Laurel Harris and Alexandra Socha, stars of Broadway's Wicked, share their insights on the show's legacy and their transformative roles. They humorously explore how Glinda and Elphaba would navigate social media, and passionately advocate for the Alzheimer's Association, intertwining their performances with personal causes. Topics like the challenges of balancing motherhood and Broadway, vocal health, and the impact of technology on live performances are also covered. Their heartfelt Q&A reveals the emotional significance of their characters and the joy of theater.
Laurel Harris and Alexandra Socha celebrate their unique journeys in portraying Elphaba and Glinda, emphasizing personal evolution within the role over the years.
The musical Wicked offers a fresh perspective on morality, showcasing the complexities of friendship against societal labels of 'good' and 'wicked'.
Both actresses highlight the intersection of Broadway and activism, discussing how Wicked has inspired sustainable practices and social advocacy in the theater community.
Deep dives
Celebrating 20 Years of Wicked
The hit musical Wicked marks its 20th anniversary by telling a fresh perspective on the classic Wizard of Oz tale. The story revolves around the unlikely friendship between two young women, Elphaba and Glinda, highlighting themes of rivalry, acceptance, and societal labels. As they navigate their differences, the narrative reveals how their bond evolves amidst external pressures that label one as 'good' and the other as 'wicked'. This reinterpretation of familiar characters invites audiences to reflect on judgments and the complexities of morality.
The Personal Journey of the Cast
Laurel Harris and Alexandra Sosia, who play Elphaba and Glinda respectively, share their personal journeys with the musical, with Harris recounting her initial audition for Wicked 13 years ago. Harris expresses pride in her experiences, pointing out that she’s returning to Broadway after a tour, showcasing her dedication to the role. Sosia reflects on her own notable career, which includes performances in various Broadway productions and advocacy work for Alzheimer’s awareness. Their dedication to both their craft and personal causes emphasizes how individuals in the arts often intertwine professional work with meaningful personal missions.
The Impact of Character Interpretation
The actresses discuss how each performance of Wicked can significantly differ based on the unique interpretations brought by various actors. They emphasize that while the script remains the same, each actor injects their own personality and experiences into their performances, creating a fresh artistic expression. Additionally, audiences may perceive the show differently based on their own life experiences, enhancing the musical's relevance and emotional depth with each showing. This fluidity keeps the essence of the story alive and engaging for both new and repeat viewers.
Advocacy and Sustainability in Broadway
Both actresses highlight the importance of social advocacy and environmental sustainability within the Broadway community, crediting Wicked with leading efforts in these areas. They share how initiatives like the Broadway Green Alliance were established with Wicked’s original company, which aims to improve sustainable practices in theater production. The dialogue encourages audiences to carry the messages of the show beyond the theater, advocating for positive change regarding environmental and social issues. This blend of performance art and activism embodies a unique approach, leveraging their platform to foster community engagement.
Challenges of Balancing Parenthood and Performance
The actresses openly discuss the difficulties of juggling Broadway careers with motherhood, revealing their commitment to both art and family. They share anecdotes about touring with children and navigating the logistics of childcare while on the road, highlighting the sacrifices and rewards that come with their professions. Despite the challenges, they express pride in showing their kids the fulfillment that comes from pursuing their passions. Their experiences shed light on broader conversations about the entertainment industry's support for working parents and the importance of representation in both career and personal life.
Laurel Harris and Alexandra Socha, who respectively play Elphaba and Glinda in Broadway’s Wicked, visit Google to celebrate 20 years of the hit musical.
Wicked looks at what happened in the land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is a young woman, born with emerald-green skin – smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships – until the world decides to call one “Good” and the other “Wicked.”
Laurel Harris is thrilled to rejoin Wicked Broadway after just completing 9 months on the Wicked tour. Beginning her Wicked journey 13 years ago, she’s proudest of playing Elphaba 10 years ago full-time on tour.
Alexandra Socha’s Broadway credits include Head Over Heels, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and Spring Awakening. On television, she is known for her role as Skye on Amazon's "Red Oaks" and has also appeared in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "Evil," "The Big C,” and many more.