Mamma Mia The Musical || Nina Carmen

The Fame Reporter interviewed Queensland theatre performer Nina Carmen. Nina is currently starring as Ali in the new smash-hit Australian Tour of Mamma Mia The Musical, playing at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre from 6 August to 24 September.

Nina is a graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Throughout their studies, they performed in roles such as the title character in The Drowsy Chaperone and Barbara Finn in Elegies.

Since graduating, Nina has performed in A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Hermia (Serpentine Arts Theatre Company), Alice in Wonderland as Tweedle Dum (SK Entertainment), and was a featured soloist at the 2021 Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Music Theatre Gala with Lorina Gore and Simon Gleeson.

We sat down with Queensland’s own Nina Carmen and talked about their reaction when they were cast in the ABBA music global hit, the beauty of friendship in this story, what they appreciate about connection and representation in live theatre and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Nina. What was it that sparked your interest in performing initially?
Thank you for having me! I’ve been a performer basically since I was a kid. I used to set up a stage with costuming and house seats and make my family sit down and watch me perform some choreographed routine with my sister or a song or two. I haven’t stopped performing since!

What about Mamma Mia enticed you to want to be involved in this current production and what was your reaction when you found out you landed the role of Ali?
I was drawn to Mamma Mia! The Musical because it’s a beautiful story about family and friendship energetically told through ABBA music! How could you resist something like that?

I got the call while I was at my previous job and I immediately Facetimed my Mum to tell her and was just in a state of disbelief for a while!

What did you connect to when reading Ali and Lisa’s role in the show and in Sophie’s
story?
I really connected with that special friendship they share.

Ali, Sophie and Lisa feel like the kind of friends who could not speak for months but when they get back together it’s like no time has passed at all. It’s very rare to have a friendship that spans many years but when you find it, it’s the most precious thing in the world.

So, to me, it’s a nod to all the friendships I have with those special people in my life I’ve been lucky to call friends for years as well!

What was your experience like performing with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra at
the Music Theatre Gala with Lorina Gore and Simon Gleeson?
It was an incredible experience! I felt really honoured to share the stage with such accomplished performers. They were both such lovely and generous artists and it was a pleasure to watch and learn from them throughout the whole process.

Guy Noble, who conducted the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for this concert, was also incredibly welcoming and even though I was fresh in the industry, treated me with as much respect as Lorinda and Simon. It was an experience I will never forget, and I am forever grateful for that wonderful opportunity.

What do you love about working with this multi-talented cast of Mamma Mia?
I just love how much fun we are able to have on stage and off! We have such a diverse range of industry experience, personalities, and backgrounds so, coming together as a group always results in such exciting and entertaining dynamics.

Every show I have done with this cast and crew has brought me joy and laughter and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to put on this show!

What do you love about the Queensland theatre scene and your experience at Queensland Conservatorium of Music?
I think the Queensland theatre scene is really special. It’s constantly growing and shaping into this wonderful community and I feel very lucky that I was amongst it for a little while!

Watching new production companies and Australian works grow out of Brisbane is just something else! I can’t wait to see where the Brisbane theatre scene is in 5 years time!

During my time at the conservatorium, I was fortunate to be presented with a range of extraordinary opportunities that left a lasting impact on my personal and professional growth.

Each lecture, masterclass, and one-on-one session was filled with valuable insights, as the faculty went above and beyond to share their wealth of knowledge and experience. We also had an absolute blast!

What do you think it is about ABBA’s music and the story of Mamma Mia that makes people want to return to this iconic show?
There is something so timeless about the music of Abba. It’s worth seeing the show again and again because of the combination of captivating storytelling, infectious music, and the overall exuberant atmosphere.

Each viewing of Mamma Mia offers a chance to relive the joy and emotional journey of the characters, making it an evergreen entertainment option.

What did you love about bringing the magic of theatre to schools across Queensland and
New South Wales with Meerkat Productions?
Having the opportunity to work with schools from regional areas was inspiring! Each and every school were so generous and genuinely appreciative of us being there.

I love children’s theatre and having the opportunity to indulge in such a joyous way of storytelling. Children’s laughter is one of the most contagious things for me!

What are some of your future dreams?
Honestly, it’s as simple as just continuing to perform in one way or another! It’s such a special industry and I feel so lucky to be a part of it.

So the idea of being able to continue to share beautiful stories in theatres big and small, school classrooms, festivals, and even someone’s backyard – is just what I will always dream for!

What 3 performers dead or alive would you love to have a dinner party with?
Laura Michelle Kelly, because I have been obsessed with her since I started educating myself about this industry and Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart because damn, that dynamic and wealth of knowledge!

Why should audiences come along and see Mamma Mia the Musical when it arrives at
QPAC this time?
Audiences should not miss the chance to experience Mamma Mia! The Musical because it promises an unforgettable and joyous theatrical journey that will leave them uplifted, entertained, and singing the songs for days after.

It’s a timeless and beloved story with iconic music and this cast brings a different take on each character than what we have seen before!

Lastly who or what inspires you?
My parents. They have overcome so many obstacles in their life and each time they come back from it with such ferocity and persistence to keep enjoying life to the fullest.

Despite their challenges, they are also some of the most generous people I have ever met. I am in awe of their resilience and will always try to be like them.

Fame Reporter Word Play

Mamma Mia
Here we go again!

Dream collaborator
This is the hardest question I have ever been asked, there are way too many people I would LOVE to collaborate with!

Favourite song of all time that you never get sick of
Any Bruno Mars song!

Dressing Room necessity
Snacks. I couldn’t live without my snacks.

The Drowsy Chaperone
As we stumble along! (If you know, you know.)

Greece
Take me there now!

Unlimited show budget – what dream show would you do? Who would you play and who would play opposite you?
Mean Girls! Throw me Janice Ian and surround me with the most fun gals in the Australian industry and I’m there!

Place you want to travel to
Is it too on the nose to say Greece?

Favourite ABBA song
The Winner Takes It All.

Representation in theatre
SO IMPORTANT!

Queensland Conservatorium of Music
Where it all started!

Australian theatre scene
One of the best in the world.

Tweedle Dum
Tweedle Dee, obviously!

TV Binge
The Office.

Broadway
Every performer’s dream!

Finally, favourite thing about performing
The beautiful audiences we get to take on this wonderful and fun journey with every night!

TICKETS
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Playing from 6 August to 24 September