Harper Miles Lights up the Broadway Stage as La Chocolat in Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Wow! The word that immediately came to mind when the house lights dimmed and a seductive red light filled The Smith Center, as Harper Miles and fellow castmates beautifully harmonize opening number ‘Lady Marmalade’, setting the tone for a rebellious and unforgettable night out at the cabaret.
Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, you enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment.
Our eyes and ears were instantly drawn to Harper Miles, a bold, true to herself, unique performer born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. After graduating college she made her move to New York City where she has been blessed with some amazing opportunities throughout her career. She has been in numerous regional shows in New York since landing there in 2017. She graced the stage at New York City Center (Off- Broadway) in Bat Out of Hell, and made her awaited Broadway debut as Radio 3 in the revival of Caroline, or Change. She has also traveled with tours such as Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and currently on tour with the 10 time Tony Award winning musical Moulin Rouge The Musical. When Harper isn’t on stage her joy comes from laughing with friends, seeing her wife on Facetime (while on tour), listening to jazz, soul, and R&B music any chance she can and lots of self care.
We had the honor of interviewing the talented performer; learn more about her journey below!
Tell us about the road that led you to pursuing a career in broadway.
Growing up I always sang around the house for fun and was a part of my elementary choir. Then when I was in the 5th grade they were holding auditions for The Wiz, and I just knew I had to be a part of it. Naturally I wanted to be Dorothy but instead I was cast as Miss One (Addapearle) and I owned that role! It was all mine and it was so much fun to play that character. After that I knew I wanted to become a broadway star one day!
Broadway performers are multi-talented and the true definition of a triple threat. As an actor, singer and dancer, is there a medium that you love the most?
I love watching dancers be able to tell a story simply by moving their body. Same with singing, the way a specific run or scat can emote pain or hurt. Or a high note that flows with the music can effortlessly express one being in love or joy. It makes my arm hairs raise just thinking about it. Those are the mediums that I love.
Do you remember the moment you were cast in your first broadway show and cast as La Chocolat in Moulin Rouge ‘North American Tour’? What did you do to celebrate?
When I booked Caroline, Or Change I was in Pennsylvania playing Magenta in Rocky Horror Picture Show. I was shocked and filled with gratitude. I told my friends and family and they gave me so much love! When I booked Moulin Rouge The Musical I was in tech for Caroline, or Change. I don’t remember doing anything spectacular because It was long tech hours and days later the pandemic hit. However, when the tour was back up and running and it was time for me to leave NYC, my wife and close friends sent me off with the best going away party.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor amazing Black performers, like Juanita Hall and Diahann Carroll, who broke barriers and have woven into the fabric of where Broadway is today. Do you draw inspiration from these incredible women or other women in your life?
I am constantly inspired, in awe, and amazed by black women whether they are in the industry or not. We are so multi-faceted, so resilient, so powerful in all we do. My wife inspires me on the daily. She is the true definition of limitless. I am so grateful to have a black woman as my life partner. To understand the challenges that sometimes come with being black, a woman, and queer. To be able to push each other when it feels like everything is against us, to comfort each other when some days just seem too hard. I am so grateful. I constantly give thanks to all black women that have come before me, the black women who strive on creating a table for people who look like me, and for the black women that left this earth too soon before seeing change that is happening after they planted the seeds. I am so proud to be a part of this community.
What advice can you give to aspiring performers on the path they should take if they want a career in theatre?
My advice would be to work hard and strive to be the best in whatever skill you have. Own that skill and make it your own! Do not compare yourself to anyone else, because there is only one you. Stand out amongst the crowd, whatever that looks like for you. You will get no’s throughout your career. Do not take them personally, allow those no’s to be lessons, check in if you can and see what you can do to be even better for next time. And lastly, HAVE FUN! Be serious about your craft, but always remember to have fun.
Tell us about your upcoming projects and where your tour is landing next.
Currently I’ll be on tour with this amazing company and our next few stops are Houston, Dallas, and New Orleans!
What’s your interpretation of a Raw Femme?
A Raw femme is a person who is confident, comfortable in their skin, and can advocate for themselves. Someone who isn’t afraid to step out of their comfort zone or the box that society puts on them and pushes past all limits!
Support Harper and this incredible cast! Purchase your tickets here.