Darius Nichols Stars in ‘Hair’-Raising Broadway Play

Darius Nichols’ name may not be a familiar to you, but he is well known and received in the Broadway arena. He grew up in Northern Virginia, outside of D.C., and has been in stage plays for many years, entertaining audiences across the country and internationally. He is now on a national tour for the hit play, Hair, in which he stars as “Hud.” Nichols took the time to sit down with ro to discuss the play, his love for music, his favorite actors and more. –tammie reed

How did you get into theater? Well, I studied music in college. My major was trumpet and opera. It took me six years to graduate because I wanted to do both [laughing]. I came to New York City to sing and fell into music theater, and that was it!

What was your first Broadway play? I had always done a little actin, but it was not a career choice. Twelve years ago, I did a play in New York City called Jesus Christ Superstar. It was my first audition. They liked what I did, and they offered me the part of “Peter” two weeks later.

Tell us about touring in Europe with the play, Hair? I auditioned for Hair in Central Park Delicourt in 2007. It was supposed to be for three performances, but it was so well received that they brought it back. It went from six to eight to 10 weeks and so on. Then, the producers brought it to Broadway. One year later, they were asked to bring the entire cast over to London. That was the first time someone has ever asked the entire cast to come overseas. We were in London for five and a half months in the West End. That was a great experience.

Tell us about your character Hud Johnson? He is very outspoken, educated. The play is set in 1967, so it was a lot of racism back then. He is the little militant, Michael, from the TV show “Good Times” all grown up!

Are there any actors you look up to? I look up to Bradley Whitford from “West Wing” and Delroy Lindol. I also like Joe Morton, who actually came to one of my shows in San Francisco and, afterward, pulled me aside and told me how much he loved my work. He also sent his daughters to see me in NYC.