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Undid revision 1235523965 by 67.168.46.147 (talk). Much thanks, but you added much information that was not stated in the cited articles. Maybe it's just me, but what you wrote seemed a little biased? Thanks anyway, and keep up the good work.
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| occupation = Stage actress, acting and voice instructor
| occupation = Stage actress, acting and voice instructor
| years_active = 2013-present
| years_active = 2013-present
| known_for = Playing [[Elphaba]] in "[[Wicked (musical)|Wicked]]"
| known_for = Playing [[Elphaba]] in "[[Wicked (musical)]]"
| spouse = {{Marriage|Trevor Blake|2021}}
| spouse = {{Marriage|Trevor Blake|2021}}
| father = John Morrissey
| father = John Morrissey
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'''Mary Kate Blake'''<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CO_A9ChF_fY/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> (born June 18, 1989), known by her maiden name '''Mary Kate Morrissey''', is an American stage actress. Born in Pennsylvania, Morrissey began her career when she starred as Sheila in the musical ''[[Hair (musical)|Hair]]'' and [[Janis Ian (Mean Girls)|Janis]] in the [[Mean Girls (musical)|Mean Girls musical]]. She played [[Elphaba]] on the national tour of ''[[Wicked (musical)|Wicked]]'' before serving as the Elphaba standby on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] and eventually taking on the role full-time.
'''Mary Kate Blake'''<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CO_A9ChF_fY/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> (born June 18, 1989), known by her maiden name '''Mary Kate Morrissey''', is an American stage actress. Born in Pennsylvania, Morrissey began her career when she starred as Sheila in the musical ''[[Hair (musical)|Hair]]'' and [[Janis Ian (Mean Girls)|Janis]] in the [[Mean Girls (musical)|Mean Girls musical]]. She played [[Elphaba]] on the national tour of ''[[Wicked (musical)|Wicked]]'' before serving as the Elphaba standby on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] and eventually taking on the role full-time.


== Early life and education ==
== Early life ==
Mary Kate Morrissey was born on June 18, 1989, in [[Downingtown, Pennsylvania]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Abigail |date=2018-07-07 |title=Meet the Actresses Behind Two of the World's Most Beloved Onstage Characters |url=https://theeverygirl.com/wicked-girls/ |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=The Everygirl |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Person |first=Some |title=Mary Kate Morrissey Net Worth, Age, Height, Bio, Birthday, Wiki! |url=https://eulalsaga.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/hot-news/31088-mary-kate-morrissey-net.html |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=ZestSync |language=en}}</ref> Her father, John Morrissey, is a founding partner at Jackson Cross Partners.<ref>{{Cite web |title=John Morrissey on LinkedIn: #wicked #jacksoncross #anniversary #20thanniversary {{!}} 15 comments |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-morrissey-37762916_wicked-jacksoncross-anniversary-activity-7078057454650970112-tttL |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}</ref> Morrissey's Irish heritage has played a significant role in her artistic development.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=When the Little Girl in Me Connected with Elphaba: My Interview with Mary Kate |url=https://soundoflittlefeet.blogspot.com/2018/02/when-little-girl-in-me-connected-with.html |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=When the Little Girl in Me Connected with Elphaba}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2020-12-17 |title=Double Name Witches — The Refuge Blog |url=https://therefugedmst.org/refuge-blog/tag/Double+Name+Witches |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=The Refuge for DMST |language=en-US}}</ref>
Mary Kate Morrissey was born in [[Downingtown, Pennsylvania|Downingtown]], [[Pennsylvania]] on June 18, 1989.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Abigail |date=2018-07-07 |title=Meet the Actresses Behind Two of the World's Most Beloved Onstage Characters |url=https://theeverygirl.com/wicked-girls/ |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=The Everygirl |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Person |first=Some |title=Mary Kate Morrissey Net Worth, Age, Height, Bio, Birthday, Wiki! |url=https://eulalsaga.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/hot-news/31088-mary-kate-morrissey-net.html |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=ZestSync |language=en}}</ref> Her father is John Morrissey, a founding partner at Jackson Cross Partners.<ref>{{Cite web |title=John Morrissey on LinkedIn: #wicked #jacksoncross #anniversary #20thanniversary {{!}} 15 comments |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-morrissey-37762916_wicked-jacksoncross-anniversary-activity-7078057454650970112-tttL |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}</ref> She has [[Irish people|Irish]] ancestry.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=When the Little Girl in Me Connected with Elphaba: My Interview with Mary Kate |url=https://soundoflittlefeet.blogspot.com/2018/02/when-little-girl-in-me-connected-with.html |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=When the Little Girl in Me Connected with Elphaba}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2020-12-17 |title=Double Name Witches — The Refuge Blog |url=https://therefugedmst.org/refuge-blog/tag/Double+Name+Witches |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=The Refuge for DMST |language=en-US}}</ref> When asked how she decided what career path she wanted to follow, Morrissey said, "My grandfather used to sing on the Irish Radio and play in a band, and my dad would dress us up like the [[The Rolling Stones|Rolling Stones]] when my brothers and sister and I were little and we would put on full-blown lip sync concerts. My parents recognized the performer bug in me and put me in the local high school's production of ''Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat'', where my second-grade self played a sheep!"<ref name=":0" />


