Emily Grace Miller is a professional entertainer for the touring sister act, Gracie & Lacy. Her friends and family call her Emily, but professionally, she goes by her middle name Gracie, as it conveniently rhymes with Lacy! In 2014, Emily moved from St. Louis, MO to Charleston, SC along with her sister and mother. The sisters travel nationally and currently perform a monthly show in residence at Forte Jazz Lounge in downtown Charleston. When she is not performing, Emily enjoys tap dancing, choreographing, songwriting, and baking anything with chocolate and butter!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My sister and mother live here in Charleston, and my brother lives in St. Louis. Apparently, our ancestors were French Huguenots who moved to Charleston in the 1690s for religious freedom. I had to look up the word “Huguenot,” as I hadn’t really heard the word since 7th grade. . . ha ha.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
At the ages of eight and ten, my sister and I launched a theatre company in St. Louis called Broadway on the Driveway. One year, the police even dropped by for a visit, as there were a few hundred people sitting in the street to watch the show! In high school we began fundraising and eventually moved broadway off the driveway and into performing arts centers. My sister and I enjoyed producing musicals together for 18 years! This year marks the 24th anniversary of our sister act, Gracie & Lacy. Some career highlights include performing for NASA’s 50th Apollo 11 Moon Landing, The International Red Cross Ball at Mar-a-Lago, Broadway’s Supper Club (Feinstein’s 54 Below) in NYC, and performances with The Charleston Symphony Orchestra. In the future, I would like to launch an original musical in New York City that my sister and I co-wrote together about the famous illustrator, Norman Rockwell. When I think back about past projects and performances, the part I value most is the opportunity to spend time working with wonderful people. Making a connection with the audience is also incredibly meaningful to me. I have enjoyed meeting many of our country’s veterans and hearing their stories of perseverance and faith through difficult times. Covid brought new opportunities and changes to my life, and with that, I think the hidden blessing is that I am learning to trust in God more.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love High Cotton and Sea Biscuit Cafe!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Seven years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Oh, there are so many interesting people here! I admire Bishop Dickson, who recently passed away. He and his wife always told me that they were praying for my sister and I.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
France! I want to brush up on my high school French, eat authentic chocolate croissants, and well. . . I just want to explore Paris like Audrey Hepburn did in “Funny Face!”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Ben-Hur (with Charlton Heston)
Q: What advice would you give to people?
We don’t know what we cannot see. When life is challenging something could be waiting right around the corner. Things can change in an instant. God hears every prayer.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Produce a musical on broadway
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
SELAH
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Farmer’s Market in Marion Square
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Julie Andrews. I would fly to wherever her favorite restaurant is. I would talk to her about her book, Home. Locally, I would take her to High Cotton, of course!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Walking Folly Beach with a cup of coffee.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In the middle of producing an original musical on broadway.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I can do the splits up the wall.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Jekyll Island
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
December. Christmas. Easter Sunday.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A walk on the Charleston peninsula, early evening.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My sister
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Roses and coffee
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Seagulls and Holy City
