Mariska Hargitay has made her Broadway debut in the interactive play "Every Brilliant Thing," currently running at the Hudson Theater in New York. Known primarily for her long-standing role as Capt. Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: S.V.U.,” Hargitay is navigating a new type of performance that challenges her in unexpected ways.

At 62, Hargitay acknowledged the transition from television to theater was daunting. Unlike her commanding presence on “SVU,” where she has portrayed a confident and authoritative figure for over two decades, the solo Broadway show demanded a different kind of vulnerability and adaptability. “Learning the lines was a mountain for me,” she admitted, noting that the theater’s collaborative process involves extensive notes and adjustments, a departure from the structured environment of television production.

“Every Brilliant Thing,” written by playwright Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, centers on a narrator who begins compiling a list of reasons to live for their depressed mother, a practice they maintain into adulthood. The role, designed to be flexible in age, gender, and race, has been performed by a diverse range of actors worldwide. Hargitay’s version reflects her own experiences and perspective, updating elements such as the narrator’s childhood setting to 1971 and modifying details like the dog’s name to create a personal connection.

The production encourages audience participation, with volunteers reading lines alongside the narrator, adding to the play’s intimate and interactive atmosphere. However, Hargitay’s established public persona has influenced how this dynamic functions. Unlike her predecessor Daniel Radcliffe, who actively engaged with attendees in a brisk search for audience readers, Hargitay opts for a more measured approach, carefully managing interactions to maintain her emotional well-being. Associate director Laura Dupper noted that Hargitay chooses whether or not to distribute cue cards depending on the emotional climate of the audience, often retreating backstage briefly before the show starts to regroup.

Hargitay’s passion for New York City, where both the play and her long-running television series are set, is palpable. She shares a close connection with fans and colleagues alike, exemplified by her friendship with New York Knicks captain Jalen Brunson. Brunson, who faced a significant deficit in a recent NBA Finals game, gifted her signed posters, dubbing her “the real NY captain,” a nod to her character’s leadership on television and her presence in the city. Hargitay reciprocates the admiration, citing his resilience and leadership as inspiring.

Behind the scenes, Hargitay finds strength in personal mementos, including a photograph and an award once given to her mother, Jayne Mansfield, a Broadway actress in the 1950s. Her directorial debut documentary about Mansfield, "My Mom Jayne," has created a renewed bond between mother and daughter, which Hargitay feels resonates with the themes of “Every Brilliant Thing.”

Onstage, she brings a blend of toughness, humor, and empathy to the role. During a recent performance, she acknowledged the physical demands of the show with candid humor while staying fully in character, even as fans called out to her. Hargitay emphasized the human connection the play fosters, saying, “We’re just people…everyone has a story, and everyone’s holding something.” She described the performance as a balance of vulnerability and strength, encapsulating the play’s message and her own artistic approach.