Egyptian-American soprano and actress Shereen Ahmed joined Zeinab and Sami on Nile FM&rsquo;s &ldquo;The Big Drive&rdquo; to discuss her journey in musical theatre, her Egyptian-American identity, her recent performance at the El Gouna Film Festival, and her upcoming concert at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on 11 December 2026.
Known for her work in musical theatre, Ahmed reflected on the experiences that shaped her career, from making her Broadway debut to performing at the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2025.
An Unexpected Journey to Broadway
Ahmed is best known for her role as Eliza Doolittle in the Lincoln Center Theater revival of &lsquo;My Fair Lady.&rsquo; She made her Broadway debut in the production in 2018 as an ensemble cast member and understudy for the leading role before taking on the lead in the show's North American tour in 2019. She became the first Egyptian-American and Middle Eastern actor to star as Eliza Doolittle in a major American production.
However, her journey into performing arts was not straightforward. During the interview, Ahmed revealed that she initially pursued a degree in criminal justice before deciding to follow her passion for acting and musical theatre.
&ldquo;I've always been a performer, like, ever since I was a kid, I just, I would dance on tables for my family, and, like, try to perform and just make people happy,&rdquo; she said.
After graduating, Ahmed began building her theatrical skills through voice lessons, dance, and acting classes before moving to New York. Just two weeks after arriving, she attended an open casting call for her first Broadway audition and landed the role.
&ldquo;I had no agent, no union, no credits to my name, just this degree that has nothing to do with theatre,&rdquo; she recalled, describing the experience as an unexpected turning point in her career.
Acting, Singing, and Finding Her Identity
Although Ahmed is widely recognised as a soprano, she explained that she identifies more closely with acting, which allows her to express herself through an entire character.
&ldquo;I actually think of myself more as an actor who uses my voice to tell a story if needed,&rdquo; she said.
Ahmed also discussed the differences between performing as a character and appearing on stage as herself. While portraying another person allows her to focus on a character's story, performing as herself can feel more personal.
&ldquo;I get stage fright sometimes when I have to be myself, 'cause I'm like, what if they don't like me? If they don't like me, it's me,&rdquo; she explained.
She added that her approach to acting centres on finding genuine human experiences within each role.
&ldquo;I'm really interested in telling interesting stories about human beings that connect us,&rdquo; Ahmed said.
The actress also reflected on how her Egyptian-American background shapes her identity, explaining that she does not consciously choose between her two cultures.
&ldquo;It's not like I choose an identity when I wake up. You know, it's not like clothes,&rdquo; she said, adding that her heritage remains part of who she is, even when she is focused on bringing a character to life.
The Challenge of Performing on Broadway
Reflecting on some of the most demanding experiences of her career, Ahmed described performing in &lsquo;My Fair Lady&rsquo; as physically and artistically challenging.
She explained that the production required eight performances a week, with each show lasting approximately three hours and involving continuous singing, dancing, dialogue, and costume changes.
&ldquo;These performers are, like, athletes. You have to be an athlete to take care of your instrument, and to give the best performance possible,&rdquo; she said.
Ahmed also spoke about performing at the Grand Egyptian Museum's opening ceremony in 2025, describing it as a different kind of challenge because she was presenting herself as an artist rather than hiding behind a character.
She admitted that she did not fully understand the scale of the event until after the performance, when she realised the significance of having participated in such a historic occasion.
Shereen Ahmed Performs in Arabic at El Gouna Film Festival
Ahmed also reflected on her performance at the El Gouna Film Festival, where she performed a medley blending &ldquo;What a Wonderful World&rdquo; with Dalida&rsquo;s iconic Egyptian song &ldquo;Helwa Ya Baladi,&rdquo; marking her first time singing in Arabic.
Ahmed explained that director Hani Abaza, who also directed the Grand Egyptian Museum's opening ceremony, approached her with the idea of singing in Arabic for the first time. Initially hesitant, she eventually embraced the opportunity after they decided to combine an Arabic classic with an English-language song.
