Photography: Kellie Blizard.
Today, Nomi Cohen is one of New Zealand’s brightest musical theatre stars. She has captivated audiences in blockbuster productions including Chicago, & Juliet and, for the next month, Cabaret, she takes on the iconic role of Sally Bowles, made famous by Liza Minnelli.
But there was a time when she couldn’t imagine a future on the stage. Despite a lifelong love of music and performance, acting wasn’t ever on her radar. That was until her high school drama teacher spotted something in her that she couldn’t yet see in herself and encouraged Nomi to audition for the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art.
It was a simple suggestion, but one that changed Nomi’s life.
“I grew up singing for joy and in a very musical household,” she explains.
“But I didn’t do after-school drama until my last year and I didn’t have a singing lesson until I auditioned for NASDA. “Now it’s my favourite thing. I feel very passionately and deeply about this industry. I think I’m a storyteller and an entertainer.”
A role that hits close to home
Immersed in the world of musical theatre, Nomi laughs as she looks back on her early days at NASDA, when she couldn’t distinguish her Andrew Lloyd Webbers from her Stephen Sondheims.
“I didn’t know a lot about musical theatre going into it,” she admits.
“Everybody else was obsessed with Wicked or Cats and I was the kid who’d grown up on MGM Classics. I felt really out of my depth initially.”
Eventually, she found pieces that spoke to her and one in particular left a lasting impression – Cabaret. Landing the role of Sally is a dream come true. Nomi says she has always felt a deep connection to the story, which unfolds in a Berlin cabaret club during the rise of the Third Reich.
“Being Jewish, it is a story that always felt important,” she says.
“Even though it is set in a very specific time, where major world events are happening, the themes are increasingly relevant today.”
While her career is flourishing, Nomi says having a supportive partner by her side has made all the difference. Nomi has been dating boyfriend Jared Morello for three years after they met while performing in Jesus Christ Superstar.
Nomi’s biggest supporter
While Jared is talented in his own right and still dabbles in theatre, his passions these days lie in helping others. He is currently studying to become a physiotherapist.
“He is someone who understands everything, and is terribly talented, but who isn’t chasing the same dream,” she smiles.
“I’ve hit the jackpot.”
That support has been invaluable in an industry that can often feel unpredictable. For Nomi, one of the most exciting aspects of performing is the opportunity to constantly step into new worlds. But she admits the uncertainty of landing her next role can still be daunting.
Though she’s enjoying a hot streak at the moment, she is no stranger to periods of financial pressure and the constant challenge of wondering where the next job will come from.
“I’ve bounced in and out of having side hustles, and I’ve had periods of committing to a stable, proper job because of money,” she explains.
“It’s a very weird feeling to have something like Cabaret, that has been so exciting to look forward to, but then you’re always looking for the next job.”
Nomi’s next act
As much as she thrives on the excitement of life in the spotlight, Nomi is already thinking about what the future might hold, including the possibility of having a family of her own.
While she can’t imagine ever walking away from the performing arts completely, she has taken inspiration from Jared to find new ways to use the skills that have shaped her.
“There is a level of stability required when you are responsible for another human being,” she says.
“So I’ve looked into things like speech and language therapy, something where I can take the things I already know and use them to help people.”
Auckland Theatre Company’s production of Cabaret runs until Sunday, October 25 at the ASB Waterfront Theatre.
Find tickets at atc.co.nz.