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As a child, Morrissey learned how to play the [[trombone]].<ref name=":6" /> In her later school years, she took voice lessons and joined numerous choirs such as the Philadelphia All Catholic Chorus and her high school band.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Hostutler |first=Mark |date=2019-11-27 |title=‘Mean Girls’ Musical Arrives in Philly, Stars Bishop Shanahan Grad |url=https://vista.today/2019/11/mean-girls-musical-arrives-in-philly-stars-bishop-shanahan-grad/ |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=VISTA.Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> She attended [[Bishop Shanahan High School]] in Downington, Pennsylvania and later attended [[Syracuse University]], where she achieved a [[Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree]] in Musical Theater.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Alumna MK Morrissey Stars on Broadway |url=https://www.shanahan.org/arts/the-arts-details-page/~board/fine-arts/post/alumna-mk-morrissey-stars-on-broadway |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=www.shanahan.org |language=en-US}}</ref> While at Syracuse University, Morrissey played [[Meg March]] in a musical version of the novel ''[[Little Women]]''.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Mary Kate Morrissey theatre profile |url=https://www.abouttheartists.com/artists/426821-mary-kate-morrissey |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=www.abouttheartists.com}}</ref>
Morrissey's passion for performance was evident from an early age, influenced by her family's musical background. She recalls, "My grandfather used to sing on the Irish Radio and play in a band, and my dad would dress us up like the [[The Rolling Stones|Rolling Stones]] when my brothers and sister and I were little and we would put on full-blown lip sync concerts."<ref name=":0" /> This early exposure to performance arts led to her participation in a local high school production of ''Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'' at just seven years old.


Morrissey saw [[Shoshana Bean]] and [[Megan Hilty]] act in ''[[Wicked (musical)|Wicked]]'' on Broadway sometime around 2004. Since then, she has been a fan of the play.<ref name=":3" />
Throughout her childhood and adolescence, Morrissey honed her musical skills, learning to play the [[trombone]] and participating in various choirs, including the Philadelphia All Catholic Chorus.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Hostutler |first=Mark |date=2019-11-27 |title='Mean Girls' Musical Arrives in Philly, Stars Bishop Shanahan Grad |url=https://vista.today/2019/11/mean-girls-musical-arrives-in-philly-stars-bishop-shanahan-grad/ |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=VISTA.Today |language=en-US}}</ref> She attended [[Bishop Shanahan High School]] in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, where she continued to develop her theatrical talents.

