What sets a technically strong performer apart from a truly unforgettable one? In this episode, Molly Marie Walsh — performer, educator, and MT history advocate — unpacks how a deep understanding of musical theatre’s roots enriches performance, informs vocal style, and builds lasting careers. From the social commentary of Hadestown to the escapism of 1930s musicals, Molly and Alexa explore how history shapes artistry, interpretation, and authenticity on stage. A must-listen for performers, teachers, and anyone passionate about meaningful storytelling through song and stage.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
3:10 What’s Molly’s favourite era of Musical Theatre history?
8:05 Case study
12:20 Is historical and contextual understanding always necessary?
17:45 Context & vocal targets
24:38 Context & aesthetic design
26:38 Context and the creative’s career
29:02 How can contextual understanding help in an audition?
33:46 How historical understanding upholds the craft of Musical Theatre
43:27 What about the ensemble?
47:20 Different resources
About the presenter, click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
Broadway Musicals Show By Show by Stanley Green
Fifty Key Stage Musicals by Robert W. Schneider and Shannon Agnew
Fifty Key Stage Musicals: The Podcast
Artists mentioned: Jesse Mueller; Sierra Boggess; Marisha Wallace; Billy Porter
Agnes de Mille
Jeanine Tesori
Shaina Taub
Our Musicals, Ourselves by John Bush Jones
The Cambridge Companion to the Musical by William A Everett & Paul Laird
150 Years of Popular Musical Theatre by Andrew Lamb
A Critical Companion to The American Stage Musical by Elizabeth L. Wollman
Strike Up the Band by Scott Miller
Horrible Histories
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast Ep.10 Songs for Male Contemporary Musical Theatre Singers
ABOUT THE GUEST
Born and raised in California, Molly Marie Walsh lived and worked in New York and Philadelphia. Now over 12 years a resident and raising a family in the UK, Molly has worn many hats. As a professional Musical Theatre Performer in the US: the National Tour of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, and productions of WHITE CHRISTMAS, 42nd STREET, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, OKLAHOMA! and INTO THE WOODS. And in the UK: Alan Menken’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL, JEWISH LEGENDS, and THE MIKADO. She has been a vocalist with a classical crossover group, ANCORA, and close-harmony Andrews Sisters trios THE MANHATTAN DOLLS (US), and currently in the UK, THE HONEYBIRDS.
She has also been a creative consultant with writing team KANSLEY & LIDERT on their original musicals, CONFESSIONS and AUTUMN RHYTHM. Molly currently teaches voice, Musical Theatre and drama across Buckinghamshire where she lives with her fellow musician-husband and her two children, as well as teaching voice, vocal technique, and the history of dance and musical theatre at Urdang Academy in London. She has also just completed her final module for the BAST Level 5 Extended Diploma in Singing Teaching Skills.
Instagram: @singhappywmolly
