Talent: Lorna Courtney. Photographer: Nicole Wilson.
When Lorna Courtney stepped in front of my lens for her Harper’s Bazaar editorial, there was an immediate sense of clarity , a woman fully stepping into her power, yet unafraid to reveal her vulnerability. Our shoot was born from a shared desire to capture the exact moment she inhabits now: a hinge point between where she’s been and where she’s headed.
Top: Levi.
From the beginning, we wanted the visuals to honor the worlds that shaped her. There are subtle nods to the signature fashion language of Heathers the Musical, the bold colors, the attitude, the sly wink toward both the film and the show’s cult iconography. As the shoot evolved, the styling shifted toward elegance and grandeur, ending in looks inspired by the cinematic glamour of The Greatest Showman, the next chapter awaiting Lorna Courtney.
White top and jeans: Levi. Shoes: Nine West.
We built that world around her duality. Structured silhouettes echoed her strength; fluid textures revealed her softness; cinematic light brought both into harmony. The palette and movement drew a line through her journey, from the raw emotional terrain of Veronica Sawyer to the soaring spectacle of Anne Wheeler.
Coat: Athanasiou. Jeans: Levi. Shoes: Nine West.
“Nicole made me feel so comfortable,” she shared between frames. “It felt like a creative partnership , a chance to show who I am right now.” That openness shaped every image: intimate, luminous, and deeply human.
Coat: Athanasiou. Jeans: Levi. Shoes: Nine West.
From that creative beginning, our conversation unfolded into a story of resilience, risk-taking, and the power of staying true to yourself.
Coat: Athanasiou. Jeans: Levi. Shoes: Nine West.
The Heathers Years: Strength, Identity, and the Girls Who Fight Back
Courtney’s run as Veronica in Heathers the Musical has been nothing short of electrifying. But ask her about being the lead, and her instinct is to divert praise outward.
“A lot of people ask me what it feels like to be a leader,” she says. “But I don’t feel pressure. I’ve learned it’s not about one character. Every single person onstage and off is equally important. We’re all puzzle pieces completing the same picture.”
Two piece suit: Anne Klein. Shoes: Nine West.
Her Veronica is deeply real , a young woman navigating darkness, belonging, and the pressure to fit in. “Our world is dark, and Heathers is dark,” Lorna Courtney explains. “But humor lets you escape. Veronica goes from bullied to accepted to becoming a bully, and then realizes what matters: connection.”
Two piece suit: Anne Klein. Shoes: Nine West.
Her fans, the beloved “Corn Nuts”, ground her. Letters, stage-door exchanges, and heartfelt confessions have made her connection to the show profoundly meaningful. “That’s when I remember why I fell in love with performing. The story becomes a love letter to humanity.”
Plaid top and shorts: Llobycats. Green coat: Tiscareno.
Costume and color serve as emotional architecture in Heathers, something she embraced wholeheartedly. “When young people come in the colors, red, blue, green, yellow, they’re embodying those characters’ traits. Seeing a sea of bright color feels like being part of a community.”
Plaid top and shorts: Llobycats. Green coat: Tiscareno.
A New Era: Stepping Into The Greatest Showman
Lorna Courtney is now preparing for a new transformation as Anne Wheeler, the role portrayed by Zendaya in the film, in the stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman. The role found her in the most unexpected way: a fortuitous encounter at Anna Wintour’s Tony Awards luncheon.
Plaid top and shorts: Llobycats. Green coat: Tiscareno.
“I saw Casey Nicholaw and was completely starstruck,” she laughs. “But I went up to him anyway to say how much I admired his work. Months later, my agent emailed asking, ‘How do you know Casey Nicholaw!?’”
Plaid top and shorts: Llobycats. Green coat: Tiscareno.
Stepping into Anne’s world thrills her. “It’s always been my dream to be a Disney Princess. And Anne is a diva who trapezes!” She lights up describing the creative team, Pasek and Paul, Alex Lacamoire, and her cast mates, and the joy of working abroad again in Bristol.
