Podcast Summary: Sentimental Men – Episode 60: The Authenticity of Elphaba (with Laurel Harris)

Podcast Information:

• Title: Sentimental Men
• Host/Author: Broadway Podcast Network
• Description: Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi discuss and passionately celebrate their favorite women in musical theatre.
• Episode: 60. The Authenticity of Elphaba (with Laurel Harris)
• Release Date: September 1, 2024

Introduction

In the 60th episode of Sentimental Men, hosts Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi delve deep into the multifaceted portrayal of Elphaba from the iconic musical Wicked. Joining them is the esteemed actress Laurel Harris, a seasoned Elphaba who has graced both national tours and Broadway productions of the show. The conversation navigates through Laurel's extensive career, her personal connection to the role, and her interpretations that bring a fresh authenticity to Elphaba.

Guest Introduction: Laurel Harris

Timestamp: [16:45]

Quincy and Kevin warmly welcome Laurel Harris, highlighting her extensive history with Wicked. They recount Laurel's journey from her debut in the second national tour in 2011 to her current role as an Alphabet standby and fill-in lead on Broadway. Her impressive resume includes stints in Broadway productions like Evita, In Transit, and Jagged Little Pill, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft.

Notable Quote:

Quincy Brown: "Laurel Harris is like one of these Elphabas who've been around reliably forever. She's just one of those names."

Laurel's Personal Connection to Wicked

Timestamp: [18:35]

Laurel shares a heartfelt story about her first encounter with Wicked. As a young performer, she attended the show during her Christmas visits to New York, which left a profound impact on her. Witnessing Idina Menzel's performance of Elphaba inspired her to pursue a career in musical theatre.

Notable Quote:

Laurel Harris: "I saw Wicked in that moment because I really do believe that it was the final indicator for me that this was the path that I was meant to take... Elphaba's lyric, 'Until I try, I'll never know,' is something that I live by."

Navigating Career Choices and Family Support

Timestamp: [22:14]

Laurel discusses the challenges of choosing between a career in medicine—a path supported by her family—and her passion for performing arts. Her family's initial hesitations eventually turned into unwavering support as they witnessed her dedication and success on stage.

Notable Quote:

Laurel Harris: "They have always been so incredibly supportive of me... They're the biggest Wicked fans. They know all the cues."

Balancing Parenthood and Performing

Timestamp: [28:29]

Laurel opens up about balancing her demanding role as Elphaba with motherhood. Discussing the logistical challenges of touring with a toddler, she emphasizes the importance of support systems, such as her husband's role and the assistance of fellow cast members.

Notable Quote:

Laurel Harris: "I have a toddler with me on the road, and he got to know the cast as his friends. He practices his cackle daily. It's pretty cool."

Evolving Interpretation of Elphaba

Timestamp: [46:42]

A significant portion of the discussion centers on how Laurel’s portrayal of Elphaba has evolved over the years. She reflects on the depth and humanity she brings to the character, moving beyond the stereotypical portrayal to infuse Elphaba with wit, humor, and vulnerability.

Notable Quotes:

Laurel Harris: "The thing that has always drawn me to Elphaba is her activism and her fight for marginalized communities... Through the years, her humanity has grown, making her more relatable."

Laurel Harris: "Elphaba has such a wit and dry humor. A lot of times people assume Glinda is the funny one, but Elphaba has a lot of humor, which humanizes her and makes her relatable."

Challenges and Growth in Performing Elphaba

Timestamp: [25:15]

Laurel recounts her initial struggles during auditions for Wicked, including a botched audition that nearly deterred her from pursuing the role. However, through perseverance and mentorship from fellow cast members like Janine Tesoris, she overcame these challenges and successfully secured her place in the production.

Notable Quote:

Laurel Harris: "I was so nervous that I completely bombed the audition... But through support and continued effort, I was able to release all that anxiety and secure the role."

Insights on the Production and Community

Timestamp: [54:00]

Laurel emphasizes the strong community within Wicked, noting how the production thrives on the fresh perspectives each actress brings to the role. She praises the show's management for encouraging individuality, ensuring that each portrayal remains vibrant and authentic.

Notable Quote:

Laurel Harris: "It's important because then it doesn't ever become stale. Wicked continues to make it alive and real because they're not expecting you to be a carbon copy of anyone else."

Laurel’s Reflections on Performance

Timestamp: [46:56]

The conversation delves into Laurel's favorite songs from Wicked, both vocally and in terms of character connection. She highlights "Defying Gravity" as a moment of vulnerability and connection, and while she finds "No Good Deed" vocally challenging, it remains a personal favorite for its emotional depth.

Notable Quotes:

Laurel Harris: "'Defying Gravity' is such a joyful moment to sing. It connects me to the youth of the world, channeling the next generation of artists through that song."

Laurel Harris: "Out of 'Wizard and I,' 'No Good Deed,' and 'Defying Gravity,' 'Wizard and I' is the easiest song for me to sing vocally."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Laurel expresses her gratitude for the enduring relationship she has with Wicked. Her ability to continuously grow within the role of Elphaba, coupled with the support from her family and the Wicked community, underscores the authenticity she brings to the character.

Notable Quote:

Laurel Harris: "It feels like coming home. Elphaba is such a part of me, and I'm a part of her. I'm so grateful for this role and the opportunities I've been given over the years."

Key Takeaways:

• Laurel Harris’s Journey: From her first encounter with Wicked as a young fan to becoming a principal Elphaba on Broadway, Laurel’s journey is a testament to passion and perseverance.
• Evolving Character Portrayal: Laurel emphasizes the importance of infusing Elphaba with layers of humanity, humor, and activism, moving beyond one-dimensional portrayals.
• Community and Support: The strong sense of community within Wicked, coupled with familial support, plays a crucial role in Laurel’s sustaining career.
• Balancing Roles and Parenthood: Laurel adeptly balances her demanding role with motherhood, highlighting the significance of a supportive network.

Additional Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Dealing with Anxiety:

  Laurel Harris [30:27]: "I will never want to say easier because Elphaba is an incredibly difficult and challenging role... some of the pressure is taken off because I've done the show so many times."

• Impact of Life Experiences:

  Laurel Harris [27:08]: "After having my child, everything changes. My perspective shifts, making my connection to Elphaba deeper and more grounded."

• Authenticity in Performance:

  Laurel Harris [52:43]: "Elphaba has so many layers. Finding that balance between staying true to the character and bringing my own experiences into the role is what makes each performance unique."

Recommendations for Listeners:

If you’re passionate about musical theatre and intrigued by the behind-the-scenes journeys of iconic roles, this episode is a must-listen. Laurel Harris’s insights provide a nuanced understanding of portraying Elphaba with authenticity and emotional depth, making it invaluable for aspiring actors and theatre enthusiasts alike.