&ldquo;When it came to the offer for GFF, Hani Abaza, who was an incredible director and also directed the GEM opening, reached out, and he's like, &lsquo;Okay, I have an idea. You sing in Arabic for the first time, ever.&rsquo; And I was like, &lsquo;No. No. No. I'm terrified,&rsquo;&rdquo; she recalled.
The idea developed into a musical collaboration built around two songs that could convey hope. Ahmed explained that the choice of &ldquo;What a Wonderful World&rdquo; and the Arabic song allowed her to explore a new musical experience while sharing a message she felt audiences needed.
&ldquo;When I first heard the idea for El Gouna Film Festival, I was like, you know, this is exactly what the world needs right now. The world is scary. And what songs exude hope?&rdquo; she said.
Ahmed also described the experience as nerve-racking, given the significance of performing in Arabic for the first time. She revealed that she repeatedly practised the song with her father to ensure she did justice to the iconic piece.
&ldquo;I was calling my dad every day. I was like, &lsquo;Okay, Baba, let's go through it again. Let's go through it again,&rsquo;&rdquo; she said.
Reflecting on the Egyptian audience's response, Ahmed noted that Egyptian audiences tend to express their enthusiasm more openly than audiences in the United States.
&ldquo;Egyptians are so passionate. Like, they will let you know if they like something or if they don't like something,&rdquo; she said, recalling how audience members began clapping, standing up, and dancing during her performance at the festival.
Returning to the Grand Egyptian Museum
Ahmed is scheduled to return to the Grand Egyptian Museum on 11 December 2026, for Greatest Hits Symphonic, a concert featuring mezzo-soprano Gala El Hadidi and conductor Nader Abbassi.
Reflecting on her return, Ahmed described performing in Egypt as a long-held dream, explaining that she had always hoped to come back and share her music with Egyptian audiences.
&ldquo;I feel like I was a part of history, and I feel honoured that I was a part of this ceremony, and to represent Egypt in that way,&rdquo; she said of the museum's opening.
She added that returning for the upcoming concert carries a special personal meaning.
&ldquo;Coming back this year, 11 December, feels like a homecoming,&rdquo; Ahmed said.
Broadway Meets Cinema in a Symphonic Celebration
The upcoming concert will feature music from films and musicals, with familiar songs reimagined through symphonic arrangements. Ahmed explained that the programme will combine well-known favourites with selections from musicals that audiences may not have encountered before.
&ldquo;I've always wanted to bring Broadway to Egypt. I didn't know how,&rdquo; she said.
She also revealed that the concert will include music inspired by iconic film soundtracks, including James Bond themes, offering audiences a different way to experience familiar compositions.
For Ahmed, the event is an opportunity to introduce more people to musical theatre and symphonic performances in an accessible setting.
&ldquo;The word opera can be really scary for some people,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;But this is not opera at all. This is more... this is accessible. This is pop.&rdquo;
She encouraged audiences to approach the concert as an entertaining musical experience, with recognisable songs and contemporary arrangements.
&ldquo;Symphony concerts don't have to be stuffy. And this is not stuffy,&rdquo; Ahmed added.
Looking Ahead to New Roles
Beyond the upcoming concert, Ahmed revealed that she is interested in originating new roles and expanding her work in television and film. While she values performing in revivals and finding new ways to interpret established works, she hopes to contribute to original productions.
&ldquo;I really want to do new work,&rdquo; she said, explaining that she would like to originate roles and explore the different forms of expression offered by film and television.
As she continues to develop her career across theatre, music, and screen, Ahmed remains focused on working with creative teams who are willing to take risks and tell meaningful stories.
With her return to the Grand Egyptian Museum approaching, the upcoming concert will bring together her passion for musical theatre, her love of cinema, and her connection to Egypt in a celebration of music across cultures.
Photo Credit: Shereen Ahmed's official page&nbsp;

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