Nicole Travolta, the niece of Hollywood icon John Travolta, is currently captivating audiences with her one-woman show, “Nicole Travolta Is Doing Alright,” at the SoHo Playhouse in New York City. This candid performance, which has been years in the making, explores themes of identity, familial pressure, and personal redemption through both humour and heartfelt storytelling.
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The journey of this project began pre-pandemic, with Travolta first staging it in 2023. In her show, the actress and comedian delves into her experiences, including her struggles with compulsive shopping, a challenging relationship with debt, and the surprising turning point that came from working as a spray-tanner. What started as a side job inadvertently led her to reassess her life and the choices she had made along the way.
At the core of “Nicole Travolta Is Doing Alright” lies her personal narrative, which she presents in a manner that resonates deeply with her audiences. Travolta’s familial ties are evident, as she is the daughter of Sam Travolta, John’s brother. Acknowledging her last name at the outset of the performance, she humorously disclaims any association with Scientology, immediately establishing a rapport with her audience.
“It’s a pressure I didn’t ask for,” she reflects in an interview, pondering the weight of her family’s legacy. “People have suggested I should change my name, but that’s unfair. It’s part of my identity.” Throughout her show, she refers to herself as a “nepo niece,” emphasising that she is navigating the industry on her own terms.
Growing up in Florida after moving from Los Angeles, Travolta discovered that her shopaholic tendencies intensified outside of the atmosphere where she felt understood. As soon as she gained access to credit cards, she found herself embroiled in significant debt that compounded further with a failed marriage in her twenties. “I felt more pressure to keep up appearances in Florida,” she admits. Upon returning to Los Angeles, she began to gauge the instability of the entertainment arena, all the while grappling with her financial struggles.
Amidst this uncertainty, a job in a spray-tanning salon eventually blossomed into a concierge service, bringing in much-needed income. “The job opened my eyes to so much,” she reflects, recounting the often absurd experiences witnessed during her appointments. It was within this role that Travolta was encouraged to pursue comedy, a realisation that would ultimately pivot her career in a new direction.
Taking the stage for her solo performance, Travolta sheds all pretences, sharing her truth in vulnerable yet relatable moments. “The best part is connecting with the audience,” she explains. “Many share their stories with me after the show, and that connection is invaluable.” This raw honesty, combined with humour, allows her to transform pain into art, creating an experience for both herself and her spectators.
The inception of this project coincided with her time at the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles, although the pandemic temporarily derailed her plans. Reigniting her passion, she later joined the Groundlings, which paved the way for her show to flourish. Since its debut, Travolta has taken her performances across the country, from Las Vegas to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, accumulating a wealth of experiences that continuously shape her storytelling.
Looking towards the future, Travolta sees potential for “Nicole Travolta Is Doing Alright” to evolve into a television series. “I would love to adapt this into a show, but for now, performing it live is where I find joy,” she shares. Fueled by the positive reception from audiences and the desire to convey her journey, she hopes to keep the spirit of her story alive, inspiring others to rise above their challenges.
“Ultimately, I’m a work in progress,” she acknowledges, embracing her ongoing journey of growth and self-discovery. “And I’m perfectly fine with that.”
“Nicole Travolta Is Doing Alright,” co-written by Paula Christensen and directed by Margarett Perry, is set to run until May 10, offering audiences a chance to witness Travolta’s compelling blend of comedy and personal narrative. Tickets are available online, promising an engaging experience that showcases a unique voice in the world of theatre.