The themes of the show resonate deeply with her own journey. “As an artist, I’ve gotten so many no’s,” she says. “The Greatest Showman celebrates the outcasts, the ones society overlooks. All the things people once said ‘no’ to about me are exactly what this show embraces.”
Jacket: Okimmi by Simi D. Plaid skirt and vest: Avec Les Filles.
Her preparation is rigorous: six weeks of trapeze training, specialized movement work, and emotional grounding. “Being away from home is hard,” she says. “Quality time with family before I leave keeps me centered.”
Jacket: Okimmi by Simi D. Plaid skirt and vest: Avec Les Filles.
Bridging Worlds, Inspiring Audiences
From Heathers to The Greatest Showman, Lorna Courtney is bridging two fiercely devoted fan bases. Her supporters, friends, family, and fans from around the globe, are already booking flights to the UK to see her.
“I want to make it worth their while,” she says with warmth. “I’m excited to meet new audiences and expand the world we share.”
Jacket: Okimmi by Simi D. Plaid skirt and vest: Avec Les Filles.
Groundedness is essential to her process. “I put my physical and mental health first. Once I take care of myself, I can spread joy and positivity. Inspiring younger artists is my favorite part.”
Black Diamond Dress: Mr Crazy & Lady Sexy. Shoes: SJP.
Her style reflects this inner balance: timeless pieces with a modern twist, classic silhouettes energized by a spark of individuality. “I love a classic look,” she says. “But I’m also quirky. I like standing out.”
Black Diamond Dress: Mr Crazy & Lady Sexy. Shoes: SJP.
As she steps into this next chapter, Lorna Courtney hopes audiences take away something simple but powerful from her work: “Strength, power, and adaptability.” Traits she carries with her, onstage, in rehearsal, and now, forever captured in front of the Bazaar lens.
Black Diamond Dress: Mr Crazy & Lady Sexy. Shoes: SJP.
About Nicole Wilson – Photographer and Creative Director of this Shoot
Nicole Wilson is an award-winning New York City–based celebrity, fashion, and Broadway photographer and creative director. Her cinematic, emotionally driven portraits have regularly appeared in the world’s top fashion and entertainment magazines including Vogue, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, WWD, Vanity Teen, Entertainment Weekly, VARIETY, Boys by Girls, FORBES, L’Officiel, Schön!, and The New York Times.
Black Diamond Dress: Mr Crazy & Lady Sexy. Shoes: SJP.
A leading visual voice in today’s entertainment landscape, she collaborates closely with top publicists, creative teams, celebrities and performers across Hollywood and Broadway, capturing editorial portraits, red carpets, performance photos, production stills, and cover stories with her signature blend of authenticity, elegance, and fondness for modern glamour.
Black dress with feathers: MiriMari. Shoes: SJP.
Born into a long line of renowned performing and visual artists, Wilson’s creative vision is deeply rooted in a lifelong connection to the arts. Her work reflects that heritage, infused with storytelling, theatricality, and an intimate understanding of what it means to live a life onstage.
Black dress with feathers: MiriMari. Shoes: SJP.
Nicole Wilson is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Show People Magazine, where she continues to shape the visual language of contemporary theatre and celebrity culture by covering the latest in the world of Broadway and beyond, spotlighting it’s latest shows and rising and established stars.
Black dress with feathers: MiriMari. Shoes: SJP.
Through her editorial storytelling and dedication to uplifting performers and creative talent, Nicole Wilson has helped redefine how Broadway and emerging stars are seen, celebrated, and documented today.
Black dress with feathers: MiriMari. Shoes: SJP.
Photographer & Creative Director: Nicole Wilson @nicolewilsonnyc + @nicolewilsonphoto
Stylist: Antonio Consuegra @theglambearstylist
Makeup Artist: Taylor Levitan (Taylor Rose Beauty) @tayonmyface
Hair Stylist: Mariah Molina @hairbymariah11
Photographer’s Assistants: Adrian Lewis @ihaveperceived and Isa Grace Harris @isagraceharris
Retoucher: Olya Kay
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
