3 Mind-Blowing Moments From Lissa deGuzman’s WICKED Career
Sentimental Men has released their latest episode and this week features none other than Wicked tour phenom Lissa deGuzman. The star is currently playing Elphaba around the U.S., with upcoming stops in Orlando and Miami, Florida.
During a break, Lissa chatted with Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi about how she found her way into theatre, life on the road, and more. Check out the episode below and some of the more mind-bending moments from her time in Wicked.
1. And the award for most inspiring act goes to…
Sometimes, it only takes one person to make you go after your dreams. That’s exactly what happened when Lissa was cast in a local production of Seussical (she played Gertrude McFuzz, of course). Despite originally wanting to be a dermatologist, the performer told Sentimental Men that the show’s director pulled her aside and said “you have the talent to do this if you really buckle down…you could really make this a career.” She decided to go for it from just that small moment of encouragement!
2. Murphy’s Law in full effect
It was a bit of a challenge when Lissa traveled out of NYC to begin rehearsals for Wicked. Her flight to LA got canceled, so she went on standby, didn’t land until 2 AM, picked up her rental car and drove an hour to Costa Mesa. With an early call time and a late arrival, the star just told herself: “Well, at least I’ll know what it’s like to sing when I’m really tired.” We love a moment of positive thinking!
3. What, like it’s hard?
Honesty can take you far. When Quincy notes Lissa’s powerhouse vocals in the role, he asked if she found it to be difficult. “You know, I don’t want to say no…it’s a hard sing, no matter what.” With some egging on, however, she reveals the truth. “It’s not a difficult sing for me,” Lissa admits. Still, she heeded the advice of famed Wicked alums like Jackie Burns, who encouraged the star to protect her voice at all costs. Bonus: Julia Murney’s nickname is “Auntie Elphaba.” We stan.
Sentimental Men, presented by Theatrely, is a Broadway podcast inspired by Wicked. It is an interview-based ode to the women of musical theatre, with previous guests including Jessica Vosk, Eden Espinosa, and Tony Award winners Beth Leavel and Stephanie J. Block. You can listen to and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts.
