Summary of The Broadway Cast Podcast Episode: "Leading Ladies | Mary Kate Morrissey, Storm Lever, Sonya Balsara"

Release Date: November 25, 2024

In this engaging episode of The Broadway Cast, host Ben Cameron welcomes three of Broadway’s brightest stars: Mary Kate Morrissey, Storm Lever, and Sonya Balsara. The conversation delves deep into their experiences, challenges, and triumphs within the theater world, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of leading ladies on Broadway.

Introduction to the Leading Ladies

Ben Cameron sets the stage by introducing the guests:

• Mary Kate Morrissey as Elphaba in Wicked
• Storm Lever starring in Six on Broadway
• Sonya Balsara portraying Jasmine in Aladdin

Mary Kate expresses her exhilaration about embodying Elphaba and the forthcoming Wicked movie, highlighting the whirlwind nature of such a role (00:35-00:47).

Mary Kate Morrissey [00:35]: "Feels amazing. Best job ever. It's also like, I get to be the Elphaba when the movie comes out."

The anticipation surrounding the movie’s release and its potential impact on the show's popularity is a focal point of their initial discussion.

Interactive Segment: "A is for Audra"

To foster a lively atmosphere, Ben introduces a game inspired by the book "A is for Audra," where each participant names famous leading ladies in the theater industry alphabetically. This segment showcases the camaraderie and quick wit of the guests, albeit with moments of playful chaos.

Ben Cameron [07:30]: "Let's go around alphabetically and name famous leading ladies."

Highlights from the game include:

• Mary Kate Morrissey [08:17]: "B is for Bernadette Peters."
• Storm Lever [08:19]: "C is for Carol Channing."
• Sonya Balsara [08:49]: "D is for Donna Murphy."

The game not only serves as an icebreaker but also emphasizes their deep knowledge and respect for Broadway’s legacy.

Paths into Theater

The conversation shifts to their individual journeys into the world of theater:

• Mary Kate shares her artistic family background and early experiences with storytelling through song, which laid the foundation for her passion for theater.

  Mary Kate Morrissey [16:42]: "Storytelling and singing has been in my family for a long, long time... I learned singing through storytelling that way."

• Storm Lever discusses her initial foray into pop music, including a stint on American Idol, and her eventual decision to commit to theater for its broader expressive possibilities.

  Storm Lever [02:18]: "In theater you could play all different aspects of yourself and touch on so many different characters."

• Sonya Balsara reflects on her childhood performances, particularly her role as Jasmine in Aladdin Junior at age 12, which ignited her lifelong passion for performing arts.

  Sonya Balsara [13:12]: "I played Jasmine when I was 12 in Aladdin Junior... It was like the dream is to look out at the New Amsterdam audience."

Responsibilities and Pressures of Leading Roles

The trio delves into the unique pressures that come with their prominent roles:

• Sonya emphasizes the significance of representing mixed-race characters and the responsibility of inspiring young brown girls who see themselves reflected on stage.

  Sonya Balsara [24:07]: "There is a pressure to show up for those kids... I want to be that for someone else."

• Mary Kate discusses the intense scrutiny and pressure of portraying Elphaba, especially with external expectations from fans and creatives alike.

  Mary Kate Morrissey [27:34]: "The only pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself... I'm playing Elphaba, like I'm not playing me."

• Storm highlights the encouragement from Six's unique casting approach, which fosters individuality and combats imposter syndrome.

  Storm Lever [26:04]: "They're encouraging you to be uniquely you and not to try to fit a mold, which... helps you stay present in the show."

Teamwork and Chemistry on Stage

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the importance of chemistry and teamwork among cast members:

• Storm shares their pre-show routine of checking in emotionally with each other, ensuring support and authenticity during performances.

  Storm Lever [31:05]: "Every day before the show, we check in with each other... We have established that it's okay to admit when you need help."

• Mary Kate lauds the rare and valuable teamwork that allows them to deliver compelling performances consistently.

  Mary Kate Morrissey [31:47]: "That kind of teamwork is so dime a dozen like that... You must have a really, really spoiled."

