Positively Emerald: Backstage at WICKED with Mary Kate Morrissey, Episode 7

Mary Kate reaches her penultimate episode in week seven, giving fans one final chance to post their burning questions before she hands off her vlogging duties to the next Broadway star. While she's away from the Gershwin, we also get to spend some quality time with Elphaba standby Lissa deGuzman, who offers fresh tea on Elphie's backstage rituals.
Get tickets to WICKED: www.broadway.c...

[@aaronford2184]

I know its probably ridiculous backstage at this point but I’ve always wanted to see the Galinda quick change from the bubble dress into Shiz in flow! 🤩

[@Ethannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn]

Oh yesss!

[@anabogren]

agreed!

[@wisconsingurl112]

I have seen the Glenda vlogs, the shiz skirt is on underneath the bubble dress to help with the quick change.

[@Ethannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn]

@@wisconsingurl112 I thought it was only the tights , either way really cool

[@ghiaparow4181]

Yesssss!!!

[@MaiaDaly]

I never comment on this, but had to say this. What an authentically real and vulnerable portrayal of the real world backstage of a hit broadway show. Thank you for being so honest and with genuine humor I love. Please continue to do more. Besides hearing your beautiful voice I love your point of view, and really everyone’s POV, on the art of entertaining people which I know it not an easy world. Thank you, no, Bravo!!

[@adonaycarranza_]

MK I've always wanted to see the quick change of Emerald City 💚✨

[@WanDesu]

Yes!!! This please!!!

[@jjbartsch973]

Would love to see the Elphaba POV in the wardrobe at the top of act 2

[@if3359]

MK (and everybody else who has contributed) you're doing amazing! ❤

[@kateglynn-roe2220]

Would love to see a POV in the orchestra pit during a part of the show💚💚💚

[@kevinleentvaar2893]

@kateglynn-roe2220 oh, i love seeing that too. There is a few short clips of that in other wicked behind the scenes and its so fascinating to see. Hearing and seeing a professional theater orchestra play is just magical.

[@Broadwaylover-j5j]

Oh my god I am obsessed with wicked! 🤩I did not know anything about wicked coming to see the show and it has now become my favorite musical literally ever!! You were my first Elphaba and you have no idea how much it has meant to me!! I cannot tell you how long I was sobbing after defying gravity, but I can tell you that it will always be a core moment in my life! Meeting you after the show was amazing because you were so sweet and down to earth I could bearly speak. You have been such an inspiration to me and these vlogs have made me realize that being a broadway star is always possible if I try and I am so incredibly grateful for that! ❤ Go Syracuse!!! 💕

[@hopeolsonreads2605]

Love the “Bachstage” moments; getting to see parts of the show from perspectives we never get to see. I also second the requests to see quick changes. Thank you for recording these vlogs!

[@ElphieFan]

1. Can we see G(a)linda?????? 2.What is everyone's funniest on stage moments? 3. What is your favourite wicked song to sing on stage? 4. Can we have a POV of the defying gravity lift?????? (My biggest dream is to play Elphaba in wicked UK)

[@dragonking_playz6237]

Yes pls

[@Friendsforever4427]

You were the first person I saw on Broadway for wicked. I saw you a month ago or maybe less you were so good.😊

[@ariedits5435]

thank you so much for taking time to do these Mary Kate they really make Wicked come to life even more vibrantly than it already does :)

[@Ethannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn]

Omg I would love to see Alexandra in her popular outfit ! And a tour of Elphabas Costumes and Glindas costumes!😊

[@rylandward731]

You’re doing a great job, MK, I’m gonna miss these vlogs so much! I would love to hear you and the cast/crew talk about any fun traditions you have at Wicked (like holiday celebrations, pre-show rituals, how you welcome new cast members/say goodbye to cast members that are leaving, etc.)!

[@BigThreeChiu]

thank you for taking us on this wonderfully wicked journey, gonna miss seeing all you positively incredible human beings 😊

[@erolibrahimovic2681]

Hey MK!!!! I’ve absolutely loved every second of this vlog! Hands down one of the best!!! My question for u is: How has your mental health journey been playing Elphaba, and how do you deal with the pressures and hype of the show? Also, can u do a full company sign off for the last episode?

[@troysanchez4528]

I was in the audience that Wednesday show!!! You were all amazing I cried from beginning to end! Thank you for such an amazing performance!

[@leah6820-y9v]

Crew makes the show run. Respect them.

[@alysparkles13]

Hi MK! Thank you so much for doing these vlogs! Getting to see the magic behind the curtain and get to know you and the cast and crew has been such a joy :) My question for everyone is what's your favorite moment of the show that you're not on stage for or actively helping with?

