Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Cast Talks Resilience and Magic on The Day With Trae
The Wizarding World has officially taken over Seattle, and the magic is just as tangible off the stage as it is on it. On a special edition of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday sat down with cast members Nadia Brown and Rachel Leslie to discuss the touring production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, currently captivating audiences at the Paramount Theatre.
Holiday, who recently attended the production with her 12-year-old son, opened the segment expressing how they were both completely blown away by the theatrical debut.
"I think he said 'wow' more times than any other show," Holiday said.
From Early Beginnings to the Big Stage
Both actresses possess roots in the performing arts. Brown, who portrays Rose Granger-Weasley, grew up in New Jersey.
"I was a really shy kid, really quiet, did not speak, but I always knew I wanted to be an actor," she said. After studying at Marymount Manhattan College, she booked the role just two years out of school. Returning to the character eight years later for the Seattle run has been a full-circle experience, she said.
Leslie, who plays Hermione Granger, attended a performing arts school in Cincinnati, Ohio, starting at age nine.
"I fell in love with using my imagination all the time and being able to explore," she said, adding that acting provided a canvas for the "world-building" she craved. She later earned her MFA from Temple University before moving to New York.
The True Cost of Resilience
The life of a touring actress demands severe dedication. When asked about the resilience required to navigate the industry, Brown emphasized the internal drive needed during dry spells.
"You have to be absolutely resilient to be in this business because... you'll go long periods of time without working, which can be hard," she said. "But it's the love of the craft and the love of just performing and being imaginative... that alone will keep me going.”
The "Swan on a Pond" Backstage Phenomenon
While audiences marvel at the seamless, high-speed illusions and character morphs on stage, Leslie revealed that the real choreography is happening out of sight.
"It is a true ensemble piece... every person you see on stage, and then 50 or 60 people backstage, are making that show happen," she said. "You see a swan on a pond, and they're just like gliding across the pond, but underneath, the legs are paddling madly to keep them afloat. That's kind of how our show is.”
Leslie also highlighted the intense technical demands of the performance, revealing that she swaps her wig roughly 45 times throughout the show. She credited the immense skill of the crew for creating an environment where the actors can fully focus on their performances.
A Universal Appeal for Potterheads and Newcomers Alike
Whether you are a die-hard fan or someone who has never read the books or seen the movies, the show packs a punch.
"This iteration of the show has something for people who don't really know about Harry Potter, and then it's got those Easter eggs for the people who are really deep into Potter world and fandom," Leslie said.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child runs at the Paramount Theatre through Saturday, September 12th. Get your tickets on the Seattle Theatre Group website today.
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