• Sonya appreciates the camaraderie among female principals and the sisterhood it creates within the cast.

  Sonya Balsara [33:06]: "Being in a room with women is so amazing... I got you."

Self-Care and Maintaining Performance

Balancing the demanding schedule of Broadway with personal well-being is a crucial topic:

• Mary Kate details her disciplined routine involving sleep, yoga, and strict lifestyle adherence to maintain her vocal and physical health.

  Mary Kate Morrissey [38:15]: "I have to sleep or I won't be able to do the show... I'm on vocal rest with a steamer down my throat."

• Storm emphasizes the importance of Pilates, hydration, and establishing a strong personal routine to stay alert and present during performances.

  Storm Lever [38:15]: "It's a lot of Pilates and water and rest... making sure that all my ducks are in a row."

• Sonya finds solace in painting, volunteering, and learning French as creative outlets outside of her demanding performance schedule.

  Sonya Balsara [42:13]: "I wake up and I paint... I volunteer at Read718, which is a literacy tutoring program for kids after school."

Reflections and Future Aspirations

Looking beyond their current roles, the guests reflect on their achievements and contemplate future goals:

• Storm speaks about the privilege of realizing her dreams and the importance of nurturing ambitions outside of theater to become a well-rounded artist.

  Storm Lever [48:27]: "I want to be a full person and not to neglect the person I'm snapping for that."

• Mary Kate expresses excitement about future possibilities, feeling that her role has expanded her dreams beyond what she previously imagined.

  Mary Kate Morrissey [51:43]: "I don't even think I can dream it. Like, I thought I was dreaming big when I was dreaming about playing Elphaba."

• Sonya shares her ongoing personal growth through creative pursuits and education, reinforcing the balance between her professional and personal life.

  Sonya Balsara [50:04]: "I need something artistic to do that is just for me... sometimes, I have to forget about the show to remember what's important."

Lightning Round: Quick Favorites

In a fun and swift lightning round, the guests share their favorites, providing a glimpse into their personal preferences:

• Favorite Show Moment:

  • Sonya: "I love when I throw the cactus." (52:43)
  • Storm: "Walking through the curtain in the fog as the show starts." (52:54)

• Favorite Singer:

  • Sonya: Audrey McDonald (53:38)
  • Storm: Whitney Houston (53:42)
  • Mary Kate: Kelly Clarkson (53:44)

• Favorite Musical:

  • Sonya: Sunday in the Park with George (53:49)
  • Storm: Cabaret (53:50)
  • Mary Kate: Parade (53:52)

• Favorite Cocktail:

  • Mary Kate: Old Fashioned Martini, varying based on setting (54:00)
  • Sonya: Depends on the occasion, such as a glass of red wine or a pina colada (54:16)

• Dream Role:

  • Mary Kate: Sally Bowles in Cabaret (54:45)
  • Sonya: Dot from Sunday in the Park with George (54:57)
  • Storm: Open to creative casting, humorously suggesting roles beyond her current repertoire (56:37)

Conclusion and Farewell

As the episode winds down, Ben Cameron and the guests share final thoughts and encourage listeners to follow their journeys on social media. Ben also reflects on the podcast’s long-running success and hints at its potential conclusion, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Broadway community and listeners.

Ben Cameron [58:51]: "Remember, have a great show."

The closing remarks encapsulate the essence of Broadway's ever-evolving landscape and the enduring passion of its artists.

Key Takeaways

• Dedication and Discipline: The guests emphasize the importance of structured routines and self-care to thrive in the demanding environment of Broadway.

• Representation and Responsibility: Highlighting the significance of diverse representation on stage and its impact on audiences, especially young fans.

• Chemistry and Teamwork: The strength of interpersonal relationships among cast members is pivotal in delivering compelling performances.

• Personal Growth and Future Aspirations: Balancing professional achievements with personal development is crucial for sustained success and fulfillment.

• Passion for Theater: A shared love for the craft unites the guests, driving their commitment to excellence and their roles on Broadway.

This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the resilience, creativity, and collaborative spirit that define Broadway's leading ladies, offering listeners both professional insights and personal anecdotes that enrich their understanding of theater's vibrant community.