[@Itz_alexisb]

I would love to see any quick changes, also if it’s not too chaotic, you getting into your fly contraption for defying gravity??? I love this series so much and i will be sad to see it end

[@crispassarellisiqueira3482]

Been amazed with this show since I watched it. One of the best I've ever seen. I loved the cast and you're so talented. Thank you Mary Kate for sharing your Broadway story. You are really amazing! I would like to see quick changes. And also would like to see a bit of Alexandra/Glinda and Jordan/Fiyero I'm gonna miss thse vlogs so much!! Sending you hello, from Brazil 🤗

[@LydiaMohr]

My burning question for all Elphabas has always been: do you ever worry about dropping the broom mid-flight????

[@moofygirl72]

"Bachstage" literally kills me everytime 😂

[@gemtachataj6119]

Is it possible for us to see the quick change for One Short Day? Or if we can't then could you explain it please?

[@ihollandful]

Can we PLEASE see the Glinda/Elphie One Short Day quick change??? And see Glinda go up in the bubble right before the show begins? 💚💗

[@harrylieber]

Hi MK, Can we see behind the scenes of how a lot of the mechanics work please? (Like how Elphaba flys?)

[@gabbihoyt5425]

Love you all! This has been so awesome to watch. Would love to see more of what you eat before, during and after shows. Also, do you do vocal rest?

[@orange1950s]

Hi MK! I saw you last month, my first Broadway show ever - you were incredible. My question is related to anxiety. You mentioned in this episode that you have anxiety. Hearing you talk about it makes me feel less alone. I was wondering if you would be willing to talk a bit more about your experience with anxiety and taking on a role with so much pressure and expectations attached. If that's too vulnerable to discuss in this format, totally understand! Sending love

[@racheljackson9717]

I love wicked so much!! i really want to see all of the costumes close up and some secrets behind some of them!!

[@davidleavitt835]

Do standbys and understudies need to be at the theater each day? Is there on call us/standbys? How long does it take for a standby to get emerald? And, yes, footage from the orchestra pit would be wonderful. The level of love i sense from the whole company,on and offstage, is so inspiring. Wish all jobs had this. ❤❤

[@Shae29]

Going to miss these vlogs sm!! 💚🖤

[@calzopelios]

Love this series!! I would love to see a little of glinda

[@andrewrNYC]

I was fascinated to hear that the DG lift lives under the stage! Would love to hear about the logistics of how it travels up for the end of act 1 💚 alsooo come take my Pilates class on Sunday mornings at Gramercy Pilates (it’s tower/jumpboard iykyk). All about foot posture , lateral breathing and getting those lower traps and deep abdominals active. Love working with my Broadway babes ✨

[@JenniferRFP]

Saw Wicked for the first time last November, and you were Elphaba. You were incredible! I fell in love with Wicked that night. I hope to see it again before you finish your run. You mentioned in the vlog that you have anxiety, thank you for being open about that. Wondering how you have been taking care of your mental health throughout your tenor as Elphaba?

[@_unicorncorgi_]

I would love to see more behind the curtain shenanigans (pre show rituals, any quick changes, etc). I would also love to hear from an actor what you love from the audience? I recently saw Wicked in the west end and the audience was silent! It made me wonder if the actors ever feed off the energy of the crowd or like it when we sit quietly and enjoy the show💛✨💚💚💚

[@kevinleentvaar2893]

What does the dorothy costume look like? Because you only ever get to see her shadow.

[@isthatjackson]

I’m pretty sure it’s just a projection on the skrim 🤔

[@twistingboulevard]

@@isthatjacksonIt used to be a costume and performed live behind the scrim. I know they changed it for tour because of the lack of trap doors, but I think it might have changed on Broadway after Idina had her accident.

[@kevinleentvaar2893]

@isthatjackson no, the whole scene is actually fully acted out. That scene only uses a projection for the last few seconds of the melting. The green smoke which shrinks down into nothing. You can see that the movement of dorothy looks different every performance.

[@katiestuart8276]

Hey from New Zealand Mary Kate! Thank you for doing these vlogs x I live my broadway dream through these vlog😭 my question is have you/anyone ever messed up on stage? 💚

[@Jamminjared]

Hi MK, I saw you in September of last year and you were amazing! Please give us a tour of the orchestra pit please and thank you. Appreciate you and everyone else with all the backstage access.

[@kcmmngs]

Hey MK, would love to see more of the ensemble costumes they look amazing!!

[@graceeads2103]

Can we see the quick changes during One Short Day? These videos have been great!

