Fresh from a performance in a one-woman show in Manhattan, actress Crystal Nuchurch hopes to bring the show back to Hudson County.
“Reflective Mind,” written and directed by comedian and actress Jacqueline Kennedy, explores that it means to be sane.
“A woman goes through life surviving the perils of every day. Living to the best of her ability with what is provided her to survive,” Nuchurch said. “This place is about what it means to be on top and lose it all. This play explores that the key to sanity is…?”
Currently a resident of Bayonne, Nuchurch grew up in Jersey City where she attended PS 17 and St. Aloysius high school. Her mother was a teacher and her father a post office worker.
While she performed in plays in high school, it wasn’t until college that she dedicated her self to learning the craft. She graduated Bloomfield College in 1993 where she majored in fine and performing arts with a minor in psychology.
“Sometimes, I get discouraged, but I get over it quickly by working harder.” – Crystal Nuchurch
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Over the years, she has worked with a number of professionals learning improv and comedy. She has done modeling, and studied dance at the Master School of Dancing. She is also a member of SAG/AFTRA.
A passion for the stage
In high school, she said her model was Whitney Houston, who she emulated for talent shows.
“I have a passion for the stage,” she said.
She appeared in a number of school performances and later appeared in a various productions at the Kean University Theater, Newark Theater, the Van Fossan Theater, Newark Symphony Hall, and the Village Gate.
These shows included roles in plays such as “Blues for Mr. Charlie,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Sex Crimes,” and “Therapy”
“I played Bill O’Dea’s wife in ‘Therapy’,” she said, referring to Jersey City Freeholder Bill O’Dea, who authored the play.
She has also appeared in film and television. These include small roles as a protestor in “Malcolm X,” a train rider in “Money Train,” a daughter in New Jersey Network’s “NJ Tonight,” a mother in New York Film Academy film, and a jogger in “Rescue Me.”
She said she draws on her life for inspiration and her experiences with a number of people she knows or met.
The one-woman show was crafted from these experiences after long talks with Kennedy, who wrote the show for her.
She said and her agent are currently negotiating for a performance space in Bayonne where she can do an encore performance, most likely in one of the larger restaurants.
Other dreams to follow
Although her performance in this one-woman show is the fulfillment of one of her dreams, she said she has a lot of plans for the future.
“I want to do more in the film circuit,” she said. “I’m auditioning for TV and other films.”
She has a lead role in an upcoming film called “His Dying Wish,” which is due to be released in the fall. She is also has a role in another film scheduled to start shooting at the end of the year.
She said her life is discovery, even when overcoming obstacles.
“Sometimes, I get discouraged, but I get over it quickly by working harder,” she said.
She said she also had strong support even early.
“My father inspired me,” she said. “My parents were religious people.”
Her manager also kept her going, pushing her to do more things and hone her craft. Her dream is to work with people like Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett or Denzel Washington.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.