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Morrissey pursued higher education at [[Syracuse University]], earning a [[Bachelor of Fine Arts]] degree in Musical Theater.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Alumna MK Morrissey Stars on Broadway |url=https://www.shanahan.org/arts/the-arts-details-page/~board/fine-arts/post/alumna-mk-morrissey-stars-on-broadway |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=www.shanahan.org |language=en-US}}</ref> During her time at Syracuse, she notably portrayed [[Meg March]] in a musical adaptation of ''[[Little Women]]''.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Mary Kate Morrissey theatre profile |url=https://www.abouttheartists.com/artists/426821-mary-kate-morrissey |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=www.abouttheartists.com}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== 2013-present: Theater, tours, and special events ===
=== Early stage work (2013-2014) ===
Morrissey's acting debut was in 2013, when she played Sheila in Broadway's US and Canada tour of ''[[Hair (musical)|Hair]]''.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Mary Kate Morrissey and Alexandra Socha to Lead Wicked on Broadway; Donna McKechnie, Brad Oscar & More Join Cast |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/203729/mary-kate-morrissey-and-alexandra-socha-to-lead-wicked-on-broadway-donna-mckechnie-brad-oscar-more-join-cast/ |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Broadway.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-01-18 |title=Performance of musical ‘Hair,’ showing at Kingsbury Hall |url=https://www.fox13now.com/2013/01/18/performance-of-musical-hair-showing-at-kingsbury-hall |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=FOX 13 News Utah (KSTU) |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wray |first=Tobias |date=23 February 2013 |title=REVIEW: Hair the Musical: It’s Got Life |url=https://fayettevilleflyer.com/2013/02/23/hair-the-musical-its-got-life/ |website=Fayetteville Flyer}}</ref> That same year, Morrissey attended attended the 2013 Emery Awards in [[New York City]] alongside [[Ty Defoe]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mary Kate Morrissey at the 2013 Emery Awards with Ty Defoe |url=https://bfa.com/home/photo/910377?page=1&people=mary-kate-morrissey |website=BFA.com}}</ref> Morrissey acted in Tamar of the River at the Baruch Performing Arts Center in 2013.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gioia |first=Michael |date=12 August 2014 |title=Cast of Tamar of the River, Including Rocky's Margo Seibert, Will Reunite for Album Release Concert |url=https://playbill.com/article/cast-of-tamar-of-the-river-including-rockys-margo-seibert-will-reunite-for-album-release-concert-com-326726 |website=Playbill}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tamar of the River at Baruch Performing Arts Center 2013 |url=https://www.abouttheartists.com/productions/71247-tamar-of-the-river-at-baruch-performing-arts-center-september-21-october-20-2013 |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=www.abouttheartists.com}}</ref> In 2014, Morrissey played Sharon Falconer in a play of ''[[Elmer Gantry]]'' at [[Signature Theatre (Arlington, Virginia)|Signature Theatre]] in [[Arlington, Virginia]] and [[Lizzie Borden]] in [[Portland Center Stage]]'s poorly-received [[rock musical]], ''Lizzie''.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-06-11 |title=Lizzie (Portland Center Stage) |url=https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-22668-lizzie-portland-center-stage.html |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=Willamette Week |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wonderful! Mary Kate Morrissey Will Star as Elphaba in the National Tour of Wicked |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/189690/wonderful-mary-kate-morrissey-will-star-as-elphaba-in-the-national-tour-of-wicked/ |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=Broadway.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Oregonian/OregonLive |first=David Stabler {{!}} Special to The |date=2014-05-28 |title='Lizzie Borden' rock opera closes Portland Center Stage's season |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/performance/2014/05/lizzie_borden_rock_opera_close.html |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=oregonlive |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brassell |first=Patrick |title=BWW Reviews: LIZZIE Is a Bloody Mess at Portland Center Stage |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/portland/article/BWW-Reviews-LIZZIE-Is-a-Bloody-Mess-at-Portland-Center-Stage-20140601 |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref>
Morrissey made her professional debut in 2013, securing the role of Sheila in the US and Canada tour of ''[[Hair (musical)|Hair]]''.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Mary Kate Morrissey and Alexandra Socha to Lead Wicked on Broadway; Donna McKechnie, Brad Oscar & More Join Cast |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/203729/mary-kate-morrissey-and-alexandra-socha-to-lead-wicked-on-broadway-donna-mckechnie-brad-oscar-more-join-cast/ |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Broadway.com |language=en}}</ref> This tour marked a significant milestone in her career, allowing her to showcase her talents on a national stage.

