Title: Detailed Summary of Sentimental Men Episode 68: The Last Elphaba of An Era (with Mary Kate Morrissey)
Podcast Information:
- Title: Sentimental Men
- Host/Author: Broadway Podcast Network
- Description: Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi discuss and celebrate their favorite women in musical theatre.
- Episode: 68. The Last Elphaba of An Era (with Mary Kate Morrissey)
- Release Date: February 24, 2025
Introduction to Mary Kate Morrissey
In this heartfelt episode, hosts Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi welcome Mary Kate Morrissey for an encore appearance on Sentimental Men. The conversation centers around Mary Kate's decade-long portrayal of Elphaba in Broadway's Wicked, marking the end of an era for the beloved character.
Mary Kate's Journey as Elphaba
Mary Kate Morrissey shares her extensive journey with the role of Elphaba, highlighting her progression from standby to principal Elphaba on Broadway.
-
Starting Out:
"Mary Kate Morrissey in 2015 made her Wicked debut as the Elphaba standby on the second national tour."
(11:07) -
Becoming Principal Elphaba:
"In 2023, Mary Kate Morrissey made her Broadway debut in Wicked as the Elphaba standby. In 2024, she took over as the principal Elphaba on Broadway."
(10:55)
Mary Kate emphasizes the importance of perseverance and dedication, stating, "I just have to be, every single show I did, I treated it like an audition."
(18:59) This mindset enabled her to refine her performance continually, ensuring she delivered her best night after night.
Overcoming Challenges and Personal Growth
Mary Kate delves into the mental and emotional challenges of embodying Elphaba, discussing her journey towards increased self-confidence and mental health.
-
Mental Health Evolution:
"Most improved is the mental health. Like, I remember the last interview... it's so beautiful to see that you are really living in it now."
(68:13) -
Therapeutic Practices:
"I'm in therapy, which has been really, really, really good... just to have someone be like, be angry about this and I'm like, I'm angry about it."
(29:23)
Mary Kate acknowledges the transformative power of her role, noting how playing Elphaba has reshaped her identity and personal outlook:
"I've been changed for good by the experience of it."
(66:15)
Reflections on Leadership and Team Dynamics
Discussing leadership, Mary Kate highlights the responsibilities that come with being the principal Elphaba, including managing personalities and supporting the ensemble.
-
Leadership Qualities:
"It's managing personalities. It's managing expectations and pressure. It's saying no to things... supporting your standby, supporting the other people in the roles."
(26:20) -
Team Support:
Mary Kate praises her dresser, Jessica Larson, as a pivotal support system:
"Jessica Larson is literally with me offstage... she's always looking at me in my eyes and letting me know that I'm not alone doing this."
(28:53)
Impact of the Wicked Movie and Audience Engagement
The conversation shifts to the release of the Wicked movie and its influence on Broadway's Wicked production. Mary Kate discusses the surge in ticket sales and the influx of first-time viewers.
-
Increased Ticket Sales:
"Wicked has always been like 90% sold. Now we're 99% sold."
(31:03) -
Audience Reception:
"We're having first-time viewers, which is really fun. And you can tell because the reactions in the second act are loud."
(31:03)
Mary Kate appreciates the opportunity to connect with a broader audience and demystify the rigors of performing:
"What I wanted to show is that it's actually a lot of grit. It's grit and it's dedication and it's disciplined."
(35:50)
Embracing New Ventures and Hobbies
As Mary Kate approaches the end of her principal contract, she discusses her newfound passion for golf, which serves as a therapeutic outlet and a way to balance her intense performance schedule.
-
Starting Golf:
"I picked up golf because my mom wanted me to play. If you want to hang out with me, you got to learn how to play golf."
(45:26) -
Golf as Therapy:
"Golf is kind of like yoga. Every single little movement is very, very specific."
(47:02)
Mary Kate shares how her golfing hobby has not only provided a physical and mental escape but also expanded her personal brand, leading to features in publications like Golf Digest:
"There's so much crossover between golf and theater. It's absolutely insane."
(47:07)
Advice for Upcoming Elphabas
Concluding the episode, Mary Kate offers valuable advice to new actresses stepping into the role of Elphaba. She emphasizes the importance of building a supportive team and maintaining personal well-being amidst the demands of the role.
-
Building a Support System:
"Assemble your team of avengers. Only surround yourself with people who are rooting for you and find ways to enjoy it."
(69:19) -
Embracing the Journey:
"It's going to be so hard, it's the hardest thing you'll ever do, but it's also... it can completely change and grow you."
(69:27)
Mary Kate's heartfelt encouragement underscores the balance between professional dedication and personal happiness.
Closing Remarks
The episode wraps up with Quincy and Kevin congratulating Mary Kate on her remarkable run as Elphaba and expressing excitement for her future endeavors, including her golfing adventures and potential new roles.
Notable Quotes:
-
Mary Kate Morrissey on Treating Every Show Like an Audition:
"I just have to be, every single show I did, I treated it like an audition."
(18:59) -
On Mental Health Improvement:
"Most improved is the mental health. Like, I remember the last interview... it's so beautiful to see that you are really living in it now."
(68:13) -
On Leadership and Team Support:
"It's managing personalities. It's managing expectations and pressure. It's saying no to things... supporting your standby, supporting the other people in the roles."
(26:20)
"Jessica Larson is literally with me offstage... she's always looking at me in my eyes and letting me know that I'm not alone doing this."
(28:53) -
On Embracing Golf as a Hobby:
"Golf is kind of like yoga. Every single little movement is very, very specific."
(47:02)
"There's so much crossover between golf and theater. It's absolutely insane."
(47:07) -
Advice to Future Elphabas:
"Assemble your team of avengers. Only surround yourself with people who are rooting for you and find ways to enjoy it."
(69:19)
"It's going to be so hard, it's the hardest thing you'll ever do, but it's also... it can completely change and grow you."
(69:27)
Conclusion:
Episode 68 of Sentimental Men offers an intimate glimpse into Mary Kate Morrissey's extensive career as Elphaba, her personal growth, and the profound impact of her role on both her professional and personal life. Her reflections serve as inspiration for aspiring musical theatre performers, emphasizing resilience, leadership, and the importance of maintaining balance through personal passions.