Curtain Call
TheWickedstar, who plays Elphaba in the Broadway production, takes Bustle backstage.
Mary Kate Morrissey just started wearing real shoes again for the first time in more than a year.
You have to understand how big this is, she says of her silver Mary Janes from Bared Footwear.
Morrisseys journey to Elphaba began as a childhood theater kid in Pennsylvania, although it wasnt always perfectly linear.
At the time, I was like, Thats perfect.
Everyone can chill, and I can go find out what my real purpose is.
Now, shes doing so amid swirling excitement over thebig-screen adaptation, out Nov. 22.
I love that I worked my ass off for it.
Still, even the most seasoned professionals arent immune to the stress of a moment like this.
Part of me feels a little apprehensive, but I cant let myself go there.
I can only do it the way that I have done it for these past almost 10 years.
On Sharing A Role With Erivo:
I am Cynthia Erivos biggest fan.
I am so excited to see her [play Elphaba].
It feels like its going to be easy for her to live in Elphabas skin.
I love that she has done an eight-show week.
I know shes going to be remarkable.
It brings me back.
Youre not going to forget anything.
On Her Go-To Vocal Remedies:
A saltwater gargle.
Put me on antibiotics and a steroid pack.
Get me back in the game.
So I have a very intimate relationship with my ENT.
Sometimes shell give us something called the Broadway Revival, which will just be an IV in our arms.
Shes still my best friend in the world.
Weve been each others right-hand man for so long that she knows exactly how to affirm what Im feeling.
She pops my balloon, diffuses me, and sends me back out into the world.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