That same year, Morrissey expanded her repertoire by performing in "Tamar of the River" at the Baruch Performing Arts Center in New York City.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gioia |first=Michael |date=12 August 2014 |title=Cast of Tamar of the River, Including Rocky's Margo Seibert, Will Reunite for Album Release Concert |url=https://playbill.com/article/cast-of-tamar-of-the-river-including-rockys-margo-seibert-will-reunite-for-album-release-concert-com-326726 |website=Playbill}}</ref> This off-Broadway production allowed her to further develop her craft in a more intimate setting.

In 2014, Morrissey took on two challenging roles that showcased her versatility as an actress. She portrayed Sharon Falconer in ''[[Elmer Gantry]]'' at [[Signature Theatre (Arlington, Virginia)|Signature Theatre]] in [[Arlington, Virginia]], and starred as [[Lizzie Borden]] in [[Portland Center Stage]]'s production of the [[rock musical]] ''Lizzie''.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-06-11 |title=Lizzie (Portland Center Stage) |url=https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-22668-lizzie-portland-center-stage.html |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=Willamette Week |language=en}}</ref>


Morrissey played [[Janis Ian (Mean Girls)|Janis Sarkisian]] in the [[Mean Girls (musical)|Mean Girls musical]] national tour in 2019.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Penzer |first=Maia |date=22 August 2023 |title=3 Remarkable Ways Mary Kate Morrissey Defied the Odds in the Theatre Industry |url=https://www.theatrely.com/post/3-remarkable-ways-mary-kate-morrissey-defied-the-odds-in-the-theatre-industry |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=www.theatrely.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Elinor |title=Mean Girls: The Musical Star Mary Kate Morrissey Helps the Weird Art Kids Feel Less Alone |url=https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2021/11/15/62853782/mean-girls-the-musical-star-mary-kate-morrissey-helps-the-weird-art-kids-feel-less-alone |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=The Stranger |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Medeiros |first=Linnae |title=Meet MEAN GIRLS on Tour's Mary Kate Morrissey! |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Meet-MEAN-GIRLS-on-Tours-Mary-Kate-Morrissey-20190511 |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref> That same year, Morrissey served as a standby for Joan and Isabelle on the set of the musical ''Joan of Arc: Into the Fire''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clement |first=Olivia |date=15 March 2017 |title=Joan of Arc: Into the Fire Opens at the Public |url=https://playbill.com/article/joan-of-arc-into-the-fire-opens-at-the-public |website=Playbill}}</ref><ref name=":8" /> Also in 2019, Morrissey played Sara, the Magician's Lovely Assistant in ''The Disappearing Man'' at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Rehearsal Studio.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sara, the Magician's Lovely Assistant, character in The Disappearing Man |url=https://www.abouttheartists.com/characters/241803-sara-the-magicians-lovely-assistant-in-the-disappearing-man-by-jahn-sood |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=www.abouttheartists.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Disappearing Man at The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Rehearsal Studio 2019 |url=https://www.abouttheartists.com/productions/124723-the-disappearing-man-at-the-stavros-niarchos-foundation-rehearsal-studio-2019 |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=www.abouttheartists.com}}</ref>
=== Rise to prominence (2015-2019) ===
Morrissey's career trajectory took a significant turn in 2015 when she joined the national tour of ''[[Wicked (musical)|Wicked]]'' as the standby for [[Elphaba]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":8" /> This role marked the beginning of her long-standing association with the critically acclaimed musical. In 2017, she assumed the role of Elphaba full-time, performing alongside Ginna Claire Mason as [[Glinda]] until 2018.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Paul Art |date=16 April 2024 |title=MEET MARY KATE MORRISSEY AND ALEXANDRA SOCHA, WICKED'S NEWEST WITCHES |url=https://broadwaydirect.com/meet-mary-kate-morrissey-and-alexandra-socha-wickeds-newest-witches/ |website=Broadway Direct}}</ref>


