Podcast Summary: "Are You A Charlotte?" Episode: U Got The Look… More with Molly Rogers

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "Are You A Charlotte?" hosted by iHeartPodcasts, Kristin Davis reconnects with Sarah Jessica Parker to delve deeper into the behind-the-scenes experiences of starring in the iconic TV series Sex and the City. Joined by special guest Molly Rogers for a second part of the conversation, the episode offers fans an intimate look at the fashion, camaraderie, and personal growth that defined their time on the show.

1. Fashion and Costume Design Insights

One of the central themes of the discussion revolves around the intricate collaboration between the actors and the costume design team, particularly Patricia Field. Molly Rogers shares anecdotes about her initial struggles and eventual harmony with Pat's bold fashion visions.

• Embracing Bold Styles:
  Molly recounts, "Pat wanted me to have the mini micro bang so badly that she took my headshot. And she also wanted me to have a roll like in the 40s..." (09:22)
  This highlights the tension and eventual balance between personal comfort and the show's distinctive style.

• Experimentation with Costumes:
  The conversation touches upon memorable costume experiments, such as the infamous cone bra and tight tube skirts. Molly humorously reflects, "I have a picture way back for season one, probably you'll remember. And you've got a tennis outfit on, and then you just play tennis in it." (03:28)

• Defining Charlotte’s Look:
  Molly emphasizes the evolution of her character’s wardrobe, aiming for a classic Upper East Side aesthetic. She notes, "Long, straight hair, very Ralph Lauren, you know, very Park Avenue. Park Avenue. Stereotypical Park Avenue." (10:39)

2. On-Set Dynamics and Personal Anecdotes

The episode delves into the interpersonal relationships and memorable moments shared between the cast members.

• Interactions with Co-Stars:
  Molly shares a touching story about working with an actor from a Hasidic Jewish background:
  "He told me when I met him, I worked on Sex and the City. And I said, yes. He said, I want you to know that I played the Hasidim with Charlotte." (03:52)

• Challenging Scenes and Personal Growth:
  Discussing demanding scenes, Molly reflects on the emotional and physical challenges faced, such as dealing with a fake pregnancy. She recounts a particularly intense moment:
  "My ear has never recovered from that. My ear has never recovered." (20:42)

• Collaborative Environment:
  Sarah Jessica Parker adds, "We were an integral part of this production and she has a say in how her house looks, how her apartment looks, how her clothes look." (24:54)
  Highlighting the collaborative spirit that allowed for creative input from the actors beyond their performances.

3. Reflections on the Show’s Legacy and Personal Impact

The hosts and guest reflect on the lasting influence of Sex and the City and its impact on their personal and professional lives.

• Therapeutic Rewatching:
  Molly remarks, "Now, because it is so incredibly long ago, it's amazing to watch it, but it is a little bit like therapy." (32:58)
  Discussing how revisiting the show offers both nostalgia and personal insight.

• Evolution of Characters:
  The conversation explores how the characters have grown over time, with Molly expressing pride in their collective achievements:
  "If you think about everything that you have done, do you feel proud?" (21:56)
  "I just am so speechless when I think of how fortunate and oftentimes I think about and what we accomplished." (21:56)

4. Memorable Episodes and Iconic Moments

Specific episodes and scenes are highlighted, showcasing the unique storytelling and emotional depth of the series.

• The Naked Dress Episode:
  Molly and Sarah reminisce about the pivotal moment when Charlotte wears a daring nude-colored dress:
  "She's doing a photo shoot for her column and she's wearing this nude colored dress... Big goes, 'Interesting dress.'" (37:24)
  This episode exemplifies Charlotte's journey towards embracing her own style and confidence.

• Pregnancy Storylines:
  The challenges of portraying pregnancy on-screen are discussed, with Molly sharing behind-the-scenes details:
  "At the point that I am in the first season, we don't even really have it structured in the way that it became structured." (07:40)

5. Collaborative Creativity and Decision-Making

The episode underscores the importance of strong personalities and collaborative decision-making in shaping the show’s success.

• Balancing Strong Opinions:
  Molly reflects on working with a team that had firm visions, stating, "Everyone had extremely strong thoughts and opinions and instincts." (22:15)
  This dynamic fostered a creative environment where bold ideas could flourish.

• Adaptability and Compromise:
  The hosts discuss how they navigated creative disagreements, leading to a harmonious balance between individual and collective visions:
  "But I think that’s the thing about our show... when you have gone on to other projects or other shows... the fact that they let us find our way." (13:34)

Conclusion

This episode of "Are You A Charlotte?" offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of life behind the camera of Sex and the City. Through candid conversations and personal stories, Kristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Molly Rogers illuminate the dedication, creativity, and camaraderie that made the show a cultural phenomenon. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to their stories, this episode provides valuable insights into the enduring legacy of one of television’s most beloved ensembles.

Notable Quotes:

• "Pat wanted me to have the mini micro bang so badly that she took my headshot..." — Molly Rogers (09:22)
• "We were an integral part of this production and she has a say in how her house looks, how her apartment looks..." — Sarah Jessica Parker (24:54)
• "Now, because it is so incredibly long ago, it's amazing to watch it, but it is a little bit like therapy." — Molly Rogers (32:58)
• "She's doing a photo shoot for her column and she's wearing this nude colored dress... Big goes, 'Interesting dress.'" — Molly Rogers (37:24)