Following this, he starred as Tony in Stratford's 2009 production of West Side Story . [8] He also played Orlando in their 2010 production of As You Like It . [4]

In 2011, Nolan starred as Jesus in the Stratford Festival's production of Jesus Christ Superstar . [9] The musical then had a pre-Broadway engagement at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego. [9] Nolan then made his Broadway debut in 2012 when he reprised his role of Jesus in the revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, where it played at the Neil Simon Theatre. [9]

During the 2013 Stratford Festival season, Nolan appeared in two productions. He played Fyedka in a production of Fiddler on the Roof , and then played Cousin Kevin in a production of The Who's Tommy . [10]

In December 2013, Nolan joined the cast of Once , playing Guy. [11] He continued with the show until it closed in January 2015. [12] He also played Pasha Antipov in the original Broadway production of Doctor Zhivago , which only played at the Broadway Theatre for just over a month of performances. [13] [14]

He also originated the role of Jimmy Ray Dobbs in the musical Bright Star , which had a pre-Broadway engagement at the Kennedy Center. The musical transferred to Broadway, where it played at the Cort Theatre for four months, closing on June 26, 2016. [15] After this closed, he played Billy Flynn in Chicago for several weeks. [16]

Nolan starred as Tully in the world premiere production of Escape to Margaritaville , a jukebox musical based on the songs of Jimmy Buffett, which played at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2017. [17] He then reprised his role at subsequent pre-Broadway engagements of the musical in New Orleans, Houston, and Chicago. Nolan also reprised his role when the musical transferred to Broadway, where it opened at the Marquis Theatre. [18]

Later in 2018, Nolan starred as Jim in the world premiere of Slave Play , a three-act play by Jeremy O. Harris. It premiered off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop. He reprised the role of Jim when the play premiered on Broadway at the John Golden Theatre for a limited engagement between October 6, 2019, and January 19, 2020. [19] Nolan again reprised his role when the play was later remounted on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre in 2021, as well as in Los Angeles at the Mark Taper Forum in 2022. [20]

In 2022, he starred in the world premiere of the musical Knoxville . [21] Later in 2022, Nolan starred as Frank Carter in the musical Life After , which played at the Goodman Theatre between June 11 and July 17, 2022. [22]

Nolan played Hugh Dorsey in the New York City Center's production of Parade . He then reprised his role when the production transferred to Broadway, where it played at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre for a limited engagement run between February 22, 2023, and August 6, 2023. [23]

He also participated in a staged industry reading of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, based on the novel of the same name. [24]

In 2024, Nolan originated the role of August Rackinger / Charlie O'Brien in the musical adaptation of Water for Elephants . [25] The musical opened on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre in previews on February 24, 2024, ahead of an official opening on March 21, 2024.

Personal life

In 2014, Nolan married Canadian actress Keely Hutton, who he met while performing at the Stratford Festival. [4]

He is a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. [26]

Stage credits

YearTitleRoleLocationNotesRef.
2001-2002 Mamma Mia Ensemble Royal Alexandra Theatre Mirvish Productions [4]
2002Robin Hood: The Merry Family MusicalWill Scarlet Elgin Theatre Regional: Ross Petty Productions
2003Cinderella: The Sparkling Family MusicalEnsemble
2006 Jesus Christ Superstar Jesus Regional: Stage West Calgary
2007 King Lear EnsembleFestival Theatre Stratford Festival
Oklahoma! Slim
Beauty and the Beast The Beast Regional: Persephone Theatre
2008 Cabaret BobbyAvon Theatre Stratford Festival
2009 West Side Story TonyFestival Theatre [4]
2009 Cyrano de Bergerac Vicomte de Valvert
2010 As You Like It Orlando [4]
2010 The Winter's Tale EnsembleTom Patterson Theatre
2011 Jesus Christ Superstar Jesus Avon Theatre [27]
La Jolla Playhouse Pre-Broadway engagement
2012 Neil Simon Theatre Broadway
2012Yoshimi Battles the Pink RobotsBen La Jolla Playhouse World premiere [4]
2013 Fiddler on the Roof FyedkaFestival TheatreStratford Festival
The Who's Tommy Cousin KevinAvon Theatre [4]
2013-2015 Once Guy Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre Broadway (Replacement)
2015 Doctor Zhivago Pasha Antipov Broadway Theatre Broadway
Daddy Long Legs Jervis PendletonDavenport Theatre Off-Broadway, Original [4]
2016 Bright Star Jimmy Ray Dobbs Kennedy Center Pre-Broadway engagement [28]
Cort Theatre Broadway (Original)
My Fair Lady Professor Henry HigginsBay Street TheatreRegional
Chicago Billy Flynn Ambassador Theatre Broadway (Replacement) [4]
2017 Escape to Margaritaville TullyLa Jolla PlayhousePre-Broadway engagement: World premiere [29]
Saenger Theatre Pre-Broadway engagement
Hobby Center
Ford Center
2018 Marquis Theatre Broadway (Original)
2018-2019 Slave Play Jim New York Theatre Workshop Off-Broadway: World premiere [30]
2019 John Golden Theatre Broadway (Original)
The Who's Tommy Cousin KevinLa Jolla PlayhouseConcert staging
2021-2022 Slave Play Jim August Wilson Theatre Broadway [31]
2022 Mark Taper Forum Center Theatre Group
Knoxville Jay Follett Asolo Repertory Theatre World premiere
Life After Frank Carter Goodman Theatre Regional [32]
Parade Hugh Dorsey New York City Center Off-Broadway [33]
2023 Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre Broadway
Midnight in the Garden of Good and EvilJoe OdomStaged industry reading [24]
2024 Water for Elephants August Rackinger / Charlie O'Brien Imperial Theatre Broadway (Original) [1]

