Broadway World Interview with Capathia Jenkins and Nicholas Adler.

“If I should stay, I would only be in your way

So I’ll go, but I know

I’ll think of you every step of the way”

The above is, of course, the iconic opening line to the song written by Dolly Parton and made famous by Whitney Houston by the mega hit film,The Bodyguard. The music played and the lyrics started, but this time, it wasn’t Ms. Houston’s voice and the woman wasn’t singing about a man she lost. The voice was just as bright and clear, but belonged to the super-talented Broadway actress, Capathia Jenkins. She was singing her heart out about the love she has for the children of Covenant House in New York City.

Every spring for the past eight years, I have had the honor to work with the team from Covenant House, NYC to help execute their NYC Annual Fundraising Gala. They are an amazing organization that have helped over a million homeless youth get off the streets or out of abusive situations, get food, and provide shelter and support to help turn their lives around to be able to build a positive future for themselves.

One of the performers I looked forward to seeing each year was the show-stopping singer, Capathia Jenkins. She is the type of performer that always gives her all on stage with a heart felt, goose-bump-inducing, powerhouse performance. I could see, as I watched her year after year, that she believed in this organization’s mission and really cared about these kids. There is something magical that occurs when a performer is able to do what they love to help others.

While I’ve seen Capathia blow the roof off of a theater with her dynamic voice, it was the tenderness and love from deep inside of her soul that tugged on the heartstrings of the audience of over 1,000 people last year inside Rose Theater. I truly believe that the world is a better place for having passionate, amazing people like Capathia in it. There is no doubt in my mind that she will continue to inspire youth in need and stay true to what she sang that night in the words, “I Will Always Love You.”

NA: Who is your mentor and what would you like to say to your mentor?

CJ: My mentor is my Mom, Sadie Mae White who passed away years ago- Mom, you taught me so many life lessons that I am grateful for, most importantly you taught me to always be myself. Stand in the center of who I am no matter what noise is going on around me and even when my choices aren’t popular. This has served me well in my career and life in general.You began teaching me this when I was very young and to this day it is a guiding principle for my life, thank you so much.

NA: What has this business given you and what has it taken away?

CJ: This business has given me incredible challenges and incredible accomplishments on the other side of those challenges. It has given me beautiful adventures and wild experiences on stages around the world, many opportunities to meet and share with people from all walks of life and pure joy when I’m in the zone doing what I love.

This business has, at times, taken away time from family and friends particularly on special occasions and milestone events. While doing 8 shows a week, it took time away from my much needed recovery physically and vocally which sometimes threatened to take my joy.

Read the Full Interview at: Broadway World