[@aubriepetersen7388]

Hi MK!!! I love wicked so much!!! 💚💚💚 This is such an amazing show and it’s so cool to see what it’s like backstage! 🩷Do you have a favorite song or scene in the show?

[@MiguelAngel-vd6wu]

I love these woman so much they do so much at wicked thank you for highlighting all the other people who make wicked happen 💚🫧🧹

[@1217WICKED]

I agree - seeing quick changes (Galinda during Shiz). Would love to see any stage preset (what the cast does right before curtain rise) or the end of act 1 (Elphaba coming down from flying). Standby cast - what do they do in the theater- interview them...what's it like when they need to go on last minute.

[@Nothing-ci5pb]

can we please see the no good deed elevator

[@tilly4534]

Could we get a tour of the orchestra pit and watch them play a couple of songs? Love these vlogs 🤍🫧

[@JakeDalton1]

I want to see some rehearsals, please😊😊😊

[@arthurferreiracoelho203]

Show us more of the stage and props secrets 😍

[@abowles]

Can you take us down into the pit? Love seeing the musical side of a musical. Also...loved seeing you in San Antonio in 2018!

[@kevinreinhardt7216]

Thank you MK! I have questions, but waiting for the day I can actually go on a tour of the Gershwin lol 😂

[@Ari_Rein]

Can we have a tour around the stage before or after a show

[@chadohagan2759]

Mary Kate - thank you to you and the wonderful and talented cast and crew of Wicked for this video series! I recently visited NYC and got to see a handful of Broadway shows, all excellent. There are moments during musical numbers where dialogue between characters occurs between the singing and the orchestra is still playing the musical score. The conductor coordinates the orchestra in the music. How are the acting, singing, and score coordinated on stage? For example, during Defying Gravity, there are the singing moments and there are the dialogue moments, all with the orchestra playing the score, much like in a movie. How is that coordinated? Do the actors take cues from the conductor? Does the conductor take cues from the actors? Or both? Wonderful show! Thank you, again!

[@popularwickedx]

heyy mk i would love to see a quick change any quick change i love seeing them 💚

[@alexisgreenberg6558]

I absolutely love these wicked blogs. Can you have fiyero talk about his life as fiyero and what it is like.

[@itzedenxx7030]

I would love to see behind the scenes of the people changing into those puppets during one short day they really interest me

[@sadieschenenga]

GIVE US MORE FIYERO!!!!!❤

[@JeffGunter-f9o]

I hear that the lift for Defying Gravity resides in the stage when it's not in use. Can we see that reshow if at all possible?? I loved you I'm Mean Girls in St. Louis, you rocked!!

[@gabbydeschaine5040]

I just saw the show for the first time on the 14th (Lissa and cast were amazing!!) and have been binging these episodes ever since! I was curious what the process is like for understudy and standby roles. Does a standby get to perform a certain amount of shows per week? And is the standby role essentially someone who will take on the lead spot in the future? Thanks for the vlogs!!

[@jacquelinemandalaoui536]

Can you show us the message that McKenzie left Alexandra in the bubble?!

[@Ethereal_Ultd]

I would love to see the Act II makeup transformation and what it signifies!

[@MrDanglyLegs]

One thing I'm interested in is the floor of the stage. From the parts of the video I've seen of it, it's covered in lines and trapdoors. Could you show that more in depth and how they work (or find someone who knows how they work)?

[@jjjjjj402]

Can we see all the brooms just like we’ve seen the wands?

[@aviGeek11]

we are going to need more of Bach Stage

[@IsaiahMcManus6595]

I would love to see how the stage automation works and how the set pieces are moved to the stage during "bach stage "

[@ThatFunkoguy27]

I don’t know if you’ve shown this but I would love to see the trap door where Elphie emerges from!!!!

[@adamrankin5138]

I would love to see the POV of the witch melting scene from under the stage

[@alexonmymind4925]

Can we see what happens at the end of act 1. How long does it take for the lift to get down and are you ever nervous about it lifting up?

[@biancagorbenko1660]

I would love to see you and Ginna Claire together since she is going to be on this weekend!!

[@Mealsg23]

Would love to see the transition to no good deed!

[@espenfredriksen5875]

I want to see the full greenafication😊

[@alexisgreenberg6558]

Hello Mary Kate morrissey! My name is Alexis. I saw wicked in Philadelphia and laurel was elphaba. I thought she was wonderful. Can you have her on your last vlog with some other people talking about what their journey was with getting parts in wicked?

[@JoshWager-h1y]

I wicked in Chicago best show never seen once Josh

[@emeralddragon-yv1pg]

Mary Kate, have you met any of the famous previous Elphabas, if so who were they, and is there a famous Elphaba you would love to meet?