Filmography

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1997UncleShort film
1998 Strike! Charles SchumacherFilm
1999 Shapeshifter AlexFilm
2003The Visual Bible: The Gospel of JohnBridegromFilm
2003The RootDonovan KinderShort film
2018 Madam Secretary Captain David PaleyS5.E4: "Requiem"
2019 Instinct Jonathan JamesS2.E1: "Stay Gold"
2019 The Code Major Daniel ArcineauxS1.E12: "Legit Bad Day"
2020The Scottish PlayLucasFilm
2021 Hudson & Rex Ron CrawS3.E8: "Sleeping Beauty"
2024The Broadway Show with Tamsen FadalHimselfS3.E26
TBA The Gilded Age Alfred MerrickSeason 3

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNominated workResultRef.
2015 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Doctor Zhivago Nominated [34]
2016 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Bright Star Nominated [35]

Related Research Articles

<i>Jesus Christ Superstar</i> Rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice

Jesus Christ Superstar is a sung-through rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. Loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the Passion, the work interprets the psychology of Jesus and other characters, with much of the plot centered on Judas, who is dissatisfied with the direction in which Jesus is steering his disciples. Contemporary attitudes, sensibilities and slang pervade the rock opera's lyrics, and ironic allusions to modern life are scattered throughout the depiction of political events. Stage and film productions accordingly contain many intentional anachronisms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gavin Creel</span> American actor, singer, and songwriter

Gavin James Creel is an American actor, singer, and songwriter best known for his work in musical theater. Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002 in the leading role of Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie before starring as Claude in the 2009 Broadway revival of Hair, both Tony Award-nominated performances. From 2012 to 2015, he starred as Elder Price in The Book of Mormon; he received a Laurence Olivier Award for originating the role in the West End version of the musical and has played the role in the US National Tour and on Broadway. In 2017, he received a Tony Award for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in Broadway's Hello, Dolly!.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aaron Walpole</span> Musical artist

Aaron John Walpole is a Canadian actor and singer, who placed third on the third season of Canadian Idol. He is best known for playing the role of Lonnie in the 2010 Toronto run of Rock of Ages and Annas in the 2012 Broadway run of Jesus Christ Superstar. He appeared in the 2014 Broadway revival of Les Misérables, as a part of the ensemble.

<i>The Producers</i> (musical) 2001 musical written by Mel Brooks

The Producers is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, and a book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan. It is adapted from Brooks's 1967 film of the same name. The story concerns two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich by fraudulently overselling interests in a Broadway musical designed to fail. Complications arise when the show is a surprise hit. The humor of The Producers draws on exaggerated accents, caricatures of Jews, gay people and Nazis, and many show business in-jokes.

Celia Keenan-Bolger is an American actress and singer. She won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for portraying Scout Finch in the play To Kill a Mockingbird (2018). She has also been Tony-nominated for her roles in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2005), Peter and the Starcatcher (2012), The Glass Menagerie (2014), and Mother Play (2024).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ramin Karimloo</span> Canadian actor, singer, songwriter (born 1978)

Ramin Karimloo is a Canadian actor, singer and songwriter recognized for his work in London's West End and New York's Broadway theatre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian d'Arcy James</span> American actor and musician

Brian d'Arcy James is an American actor and musician. He is known primarily for his Broadway roles, including Shrek in Shrek the Musical, Nick Bottom in Something Rotten!, King George III in Hamilton, and The Baker in Into the Woods. He has received five Tony Award nominations for his work. On-screen, he is known for his recurring role as Andy Baker on the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, Officer Krupke in West Side Story, and reporter Matt Carroll in Spotlight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andy Karl</span> American actor and singer (born 1974)

Andy Karl is an American actor and singer. He is best known for performing in musical theatre specifically musicals adapted from successful movies. He has received several accolades including a Laurence Olivier Award and a Drama Desk Award as well as nominations for three Tony Awards. He is also known for playing Sgt. Mike Dodds on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit from 2015 to 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norm Lewis</span> American actor, singer (born 1963)

