Nobody knows New York City like a local. Some of the city’s notable locals are also the stars of Broadway. We talked with Nyseli Vega from the Broadway hit Hell’s Kitchen, about her favorite places in New York City.

Hell’s Kitchen (©Marc J. Franklin)

Nyseli Vega from Hell’s Kitchen on Her NYC Favorites

Tell us about your current Broadway role!
Vega: I play the role of Millie, and I also understudy as Jersey in Hell’s Kitchen!  Millie is a neighbor and friend of Jersey who is the mother of Ali- the lead of the show. “They live in Manhattan Plaza, which is cheap housing for artists…”  Millie is a good time Aunty. She’s there to look out for Ali and be there for Jersey, and she brings the Latin flavor to the show!

How did you get your start in performing, and in what other shows have you performed?
Vega: I’ve always grown up with music. My father is a musician, so from a young age, I was exposed to all kinds of music. I also grew up in a Dominican household where I learned to dance the fundamentals of Salsa, Bachata and Merengue. I joined church and school choir and would sing to myself quietly in my room. I was very shy. Then, in high school, a friend convinced me to audition for the school musical Footloose…, and I booked it! That was 9th grade. I haven’t stopped acting and singing since. Some fun shows I’ve been apart of are Carmen La Cubana which was arranged by Alex Lacamoire and we premiered in Paris. One Day the Musical (Off-Broadway), Torched! A People United (Off-Broadway), BATSU! a Japanese-style improv game show (still ongoing- go check it out!)

What is your favorite Broadway show to see as an audience member?
Vega: Right now, I would say it is Moulin Rouge; it was FANTASTIC! The theatre is beautifully adorned with a lavish Moulin Rouge aesthetic; the set is out of this world. The dancers… my god… how dare they move like they do?!

Little Island (©Danny Butlin)

What are your favorite NYC local tips?
Vega: Walk faster than you think you should. Get off of your phone, walking up or down any MTA stairs. Have hand sanitizer on you always.  Get a chopped cheese if you’ve never tried one.

If you’re going out for a night on the town in New York City, where would you go?
Vega: Hahaha, in this economy?! Just kidding, I enjoy PHD Terrace—great ambiance and decor, good DJ too. Boske is a cool lounge type of restaurant with fantastic Latin cuisine and live music on the weekends. There are a few speakeasies, too… but I’d rather not say which ones 😉

Where are your favorite spots to send family and friends when they visit?
Vega: Any of the parks are great. Astoria Park or Little Island is super cute, and of course, Central Park—but it can get crowded there. Zona de Cuba and Havana are fun for good Latin food and dancing or apple picking upstate at Barton Orchards if it’s the appropriate season.

What is your favorite meal to enjoy in NYC?
Vega: My favorite meal would be a home-cooked one by any of my family members… but if not that, I will happily take a Bandeja Paisa from Palenque Colombian Food or a chicken pad Thai from Viv!

Hell’s Kitchen (©Marc J. Franklin)