Nicolette Fernandes stars in the upcoming CHICAGO musical at Artscape Theatre

Acclaimed Broadway and West End musical CHICAGO returns to Artscape Theatre in Cape Town from Wednesday, August 27 to Sunday, September 28. 

The cast of this hit musical features principal performers Kiruna-Lind Devar as chorus girl turned murderess, Roxie Hart, and Samantha Peo as Velma Kelly, the famous Vaudeville performer and fellow murderess.

Both jailbirds are under the watchful eye of the tough but savvy Matron Mama Morton, played by Tankiso Mamabolo.

Jonathan Roxmouth plays the role of the slick, charismatic yet devious lawyer Billy Flynn. Dean de Klerk plays Roxie’s simple, loving husband, Amos Hart, while M.E. Marvey is the upbeat reporter Mary Sunshine.

Among the new faces in the stellar cast is Nicolette Fernandes, a 26-year-old performing artist from Somerset West.

Ms Fernandes said performing in CHICAGO is a dream come true.

“I think every dancer has dreamt of being a part of CHICAGO. Learning the nuances of Ann Reinking’s choreography and jumping into Bob Fosse’s style headfirst has allowed me to grow tremendously as a performer. I will take that with me for the rest of my career.

“It has challenged me on so many levels, and I hope to do this show as many times as I can before my legs give way,” she said.

Ms Fernandes’ stage credits include Disney’s The Magic Box; MAMMA MIA! (ensemble / Tanya cover); The Producers (dance captain / Ulla cover) and Spring Awakening.

One of her most notable roles was that of Scaramouche in the We Will Rock You World Tour, which earned her a Fleur de Cap Awards nomination in 2024.

“Getting nominated for leading actress in a musical for my role of Scaramouche was a huge honour. I am so proud of that role and what I achieved as Scaramouche.

“Though artists don’t create solely for awards and recognition but rather for the love and passion for our craft, it was wonderful to stand amongst so many talented peers of mine to celebrate each other’s wins,” she said.

While she has been performing professionally for the past four years, Ms Fernandes has been a natural performer since childhood.

“I’ve been performing since I was a three-year-old in a tutu. I grew up in a lively Greek and Portuguese household.

“I was always a performer and confident at heart, creating shows for my family and forcing my little brother to dance backup while I delivered an award-winning performance in my mom’s kitchen,” she said.

She has been dancing since she was three years old, and quickly transitioned into the world of performance, competing nationally for modern and tap dance medals.

“After realising I could hold a tune, I spent my entire high school career at the Playhouse Theatre performing in shows like Grease, The Wizard of Oz, and Annie where the obsession with musical theatre grew,” she said.

When she was 19-years old, Ms Fernandes trained at Broadway Dance Centre in New York City (NYC).

“Broadway Dance Centre opened my eyes to a world of dance and musical theatre like I had never experienced before. Jim Cooney’s classes, in particular, pushed me as a young student when it came to telling a story through movement and using our bodies to communicate in a way our voices can’t.

“I got to travel to NYC with a group of other aspiring dancers, and I honestly was living the dream with 42nd Street and the Rockettes just down the road from me."

She obtained her international qualifications in advanced dance, musical theatre, and drama at the Waterfront Theatre School in 2020 and has been belting and high-kicking ever since.

Asked if she comes from a family of performers, Ms Fernandes said: “Well, my dad loves to boast about his involvement in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat back in the day so I have to give it a notable mention.

“My mum, though, is still very much involved and loved in the vast theatre scene in Somerset West. Our Mediterranean house growing up was always filled with singing and dancing, so it’s no surprise I couldn’t imagine my life without it."

Her first on-stage performance was as a marshmallow in a local production of The Nutcracker as a child.

“I was dressed in all pink, red lipstick and had untouchable enthusiasm. I even begged my mum to let me perform despite having chicken pox, and she agreed.

“There was no place on earth I would have wanted to be and I remember the choreography to this day,” she said.

As a choreographer, Ms Fernandes has worked on Our House the Musical and has performed in various tribute shows including Kalk Bay Theatre’s Legendary. She has also appeared in television commercials for Rand Merchant Bank, Gatorade and Vinted UK.

While she is no stranger to on-stage performance, she said nothing could have prepared her for being part of the “awe-inspiring” CHICAGO production.

“As a newcomer, the guidance of our peers who have travelled across the world with the show has been invaluable, along with the incredible patience and direction of Tania Nardini and Gary Chryst.

“It is honestly life-changing for any dancer, getting to work with people who helped build this show into what it is today,” she said.

In preparation, she has had to lean into her extensive training and techniques.

 “I especially keep something Gary Chryst said to us front of mind: ‘Less is more. Don’t make it bigger, make it more important.’ Because that’s what Chicago is all about,” she said.

So what can audiences expect from the hit musical CHICAGO, and her role?

“Everyone should come expecting to be moved by a gripping (and eerily familiar) story that slyly winks at the dark side of fame and justice. All played out by powerhouse female leads, an ensemble of sultry, talented performers and a live band that’ll blow your socks off.

“And from my character? I’ll leave you with this. He definitely had it coming,” she said.