[@totoross87]

Question! What does it look like from your pov when you come up for no good deed!?!!❤❤❤❤

[@julietdeltoro7579]

I got to see Lissa at the night show on the 14th and she was amazing!! One question I have about the show is when some Elphabas or Glindas like to make small changes to how the song is sung, do you guys have to get approval and what kind of process is that like?

[@bexyPTX]

Here's a good question, can ask around - what are you listening to right now? Can be music, podcasts, audiobooks, etc

[@MarceloCGalvez]

What type of setting powder is used for setting makeup and lipstick? Is it regular translucent powder or something else?

[@dreamguestonmypodcast1989]

would love to see an interaction with Glinda, and also would love to watch u react to the Australian cast of wicked pls

[@BS-oi8vg]

Oh god-the end?? I literally groaned. You’re all such a delight. What would be most amazing to see is you going up on the lift (from under the stage) during your entrance for “No Good Deed” (or what it looks like from your POV on the cherry picker but I doubt D*vid St*ne would allow it 🫢). Or any/every ~quick change. So grateful you did this series. You’re a star.

[@oliverprince1388]

question! what makes a great, good, or ok show for you???

[@carlesjimenez8292]

Hi May K! My question: What are the plans for the premiere of the movie? Are you guys doing that 22 nov night show? I’m coming from Barcelona. I know anything can happen (cold, injury,holidays…) but I’d like to know if it’s planned for the leads to be out of the show that night (maybe to be in the green carpet premiere). Thanks May K!❤

[@briarrosedangel2782]

When yall showed the gaze, it made me curious. If an Elphie ever falls and trips her knee or gets a cut some where do yall have green bandaids you use to cover it up?

[@classicalmusicjunkie]

Is there still a shopping cart seatbelt buckle on Elphaba's cape? Why hasn't it been replaced with something quieter?

[@Ari_Rein]

How does Elphaba fly!

[@TheJohnsticles]

How long of a contract do each actor/actress typically do? Once the time is up, do you have to re-audition for the part?

[@haileylowenstein]

Have Cynthia and Ariana come to you for questions about your characters to prepare for the Wicked movie?

[@Arlo20]

Hi M.K!My question is as someone who is in a performing arts college right now at 16 in Bristol,what else would it take for me to achieve my dream of playing Elphaba?(even as a Mezzo sorprano) And where would I find out about these auditions? Also could we see the quick changes?

[@artisan-w5u]

Is it true 2 elphaba's are painted every night in case of emergency?

[@taylorsebesta8506]

question: how do they wash/clean the wigs?

[@musicalFREAK87]

What’s the view like from the last row in the theatre?

[@Ari_Rein]

How does no one morns the wicked look from the side of the stage

[@ashleyb5510]

What colors can you do your nails? Any regulations besides "just make them green"?

[@Ari_Rein]

Can you give us a trapdoor tour

[@lydiakies9053]

I want to know how you get down after *Defying Gravity*

[@Myronw_22]

For the Glinda Principals/Standbys: - Is the Wand/Scepter easy or hard to use? - Have you ever gotten stuck in the floating bubble? - How heavy is the blue bubble dress? For the Elphaba Principals/Standbys: - Have you ever tripped while wearing any of the black witch costumes? - Have you ever experienced any mishaps during "Defying Gravity" and/or "No Good Deed? For the Glinda and Elphaba Principals/Standbys: - What are your favorite songs that you sing in the show? - Have you ever broken character while on stage during a show?

[@davidleavitt835]

There's a video of Glinda stuck in the bubble at the end of the show.

[@classicalmusicjunkie]

Is there really an "Elphaba Apartment" that is walking distance to the theater that you have to stay in during your contract?

[@itzedenxx7030]

Please show quick change into one short day!

[@dylan_noelryan3665]

Can you please explain how the melting scene works is it actually actors doing it or just projecting and do you use a lift and is someone wearing a Dorothy costume

[@kwoot07]

MK, we need a cameo from GC! We need the Double-Named Witches.

[@LukeCasey-i3n]

Good news ! GC is back as vacation standby this weekend on Broadway so she will be in the vlog !!

[@glauciadel-rio9383]

This is the best news I ever heard in my life…

[@sylviemac1971]

My question is :what does that blue tool do that you put around your neck? Does it stretch your neck muscles?

[@bethsillytoe]

Would love to know what cast traditions exist be they pre show or during the show (like unscripted interactions)

[@ameliabrinker4814]

PLEASE make sure you are holding your breath when spraying that makeup remover! Anything aerosol can easily be inhaled I don't want you to be irritating some of the things you need to be able to perform to the standard that you want! Keep those lungs, throat, vocal cords, etc. healthy! ❤