Norm Lewis is an American actor and baritone singer. He has appeared on Broadway, in the West End, film, television, recordings and regional theatre. He’s also noted for his wide vocal range. Lewis was the second African-American actor after Robert Guillaume to perform in the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera and the first one to do so in the Broadway production. In 2023, he reprised the role in the show's sequel, Love Never Dies, in London's West End.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erin Mackey</span> American stage actress and singer (born 1986)

Erin Ashley Mackey is an American stage actress and singer, known for playing the role of Glinda in the Chicago, Los Angeles, Broadway, and Second National Tour productions of the musical Wicked. She was also a double in 1998's The Parent Trap.

<i>Matilda the Musical</i> 2011 musical by Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly

Roald Dahl's Matilda, also known simply as Matilda and Matilda the Musical, is a musical with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly. It is based on the 1988 novel Matilda by Roald Dahl. The musical's narrative centres on Matilda Wormwood, a precocious five-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis, who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school, and helps her teacher to reclaim her life. After a twelve-week trial run staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) at Stratford-upon-Avon from November 2010 to January 2011, it received its West End premiere on 24 November 2011 at the Cambridge Theatre and its Broadway premiere on 11 April 2013 at the Shubert Theatre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeremy Jordan (actor, born 1984)</span> American actor & singer

Jeremy Michael Jordan is an American actor and singer. He has performed on Broadway, in television and film, in concert, as well as in other theatrical productions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Young</span> American actor (born 1980)

Josh Young is an American actor best known for appearing on Broadway in the revival of Jesus Christ Superstar as Judas and Amazing Grace, originating the role of John Newton.

<i>Beautiful: The Carole King Musical</i> 2014 jukebox musical

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is a jukebox musical with a book by Douglas McGrath that tells the story of the early life and career of Carole King, using songs that she wrote, often together with Gerry Goffin, and other contemporary songs by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Phil Spector and others.

Dan Chameroy is a Canadian actor and singer, best known for his work in musical theatre. In 1995, he originated the role of Gaston in the Canadian premiere production of Beauty and the Beast at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Chameroy also originated the role of Miss Trunchbull in the Canadian premiere production of Matilda at the Ed Mirvish Theatre, and reprised the role in the show's first national tour. He has also co-created and performed as the character "Plumbum" at several Ross Petty pantomimes.

<i>Dear Evan Hansen</i> 2015 American musical

Dear Evan Hansen is a coming-of-age stage musical with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and a book by Steven Levenson. The musical follows Evan Hansen, a high school senior with social anxiety, "who invents an important role for himself in a tragedy that he did not earn".

<i>Daddy Long Legs</i> (musical) 2007 musical by Paul Gordon and John Caird

Daddy Long Legs is a stage musical with a book by John Caird, and music and lyrics by Paul Gordon. It is based on the 1912 novel of the same name by Jean Webster. Set in turn-of-the-century New England, the musical tells the story of orphan Jerusha Abbott of the John Grier Home and her mysterious benefactor who agrees to send her to college, who she dubs "Daddy Long Legs" after seeing his elongated shadow. Under the conditions of her benefactor, Jerusha sends him a letter once a month, describing her new-found experiences with life outside the orphanage.

William Frederick Roland is an American actor and singer, best known for originating the role of Jared Kleinman in the Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen, for which he received a Grammy and Daytime Emmy Award. On film, he is known for his role in the drama film One Penny. Most recently, he played the lead role of Jeremy Heere in the musical Be More Chill both off-Broadway and on Broadway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures</span>

Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures is the live show, stageplay and musical production arm of Warner Bros. Discovery. The company forms a part of Warner Bros., one of the major business segments of Warner Bros. Discovery. Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures is led by Mark Kaufman.

Alison Nicole Luff is an American singer and stage actress. She is best known for her extensive work in musical theatre, notably for her roles as Elphaba in the First National Tour of Wicked and Jenna in the Broadway production of Waitress. From 2021 to 2023, she has appeared in a lead role in the Starz drama series Heels.

