Patina Miller, the acclaimed Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress, is experiencing a new chapter in her life as her nine-year-old daughter, Emerson Harper, develops a strong passion for musical theatre. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Miller expressed her joy in witnessing Emerson’s burgeoning enthusiasm for the stage.
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Emerson’s first foray into musical theatre occurred this summer when she performed in a production of *Aladdin*. This was a significant shift for the young girl, who had primarily engaged with musicals through listening rather than participating. Despite growing up amid the vibrant world of performance, it wasn’t until now that she expressed a desire to be part of a show. Miller recalls that Emerson was adamant about taking part in *Aladdin*, indicating a newfound excitement for being in the spotlight.
Previously, Emerson had been content with simply enjoying the music associated with musicals, often referring to her admiration for specific scores. “She loves music, so she was always focused on that,” Miller noted, mentioning that Emerson had been captivated by *Into the Woods*, a production in which Miller starred both at the Hollywood Bowl in 2019 and on Broadway in 2022. This summer marked a change, however, as Emerson announced, “Oh, I need to learn my lines and my costumes.”
Miller, now closely involved in her daughter’s journey, found herself in a humorous situation during one of Emerson’s performances in *Aladdin*. The young actress became so engrossed in her role that she started giving her mother directions on what to photograph from the audience. “It was a moment for me where I was like, ‘Okay, mommy’s a professional here,’” Miller recounted, chuckling at the memory. Emerson wanted to ensure that her mother captured the moment to share with her friend, Broadway actor Michael James Scott, who played the Genie.
As Miller embarks on her role in the Broadway premiere of Jocelyn Bioh’s *School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play*, she cherishes the opportunity to introduce Emerson to the theatre community. “One of the great pleasures of now having a kid and being able to come back to the theatre is bringing her into the space,” Miller shared. She noted how delightful it is to witness Emerson experiencing the enchanting world that has brought her so much joy.
The joys of theatre were apparent when Miller brought Emerson along to a rehearsal for *School Girls*. Initially, she thought her daughter might be bored and set her up with an iPad. To Miller’s surprise, Emerson was captivated by the performance. “Next thing you know, as we’re acting and doing stuff, I see her off to the side standing close to basically where we’re performing,” Miller recalled, amazed to see her daughter’s genuine interest in the craft.
Following the rehearsal, Emerson’s excitement transformed into an eagerness to return. “She was obsessed and was like, ‘Can I come to rehearsal? Can I come to rehearsal?’” Miller remarked, noting how much her daughter loved being around the cast. For someone who has enjoyed a rewarding Broadway career since *Sister Act* and achieved a Tony Award for *Pippin*, this shared experience adds a new layer to Miller’s own artistic journey.
As for the future, it remains uncertain whether Emerson will pursue a career in theatre. However, Miller is fully embracing the moments they share, finding joy in her daughter’s discoveries. “To see her discovering something that has brought me so much joy, and to experience that through her eyes, it’s really beautiful,” Miller stated, encapsulating the essence of her feelings as both a mother and a performer.
Miller’s reflections illustrate the deep connection between parent and child, especially when shared interests are involved. For now, audiences can still catch Miller in *School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play*, which will run through November 15th, and witness the powerful performances that connect generations through the magic of theatre. Tickets are currently available, promising an engaging experience for all who attend.