Actress Nina White is currently appearing as Jenny in the Off-Broadway production of You Got Older alongside Alia Shawkat, which opened February 23 at Cherry Lane Theatre.

Written by Clare Barron, the dark comedy delves into illness, family dynamics and the messy unpredictability of everyday life. White recently appeared in the Broadway musical The Queen of Versailles opposite Kristin Chenoweth, earning praise for her role as Victoria, the daughter of Chenoweth’s Jackie.

She also starred in movies and show: her screen credits include the A24 film A Different Man and the series Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Here, White shares her favorite Theater District spots and a few New York gems.

Where do you live in the city ?

I live in Flatbush.

Can you share some of your favorite spots in the Theater District and what makes them so great?

I am very partial to Cha Pa’s Noodle and Grill on 52nd. I love their whole menu, but particularly their pho, and the service is always incredibly fast. You can get in and out between shows with plenty of time to take a nap or wander the streets of Midtown before your evening call time. Also, when you’re performing in a musical, you are perennially terrified of getting sick–a bowl of hot pho with lots of jalapeños is medicinal to me!

What is your favorite neighborhood in NYC and why?
My favorite neighborhood in New York City is in Brooklyn, and it is Brooklyn Heights. It’s heaven! Incredible Middle Eastern food? Books Are Magic? Streets named after fruits? The promenade? I love it.

The best place for a pre- or post-theater meal and why (and what to order)?
Pre-show, I love Gurumé. Every single thing is so good, but the birria mandu is particularly exciting. I also recommend Pure Thai Cookhouse, which is my favorite in a neighborhood full of Thai restaurants. Once the show is over, if you hated it, and you need to discuss it with your friends as soon as humanly possible, just go to the Olive Garden in Times Square. No one who works in theatre will be there. Let your opinions fly and enjoy those unlimited breadsticks until they close at 11pm. My personal favorite post-show spot is Empanada Mama—get the Romeo and Juliet empanada (guava and cheese) and eat it with hot sauce.

Best watering hole near your theater and the drink to get?
The Cherry Lane Theatre also houses the wonderful Wild Cherry! Our company is really in love with their white Negroni.

Insider tips for enjoying a show like yours (anything to make the experience better)?
I think knowing as little as possible about a piece of theatre is always the best way to see a show.

The New York City theater you love to go to, and why?
My favorite Broadway theatre is Circle in the Square. I love seeing how the space is used with each show that moves in there. Off-Broadway, I have really enjoyed MCC’s past few seasons.

What other shows are on your radar right now?
Cats: The Jellicle Ball. It’s brilliant! It’s perfect. I can’t wait to see it on Broadway soon.

What was the best part about being in “You got Older”?
The best part about being in You Got Older has been working with these wonderful actors! We had a long rehearsal process that allowed for a lot of watching each other work, a lot of playing around. It’s a really lovely company to be a part of, on- and off-stage.

The biggest challenge?
Since moving to New York five years ago, all of my onstage roles have been in musicals. You Got Older is my New York play debut! I have been wanting to work on a play, I never pictured myself having a career that only included musical theatre—but getting started on You Got Older, it definitely took me a second to feel confident in the fact that I was right the person for the job!

Share your insider New York gems.
Take a walk around Greenwood Cemetery, contemplate mortality and breathe in the fresh air. Eat at Casa Adela. Go see live music at Brothers Wash and Dry on 54th place in Queens.

Can you share your favorite theaters around the world and why?
The Purple Rose is a small regional theatre in Chelsea, Michigan, that I love. I made my professional debut there, and they are living proof that good theatre happens everywhere. New York elitism be damned!