Ciara Renée Harper is a talented American actress and musician whose career has flourished on Broadway and television. She made her Broadway debut in 2013 at the Neil Simon Theatre, captivating audiences as The Witch in the musical Big Fish. Her performance showcased her powerful mezzo-soprano voice and marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in the theater world. Following this, she took on the iconic role of the Leading Player in the revival of Pippin, where her dynamic stage presence and vocal prowess earned her critical acclaim.
In 2015, Renée further solidified her reputation as a versatile performer by portraying Esmeralda in a musical adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Her portrayal was described as “earthy and lovely” by the NY Daily News, highlighting her ability to bring depth and emotion to her characters. That same year, she joined the cast of The CW’s DC’s Legends of Tomorrow as Kendra Saunders / Hawkgirl, seamlessly transitioning from stage to screen and showcasing her adaptability as an actress.
Renée continued to impress audiences with her role as Susan in the Off-Broadway revival of Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick… Boom! in 2016. Her performance contributed to the production’s success, demonstrating her commitment to bringing complex characters to life. In 2017, she took on the challenging role of Mary Magdalene in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar at The Muny, further establishing her as a leading figure in musical theater.
Most recently, Renée returned to Broadway as Jenna in the beloved musical Waitress in 2021, stepping into a role previously held by country singer Jennifer Nettles. Her ability to connect with the audience and deliver heartfelt performances continues to resonate, making her a standout talent in the performing arts. With each role, Ciara Renée Harper proves her dedication to her craft and her ability to inspire through her artistry.