Morrissey performed songs from ''Wicked'' at Side By Side: A Celebration of Service on May 25, 2019 in New York City to celebrate [[United States Army]] [[Veteran|veterans]] and their families.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Side By Side: A Celebration of Service 2019 |url=https://iabcheritage.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Social-Media-Work-Sample-Example-2.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-25 |title=Mary Kate Morrissey performs during the Side By Side: A Celebration... |url=https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/mary-kate-morrissey-performs-during-the-side-by-side-a-news-photo/1151679239 |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Getty Images |language=en-us}}</ref> In 2024, Morrissey performed "[[Defying Gravity (song)|Defying Gravity]]" at [[NYC Pride March|New York City Pride]] while donning a shirt that read "Here, Queer, and Wicked".<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=Watch Mary Kate Morrisey sing 'Defying Gravity' at NYC Pride |url=https://www.pride.com/theater/watch-mary-kate-morrisey-sing-defying-gravity-at-nyc-pride |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=www.pride.com |language=en}}</ref>
In 2019, Morrissey further solidified her status in the theater world by portraying [[Janis Ian (Mean Girls)|Janis Sarkisian]] in the national tour of the [[Mean Girls (musical)|Mean Girls musical]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Penzer |first=Maia |date=22 August 2023 |title=3 Remarkable Ways Mary Kate Morrissey Defied the Odds in the Theatre Industry |url=https://www.theatrely.com/post/3-remarkable-ways-mary-kate-morrissey-defied-the-odds-in-the-theatre-industry |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=www.theatrely.com |language=en}}</ref> Her performance in this role garnered critical acclaim and further expanded her fan base.


=== Broadway debut and continued success (2023-present) ===
=== 2015-present: ''Wicked'' ===
In 2015, Morrissey served as the standby for [[Elphaba]] on the national tour of ''[[Wicked (musical)|Wicked]]''. She began to play the role full-time in 2017 alongside Ginna Claire Mason as [[Glinda]] until 2018.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Paul Art |date=16 April 2024 |title=MEET MARY KATE MORRISSEY AND ALEXANDRA SOCHA, WICKED‘S NEWEST WITCHES |url=https://broadwaydirect.com/meet-mary-kate-morrissey-and-alexandra-socha-wickeds-newest-witches/ |website=Broadway Direct}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rabinowitz |first=Chloe |title=Interview: WICKED's Mary Kate Morrissey on Why Taking on Elphaba Full-Time 'Feels Right' |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Interview-WICKEDs-Mary-Kate-Morrissey-on-Why-Taking-on-Elphaba-Full-Time-Feels-Right-20240404 |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref> During this time, Morrissey and Mason developed a strong friendship.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Elinor |title=Q&A: Mean Girls: The Musical Star Mary Kate Morrissey Helps Weird Art Kids Feel Less Alone |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/Theater/2021/11/10/36874019/qanda-mean-girls-the-musical-star-mary-kate-morrissey-helps-weird-art-kids-feel-less-alone |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=Portland Mercury |language=en}}</ref>
In 2023, Morrissey achieved a career milestone by joining the Broadway production of ''Wicked'' as the official standby for Elphaba.<ref name=":2" /> This opportunity allowed her to showcase her talents on the most prestigious stage in American theater.
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In 2023, Morrissey became the official standby for Elphaba on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]].<ref name=":2" /> On March 5, 2024, she began playing the role full-time alongside [[Alexandra Socha]] as Glinda. Morrissey replaced [[Alyssa Fox]] as Elphaba, and Socha replaced [[McKenzie Kurtz]] as Glinda.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hilton |first=Lauren |title=Photos: Mary Kate Morrissey Shares Photos from Rehearsals for WICKED on Broadway |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photos-Mary-Kate-Morrissey-Shares-Photos-from-Rehearsals-for-WICKED-on-Broadway-20240221 |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=5 March 2024 |title=Donna McKechnie Returns to Broadway in Wicked March 5 Alongside Mary Kate Morrissey, Alexandra Socha, More |url=https://playbill.com/article/donna-mckechnie-returns-to-broadway-in-wicked-march-5-alongside-mary-kate-morrissey-alexandra-socha-more |website=Playbill}}</ref>


