Last month, Gianna Harris stepped into the title role of Broadway's & Juliet at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, becoming the third actress to star as the famed Shakespearean heroine in the musical, following Maya Boyd and Tony-nominated original cast member Lorna Courtney.
Harris—who understudied the role of Tomika in School of Rock The Musical on Broadway before taking over the role full-time in the first national tour—was most recently seen on Broadway in the Tony-nominated musical Hell's Kitchen as the Ali alternate. She actually has a long history with the Alicia Keys musical, appearing in the Off-Broadway production at the Public Theater as well.
Harris, however, is now stronger than yesterday in & Juliet, which was nominated for nine 2023 Tony Awards and flips the script on the Shakespeare classic, imagining what would happen next if Juliet hadn’t ended it all over Romeo. Featuring a book by David West Read, the score includes a mix of tunes by Max Martin and more, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “I Want It That Way,” and “Confident."
Audiences may also have seen Harris' work Off-Broadway in the original company of The Perfect Fit The Musical, while her screen credits include Mighty Oak and FBI: Most Wanted.
In the interview below for the Playbill series How Did I Get Here—spotlighting not only actors, but directors, designers, musicians, and others who work on and off the stage to create the magic that is live theatre—Harris shares why she believes an understudy/swing is Broadway's most challenging role, and how she got to Broadway despite not going to a performing arts high school or college.
Where did you train/study?
Gianna Harris: I
have no formal training. I didn’t go to a performing arts high school
or college. All of my teachers were people that I found along the way.
The advice and support they have all shared with me has shaped the
performer I am today.
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
There
are two incredible women that impacted me the most and are the reason
for all of my success. Natalie Megules was my first ever vocal teacher; she was the person that introduced me to musical theatre and encouraged
me to pursue a career in the arts. I was simultaneously working with
Debra Micheals, who taught me how to be a performer. She granted me so
many opportunities that have crafted me to be the performer I am today.
Do you have a favorite moment in the show for Juliet? What makes that part special?
My
favorite moment in & Juliet is right before "Roar." I get to make
these vows about being confident, living in my power, and loving myself.
This moment is so special because not only am I saying these things as
Juliet for all of the people that come see the show, but I also get to
speak those affirmations over myself!
Why do you think & Juliet has been so successful on Broadway and internationally?
&
Juliet inspires everyone to be a more confident version of themself.
The entire show we talk about fate and destiny, and in the end we learn
that only you can decide what your life looks like. Everyone comes out
with a smile on their face and some hope, for not only themselves but the
world.
You were with Hell's Kitchen both on Broadway and off. Can you share a favorite memory, either on stage or backstage?
All
of my favorite memories from Hell's Kitchen have to do with the people.
The cast is full of wonderful, extremely talented, genuine people. When
I look back on my time with Hell's Kitchen, I most cherish all the joy
and laughter shared.
Do you have any dream roles or artists you would like to share the stage with?
I
don’t fan out very often, but I have been obsessed with Jordan Fisher
since I was a little girl. The way he can fit into any role that is
given to him is pure talent. I have nothing but adoration for him and
his artistry.
Tell me about a time you almost gave up but didn’t.
Right
before I auditioned for & Juliet, I was having a hard time
remembering who I was as a person and why I loved performing so much.
Then I saw & Juliet, and I felt like it was a sign. I saw so much of
myself in Juliet, and I knew I could tell her story because it echoed so
much of my own story.
Tell me about a job/opportunity you really wanted but didn’t get. How did you get over that disappointment?
I
never allowed myself to ever feel disappointed when I didn’t book a job
or missed out on an opportunity. Every audition (even the bad ones) is a
new experience to learn and grow from. You never know why you weren’t
picked. There are so many factors that go into everything, so don’t feel
disappointed because what is made for you will find you.
You were also an understudy for School of Rock. What is the most challenging aspect of being a Broadway understudy?
Understudying
and swinging is the hardest thing to do on Broadway. In School of Rock, I
was an onstage understudy, so I had a track that I performed every
night, but once in a while I would have to jump into another role. The
most
challenging part is having to not only learn and develop multiple
characters but having to maintain that information. At any point you may
be asked to be a character you haven’t done in months. There is a lot
of study that has to be done to make sure you can perform in any role
that is needed every night.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Take
time to learn who you want to be as a person. The most interesting
thing you can bring into a room is the most authentic version of
yourself.
In
such difficult times in this country and around the world, how do you
think theatre can play a positive role, either for yourself and/or the
community at large?
Theatre
can be a way to escape but also a way to inspire. Theatre is so
immersive, we bring people into a world outside of their own and make
them feel included. We share different walks of life through a shared
experience. Art as a whole is how we change the world. It opens people's
eyes to new ways of thinking and expands our understanding of each
other and sometimes even ourselves.
Liam Pearce, Drew Gehling, Gianna Harris, Alison Luff, and Jeannette Bayardelle in & Juliet
Gianna Harris in & Juliet
Gianna Harris in & Juliet
Gianna Harris in & Juliet