References

  1. 1 2 Wild, Stephi (February 24, 2024). "Meet the Cast of Water for Elephants Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  2. ↑ DeDekker, Jeff (August 8, 2017). "Paul Nolan heading back to Broadway via Margaritavill". Regina Leader-Post. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  3. ↑ Hoffman, Barbara (May 8, 2018). "How a pale Canadian opera-lover wound up in 'Margaritaville'". New York Post. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Willett, Edward (May 2, 2017). "Paul Alexander Nolan: From small-town Saskatchewan to Broadway's bright lights" . Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  5. ↑ Blog, Edward Willett in; Music (May 3, 2017). "Paul Alexander Nolan: From small-town Saskatchewan to Broadway's bright lights". Edward Willett. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  6. ↑ Hoffman, Barbara (May 8, 2018). "How a pale Canadian opera-lover wound up in 'Margaritaville'". New York Post. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  7. ↑ Hoile, Christopher (June 18, 2007). "Review: Oklahoma! at Stratford Festival". Stage-Door. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  8. ↑ Nestruck, J. Kelly (June 7, 2009). "A stunning West Side Story". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  9. 1 2 3 Hetrick, Adam (March 1, 2012). ""Heaven On Their Minds": Rock Hit Jesus Christ Superstar Resurrected on Broadway March 1". Playbill. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  10. ↑ Hetrick, Adam; Jones, Kenneth (May 30, 2013). "Des McAnuff's New Tommy, Starring Jeremy Kushnier and Paul Nolan, Opens May 30 at Stratford Fest". Playbill. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  11. ↑ Peterson, Tyler (December 16, 2013). "hoto Flash: First Look - Paul Alexander Nolan Joins Cast of Broadway's ONCE as 'Guy'". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  12. ↑ Cox, Gordon (October 7, 2014). "Broadway Musical 'Once' to Close in January". Variety. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  13. ↑ Blank, Matthew (May 5, 2015). "Cue & A: Doctor Zhivago Star Paul Alexander Nolan on Theatre Faves, Idols and Brent Carver". Playbill. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  14. ↑ Cox, Gordon (May 4, 2015). "Broadway's 'Doctor Zhivago' to Close After Tony Shutout". Variety. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  15. ↑ DeDekker, Jeff (June 27, 2016). "Final curtain falls on Bright Star and Paul Nolan". Regina Leader-Post. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  16. ↑ Sullivan, Lindsay (October 26, 2016). "Suit Up! Paul Alexander Nolan Is Chicago's New Sizzling Billy Flynn". Broadway.com. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  17. ↑ Vine, Hannah (May 30, 2017). "First Look at the World Premiere of Escape to Margaritaville". Playbill. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  18. ↑ Savoia, Courtney (June 22, 2018). "Paul Alexander Nolan Reflects on Escape to Margaritaville & Navigating the Journey of Life". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  19. ↑ Wild, Stephi (August 13, 2019). "Slave Play Announces Full Cast Including Paul Alexander Nolan, Ato Blankson-Wood, James Cusati-Moyer, and More!". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  20. ↑ Meyer, Dan; Putnam, Leah (February 9, 2022). "Slave Play Los Angeles Premiere Begins February 9". Playbill. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  21. ↑ Brunner, Raven (March 2, 2022). "Jason Danieley, Hannah Elless, Paul Alexander Nolan to Lead World Premiere of Ahrens and Flaherty Musical Knoxville". Playbill. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  22. ↑ Putnam, Leah (July 17, 2022). "Life After Completes Run at Chicago's Goodman Theatre July 17". Playbill. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
  23. ↑ Wild, Stephi (January 30, 2023). "Howard McGillin, Jay Armstrong Johnson, and More Join Parade; Full Casting Announced!". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  24. 1 2 Culwell-Block, Logan (July 31, 2023). "J. Harrison Ghee, Steven Pasquale, Amber Gray, More to Lead Industry Readings of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Musical". Playbill. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  25. ↑ Higgins, Molly (December 13, 2023). "Full Casting Announced for Broadway's Water for Elephants". Playbill. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  26. ↑ "Five Burning Questions with Bright Star's Paul Alexander Nolan". BroadwayBox.com. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
  27. ↑ "Jesus Christ Superstar announces full cast". New York Theatre Guide. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  28. ↑ Pierpoint, Katie (December 2, 2015). "Bright Star Begins Limited Pre-Broadway Engagement". TheaterMania. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  29. ↑ McPhee, Ryan (August 8, 2017). "Full Cast Set for Broadway's Jimmy Buffett Musical Escape to Margaritaville". Playbill. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  30. ↑ McPhee, Ryan (August 13, 2019). "Full Cast Set for Broadway Transfer of Jeremy O. Harris' Slave Play". Playbill. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  31. ↑ Meyer, Dan; Putnam, Leah (February 9, 2022). "Slave Play Los Angeles Premiere Begins February 9". Playbill. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  32. ↑ "Cast set for Life After at the Goodman Theatre". Theatre in Chicago. May 4, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  33. ↑ Culwell-Block, Logan (January 30, 2023). "Complete Casting Revealed for Broadway Revival of Parade". Playbill. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  34. ↑ Cox, Gordon (May 11, 2015). "Outer Critic Circle Awards 2015 (FULL LIST): 'Curious Incident' Wins Big". Variety. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  35. ↑ Cox, Gordon (April 28, 2016). "Drama Desk Nominations: 'She Loves Me,' 'American Psycho' Earn Most Nods". Variety. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.