About Maleyah!

Maleyah Nowell (she/her/hers), also known as Momo, is a young Afro-Caribbean performer from Spring, Texas. She recently received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Ball State University, May of 2025. Her Ball State credits include Alene & others in Sonnets for an Old Century, Susan in [title of show], The Spongebob Musical, and Streets to the Stage: A History of Hip-Hop. 

 Shows like these encapsulate her passion to play awkward/comedic characters because she loves to make people laugh in real life and hopes that can translate to audiences leaving the theatre. 

 She strives to be the representation for young black kids that she yearned to have as a kid and grow as a multi-faceted performer everyday.

"I want to move people whether that be to tears or to doubling over in laughter; I just want them to feel something after they’ve seen me perform. I want to convey the message that all art should be valued, no matter if it’s “mainstream” or not and leave a lasting impact on audience members from all walks of life."

Outside of theatre she loves reading memoirs, choreographing hip-hop routines, drinking a chai latte, learning new languages, and trying new foods! Watch out for her backstage as she can constantly be found painting her nails even if she has to be on stage in 30 minutes! 

Catch her this summer at Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, TN! She will be Little Inez/Dynamite in Hairspray and the Ensemble of 9 to 5! Link to tickets: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35707