Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on *Law & Order: SVU*, is set to make her Broadway debut in the critically acclaimed play *Every Brilliant Thing*. The actress will begin performances on May 26, following Daniel Radcliffe’s final show on May 24.
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In a recent interview, Radcliffe shared a piece of advice he offered to Hargitay before she takes on this challenging role. He encouraged her to utilise the children of audience members to enhance the interactive nature of the production. *Every Brilliant Thing*, written by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe, relies heavily on audience participation, with theatre-goers stepping into various roles throughout the performance.
Radcliffe, who starred in the solo show for an extended run, revealed to *People* magazine that he advised Hargitay to encourage shy audience members to participate in front of their children. He explained that when children are present, it creates a form of peer pressure that might coax reluctant adults into joining in the fun. “Mariska’s got this,” he stated, expressing his confidence in her abilities to shine in the demanding role without needing too much guidance.
The production has been particularly transformative for Hargitay, who is transitioning from the familiarity of filming a long-running TV series to the unpredictable nature of live theatre. Reflecting on the experience, Hargitay commented on the challenges of performing without the safety net she has grown accustomed to after nearly three decades on *SVU*. “It definitely feels like you’re going out without a net, but that’s also the thrill of it,” she said.
Hargitay has also shared that she underestimated the physical demands of performing on stage. Despite her extensive experience on a popular television drama, she soon realised that theatre encompasses a different kind of stamina and energy. She recalled being surprised by how rigorous the demands of the production actually were, reporting, “It was so exhausting in a new way.”
Part of Hargitay’s exciting challenge consists of the nightly audience interaction, as many viewers might initially feel apprehensive about being singled out during the show. However, Radcliffe reassured potential attendees that *Every Brilliant Thing* recasts audience participation in a non-threatening light. “I think people hear ‘audience participation’ and think, ‘Oh no, I’m going to be dragged up on stage or picked on.’ But that’s not at all how this works,” he explained.
The personal transformation Radcliffe experienced during his run heightened his enjoyment of engaging with the public. Having been in the spotlight since the age of 11, he described the freedom he felt in connecting with audience members on a personal level, saying, “There’s something really liberating about just running around and being like, ‘Hey, I’m Dan. Nice to meet you.’”
As Hargitay prepares to step into her own role in *Every Brilliant Thing*, she quickly felt a connection to the script, declaring it a “dream come true” upon her first reading. The excitement and anticipation leading up to her Broadway debut are palpable, as she looks forward to bringing her unique strengths and charisma to the stage.
Tickets for the engagement are now on sale, allowing audiences the opportunity to witness Hargitay’s theatrical debut in what promises to be an emotional and engaging performance. For those wishing to learn more about Hargitay and her journey into theatre, her story will be featured in an upcoming issue of *People*, available on newsstands soon.