Summary
A performer reflects on the pressures and triumphs of achieving her dreams in musical theater, particularly her roles as Elphaba in "Wicked" and Eliza in "Hamilton." She expresses the unique blend of exhilaration and anxiety that comes with fulfilling lifelong aspirations, noting that after reaching such significant milestones, the path forward can feel uncertain and directionless.
The conversation delves into the intense pressure that understudies face, especially with the knowledge that performances are often recorded by fans. The performer shares her experiences with stage fright, particularly during pivotal moments in the shows, and discusses the mental strain that accompanies the role of an understudy. She emphasizes the importance of enjoying the performance and finding ways to manage anxiety, highlighting the commonality of these feelings among performers.
Additionally, she recounts memorable experiences, including a "witch switch" where she unexpectedly took over the role of Elphaba mid-show. This moment, filled with adrenaline and laughter, contrasts with the more challenging instances of forgetting lines during performances. The discussion underscores the blend of joy and pressure that defines the life of a musical theater performer, revealing the emotional complexities behind the curtain.
Show Notes
Nicola Espallardo is a trailblazer. Not only has she appeared in some of the biggest musicals in the world (Les Miserables, Hamilton), she was also the first Asian person to play Elphaba in the West End’s Wicked. All before the age of 30.
In this encore, Nicola discusses achieving her dream – not only how empowering it felt, but why it can also lead to the scariest moment in any career: figuring out what comes next. We also hear an incredible story of what happens when Elphaba sings the wrong line – and why that moment is a part of theatre history forever.
Link to the full episode: https://pod.link/1875555963/episode/NjlhNzQxYTNkYjk0MmU4NWNjOTNmMjFi
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Hosted by Kara Alberts-Turner & Liam Horrigan.
Produced by and recorded at The Sound Company, London.
For The Sound Company: Dom Boucher, Luke Nagy, Gareth Wood & Nick Thackeray-Cron alongside Freya Baldwin & Seb Stone.
Show image by Louisa Sexton. Produced by The Sound Company. www.sound.co.uk
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