IN CONVERSATION WITH GABRIELLE NEVAEH

interview by JANA LETONJA
photography ALEXANDRA ARNOLD

Gabrielle Nevaeh made her Broadway debut this spring in the highly anticipated ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’, which serves as a prequel to the hit Netflix series. The production began performances at the Marquis Theatre on 28th March, ahead of an April 22nd opening night. Gabrielle gained recognition as the star of Nickelodeon’s ‘That Girl Lay Lay’, making history with the network’s first series featuring two Black female leads, achieving record-breaking ratings, and marking a milestone in representation. 

Gabrielle, you're making your Broadway debut. How does it feel to be stepping onto the Broadway stage for the first time?

It’s absolutely surreal to be making my Broadway debut this spring. Growing up, I never imagined I’d have the courage to step onto a Broadway stage, and now that it’s happening, it feels almost unreal. The first time I walked on stage, it was an out-of-body experience, like I had been there before, even though it was my very first time. Somehow, it already felt like home.

Can you tell us about your role in ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ and how you prepared for it?

I play Patty Newby, Bob Newby’s adopted sister. Patty is a warrior, she fights fiercely for what she believes in. As an orphan searching for a sense of belonging, she’s trying to find her place in the world. What excites me most as an actor is that Patty is a brand-new character in the ‘Stranger Things’ universe. I grew up watching the show, so having the creative freedom to bring someone entirely new to life in a world I’ve admired for years is an incredible honor.

To prepare for the role, I prioritized seeking mentorship from those well-versed in stage performance. Having spent most of my career in screen acting, I wanted to ensure I was as prepared as possible for the unique demands of live theater. Additionally, I focused heavily on physical conditioning, as ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ is incredibly demanding on the body. Building stamina in the gym became a crucial part of my preparation for bringing Patty Newby to life.

Since the play is a prequel to the hit Netflix series, how does it expand the ‘Stranger Things’ universe, and what can fans expect from it?

‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ is the ultimate gift for longtime fans of the series. Packed with hidden Easter eggs, our production offers plenty of exciting details for dedicated viewers to uncover. But even if you’ve never seen ‘Stranger Things’, this play is the perfect introduction to the franchise. 

We’re taking audiences all the way back to the beginning. Our story expands the ‘Stranger Things’ universe by diving into the origins of fan-favorite characters, revealing how Henry became Dr. Brenner’s first test subject, and introducing a brand-new character, Patty Newby, into the world of ‘Stranger Things’.

Broadway performances require a different kind of stamina compared to television or voice acting. How have you adjusted to the demands of live theater?

‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ is the most physically demanding production I’ve ever had the privilege of being a part of. My body has been pushed to its absolute limits. During the early stages of rehearsal, I often came home incredibly sore, experiencing significant vocal fatigue simply because I had never endured this level of physical stress before. Broadway is the Olympics of acting, and it took time to learn how to properly care for my body so I could give my all in every performance. Now, my voice and body are stronger than ever, with the stamina to carry me through each show with minimal fatigue.

What’s been the most exciting or surprising part of the rehearsal process so far?

The most surprising part of the rehearsal process has been facing real fear on stage. I’m a total scaredy-cat. I’m afraid of the dark, spiders, and heights. And yet, as a performer, my character has to confront all of these things.

What makes Broadway so unique compared to other forms of acting is that everything is practical. There’s no green screen or CGI stand-ins. When we encounter supernatural entities, we’re interacting with real, tangible creatures in real time. It’s both terrifying and exhilarating to confront my own fears on stage, allowing me to experience and channel genuine emotions in every performance.

This show already has an Olivier Award from its London run. Does that add any pressure, or is it more exciting to bring it to a new audience?

I don’t feel any added pressure knowing the show is already critically acclaimed. If anything, it fuels an electric excitement in my work as an actor. I have the privilege of collaborating with an incredible creative team on ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’, and the awards are simply a testament to their brilliance.

What’s especially exciting is that our Broadway production is very different from the London run. Even if you’ve seen the show in the West End, you’ll experience something entirely fresh when watching it on Broadway.

You gained recognition as the star of ‘That Girl Lay Lay’, making history as part of Nickelodeon’s first show with two Black female leads. How did it feel to be part of such a groundbreaking moment in television?

Being part of a project that meant so much to so many people, while also making history, was an incredible experience. At the time, I wasn’t fully aware of the impact ‘That Girl Lay Lay’ had on others. I was so focused on filming the show and telling the story that I didn’t have much time to step back and take it all in. I was also juggling a lot, graduating high school, working on five other TV shows simultaneously, so I was completely immersed in the work.

Looking back now, it’s surreal to see the lives we touched and the impact Sadie had on viewers. It’s truly magical to receive messages from parents saying their kids feel confident wearing their natural hair to school because they saw Sadie do it on TV, or that they’ve found a new sense of self-assurance through the representation of Sadie and Lay Lay’s friendship. ‘That Girl Lay Lay’ and my time on Nickelodeon will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s a chapter in my journey that I will cherish forever.

Your career has spanned multiple genres—live-action comedy, animation, and now Broadway. Do you have a favorite medium, or do you enjoy the variety?

I love the versatility of my career and the constant challenge of exploring different mediums of acting. Pushing my creativity to the limit excites me, and I thrive on the opportunity to grow as a performer. While film and television will always be a core part of my journey, I cherish the variety in my work and hope to continue embracing new creative challenges for years to come.

What does representation in the entertainment industry mean to you, and how do you hope your work inspires young artists?

Representation in the entertainment industry means being part of the conversation and ensuring that all voices are seen and heard. Diverse faces on screen and stage are essential to the growth and success of the industry, shaping the stories we tell and the audiences we reach.

Growing up, there were very few people on screen who looked like me or were pursuing the dreams I had for myself. Seeing artists like Zendaya, Tracee Ellis Ross, Storm Reid, and Sofia Wylie was incredibly impactful. They gave me the confidence to embrace my artistry and believe in my own potential. I hope that through my work, I can inspire other young artists to chase their dreams and dedicate themselves to their craft, just as those before me inspired me.

You’ve already accomplished so much at a young age. What’s next for you? Are there any dream roles or projects you’d love to take on?

I’m not exactly sure what’s next, and I’m okay with that. A friend once gave me a great piece of advice that has stuck with me, “Be where your feet are.” Right now, I’m fully embracing the moment, making my Broadway debut in a franchise I grew up watching is a dream come true.

When my run ends, I have ambitions to return to TV and film, but I’m completely open to whatever God has in store for me. My greatest dream is to continue expanding my craft and taking on roles that reflect thoughtful, meaningful storytelling. I want to be part of projects that capture the depth of humanity and offer authentic representations of the human experience.