Lauren Lopez – Draco
Lauren Lopez has played Draco Malfoy in all three Very Potter shows, and her take on the character has become one of the most iconic images in the Harry Potter fandom. Lauren is a key player in the main Chicago branch of StarKid Productions, performing in Starship, Holy Musical B@man!, and as a featured performer on both StarKid live tours. Despite dietary restrictions, she is a keen baker and she recently published a cookbook of gluten-free recipes. She also recently appeared in the independent film, Struck By Lightning. She is currently a a cast member in Airport For Birds, StarKid’s new sketch comedy show which recently extended its run at Chicago’s legendary Second City.
How did it feel to be working non-stop behind the scenes that weekend, finalizing the show while everyone was actually there on your doorstep waiting to see it?
We just had to put our nose to the grindstone and work our asses off. Having to put together a show in four days will just put you in warrior mode. We quarantined ourselves to two or three rooms in the hotel and when we weren’t doing signings, we were rehearsing. We barely slept. It was a whirlwind – a lot of it is a blur! All I know is I didn’t leave the hotel for four days.
You’re part of the core Chicago StarKid group, but A Very Potter Senior Year had a lot of cast members returning who aren’t as active – what was it like having those people come back in? Who had you missed working with?
I feel like I’m always missing everyone. It was a delight to get people back, but it was also like no time had passed. It felt good and natural.
What was the vibe like in regards to the sense of finishing up this Potter trilogy? Was there a particular moment of closure where you just realised, “Oh, this is it”?
I can’t speak for everyone, but for me it was too overwhelming to truly comprehend at any one moment. I’m still coming to terms with it. I still get too choked up when I really think about it. It’s truly a mix of emotions that I can’t explain.
What was your favorite moment of the weekend?
Just being with everyone, working toward one goal. It was so reminiscent of A Very Potter Musical and especially the Potter Sequel, which was another “bootcamp-style” rehearsal process.
What most impressed you about what Team StarKid pulled off that weekend?
Just the fact that we were planning to do this insane, huge show in four days and everyone was immediately on board. Everyone just went, “Alright. Yup!” We are all out of our minds, which helps.
On the best goofs of the one-off performance:
“Oh dear, I don’t even know. There were definitely some goofs. People liked when Darren messed up his tie; that was funny to watch backstage. I was goofing all over the place. It was the craziest performance experience I’ve ever had.”
How did you feel about the response from the fans at LeakyCon who saw the production?
Again, the show was such an out-of-body, whirlwind experience that a lot of it is foggy! But I do remember being so thankful that we have such an amazingly nice fan-base because they embraced our goofs as much as they did the non-goofs. I like that.
Have you seen the edited cut that we’re about to receive?
I haven’t seen it yet! I will probably watch it next weekend, and skip all my parts.
What has surprised you the most about the Potter and StarKid fandom?
How open and welcoming they were to us, right off the bat. For such a close-knit and long-standing group, they took us in with open arms and made us feel that we had done something right and good. For that I will be forever grateful.
Lauren’s feelings on the absurd and memorable version of Draco Malfoy she created:
“Draco is my buddy. I’m going to miss him.”
What has the Very Potter experience meant to you or given you? What would you go back and say to yourself in 2009, putting on that show at school without any awareness that it would turn into a worldwide phenomenon?
I honestly can’t put it in words. I’ve tried! I would go back and just say, “Hey, this is a fun show. Have fun.” Because the me in 2009 had no clue what it would turn into, and I would keep it that way.
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