Ive learned to just roll with it and be happy that Im having the moment that Im having.
Even just reading all that, its admittedly hard not to get a little dizzy.
That postpartum time can be so crazy.
Victoria Stevens
If Im happy, I can show up in a different way.
So being around those types of women for so long, you obviously take that on.
My mom had me at such a young age, and I lived in a small town.
Patina Miller at the2023Vanity FairOscar Party
For me, I didnt have any other choice but to succeed.
That tenacity, grit, drive, and hunger has always been a part of me.
So I think its safe to say that those roles found me as I was finding my own strength.
Miller and costar MeKai Curtis attend an event forPower Book III: Raising Kananseason two.
What does self-care look like to you?
Patina Miller:Fitness has always been a huge passion of mine.
When you feel good, it does something to your confidence.
Miller during the the opening night curtain call forInto the Woodson Broadway.
I take it really seriously.
I get massages and venture to meditate.
How do you make time for self-care when you have a small child at home?
Miller performs onstage at theGlamour2022 Women of the Year Awards.
My mom being here allowed me to take time for myself in that way.
These days, my husband and I tag-team.
He was very, very helpful during the Broadway run.
I made it work.
It was hard, but theres always a way.
It really takes a village.
Miller and costar MeKai Curtis attend an event forPower Book III: Raising Kananseason two.
What was it like being in front of the camera only two months after giving birth?
As physically fit as I was, my snap-back did not happen.
I just wanted to verify I felt good.
It wasnt until I became a mother that I found my true strength.
I started standing up in my choices, really owning my voice, and trusting my instincts.
Switching gears, what was your relationship like toInto the Woodsbefore starring in the Broadway revival?
When I was in college studying musical theater, I was always drawn to the intricacy of Sondheim.
I loved the lyrics so much, but it always seemed like it wasnt for me.
I always felt, Oh, I cant touch that.
I just have to doDreamgirls.
Billy was doing this R&B neo-soul Sondheim revue and hired me to work on the project.
I was 20 years old and got to singInto the Woods.
I was so taken by all of the fairy tales and how dark they were.
Did being back on stage feel like riding a bicycle?
Oh, my God, I was so nervous!
I was so scared because its like, what if I lost it?
What if I cant do eight shows a week?
Its where I love to play.
I got emotional on the first day that I walked out onto the stage.
But being on the other side of it was a flood of emotions.
Its just so, so, so special.
I got chills at our first preview and was so giddy.
Thankfully, it was like riding a bicycle.
But it was so much more fulfilling, because Ive lived life and Im older now.
Im no longer thinking, Oh, God, what if I mess up?
Has your daughter seen you as The Witch?
My daughter has an absolute attachment toInto the Woods.
By the time she got to see the performance, she knew all of the songs.
She is my number one fan, tied with my husband.
The show is almost three hours long, and every time I walked out, she was waving.
At the very end, I waved back to her.
Shell remember it for the rest of her life.
Did singing Children Will Listen affect your own thinking as a parent?
Careful the tale you tell.
That is the spell.
Children are always listening to the things you say and how you use your voice.
Im so much aware of that now.
If youre spewing hate, of course they are going to say hateful things.
Its how we as adults have the responsibility for the new generation.
Theyre watching us to know the way.
What are the biggest differences working in theater versus television?
For me, its the community.
When you put on a show, theres something so beautiful about spending all this time together.
You dont really have time to live in things.
Looking out into the audience to see how you are affecting people and getting that immediate feedback fuels you.
Miller during the the opening night curtain call forInto the Woodson Broadway.
What do you most admire about yourRaising Kanancharacter, Raquel?
What I admire most is her confidence.
And actually, her confidence has helped me.
She has the strength to wake up, want to be better, and make her own mark.
She is not perfect, and I love that about her.
She is so flawed and does things that are questionable, but shes very human.
Talk to me about her wardrobe.
I love every catsuit that Ive ever worn on that show.
All the Alaia suits, vintage fashion from Versace and Mugler…its so much fun.
Its the 90s, and Raquel not onlyisthe boss but she gets todresslike one.
The stilettos, the chains, the rings, the hoops.
How does your personal style compared to Raquels?
Im a bit more relaxed.
Lets call it relaxed chic.
I love my Jordans, but I also love a good boot.
When Im home, Im normally in sweats.
They might be Rag & Bone cashmere sweats, but theyre sweats nonetheless.
What was your first big splurge purchase?
When I was in London doingSister Act, I bought two pairs of black slingback sky-high Louboutins off eBay.
Thats how I got my first pair of red bottoms.
I still have them too!
I will never, ever sell them or give them away.
They remind me of having the guts not to be afraid.
Do you have any shopping rules?
I used to have this amazing Alexander Wang turtleneck with a cutout back.
I had it for four years, and then it broke on me.
It was literally my go-to fabulous sweater, but they dont make it anymore.
Now when I buy things, I always buy two or three.
Miller performs onstage at theGlamour2022 Women of the Year Awards.
What music are you listening to these days?
Everything from Beyonce to H.E.R.
to Lucky Daye to anything with Harry Styles.
Im really into the mellow stuff, but I love to amp it up too.
I would say thatInto the Woodswas brought to you by BeyoncesRenaissancealbum.
Were always texting each other about certain Beyonce songs.
I remember texting him aboutRenaissance.
He was the one who told me to give it another listen.
Whats next for you?
Ive been working on my own music.
I am really excited about it.
Performing on stage in front of thousands every night is a scene out of nightmares for most people.
Failure scares me, but I think I actually love being scared.
Ive realized that when Im frightened, I do my best work.
The fear of failing is why Ive always pushed myself.
Were all doing the best we can.
Having a support system, which includes a therapist, helps me.
Youre not always winning out here in real life.
Its what you choose to do when youre at the bottom.
Caitlin Brody is the entertainment director at Conde Nast.