Morrissey confessed to initially having doubts about whether she could play Elphaba, but her family supported her along the way and she eventually got her dream.<ref name=":3" />
⚫
On March 5, 2024, Morrissey's dedication and talent were rewarded when she began playing Elphaba full-time on Broadway, with [[Alexandra Socha]] as her co-star in the role of Glinda. Morrissey succeeded [[Alyssa Fox]] as Elphaba, while Socha replaced [[McKenzie Kurtz]] as Glinda.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=5 March 2024 |title=Donna McKechnie Returns to Broadway in Wicked March 5 Alongside Mary Kate Morrissey, Alexandra Socha, More |url=https://playbill.com/article/donna-mckechnie-returns-to-broadway-in-wicked-march-5-alongside-mary-kate-morrissey-alexandra-socha-more |website=Playbill}}</ref>


=== Acting coaching and education ===
=== 2020-present: Acting coaching ===
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Morrissey and her ''Wicked'' co-star Ginna Claire Mason launched Double Name Witches, a virtual theater and voice school for aspiring actors aged 5-30.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=2023-04-26 |title=Mary Kate Morrissey {{!}} Stella Adler Studio of Acting |url=https://stellaadler.com/profiles/mary-kate-morrissey/ |access-date=2024-07-06 |language=en-US}}</ref> The program, which focuses on training future Broadway performers, has been highly successful, attracting over 100 students.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Elinor |title=Q&A: Mean Girls: The Musical Star Mary Kate Morrissey Helps Weird Art Kids Feel Less Alone |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/Theater/2021/11/10/36874019/qanda-mean-girls-the-musical-star-mary-kate-morrissey-helps-weird-art-kids-feel-less-alone |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=Portland Mercury |language=en}}</ref>
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Morrissey and Mason began Double Name Witches, a virtual theater and voice school for people ages 5-30.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=2023-04-26 |title=Mary Kate Morrissey {{!}} Stella Adler Studio of Acting |url=https://stellaadler.com/profiles/mary-kate-morrissey/ |access-date=2024-07-06 |language=en-US}}</ref> The program targets students who aspire to act on Broadway.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=013. Actor: Mary Kate Morrissey |url=https://www.thebreakdownpodcast.com/podcast/actor-mary-kate-morrissey |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=The Breakdown with Robbie |language=en-US}}</ref> The program turned out to be successful, as Morrissey and Mason received over 100 students.<ref name=":10" />


In addition to her online teaching, Morrissey conducts masterclasses and theater programs across the United States. She also offers private lessons from her studio in [[Brooklyn]], New York.<ref name=":11" />
Morrissey has taught several masterclasses and theater programs for aspiring actors across America. As well as online teaching, Morrissey teaches private lessons from her [[Brooklyn]] studio.<ref name=":11" />


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Morrissey has been a committed [[Veganism|vegan]] since 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-12-05 |title=what the heck happened? |url=https://almostvegankitchen.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/what-the-heck-happened/ |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=almost vegan kitchen |language=en}}</ref>
Morrissey has been [[Veganism|vegan]] since 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-12-05 |title=what the heck happened? |url=https://almostvegankitchen.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/what-the-heck-happened/ |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=almost vegan kitchen |language=en}}</ref>


In 2021, Morrissey married her longtime partner, Trevor Blake.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CO_A9ChF_fY/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> While she adopted the surname Blake upon marriage, she continues to use her [[Maiden and married names|maiden name]], Morrissey, professionally.<ref name=":4" />
In 2021, Morrissey revealed she had married her longtime boyfriend, Trevor Blake.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CO_A9ChF_fY/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> Though she changed her surname to Blake upon marrying him, she still goes by her [[Maiden and married names|maiden name]], Morrissey.<ref name=":4" /> She owns a puppy named Bear.<ref name=":12" />


Morrissey identifies as [[queer]] and [[Pansexuality|pansexual]] and is an outspoken advocate for [[LGBT rights by country or territory|LGBTQ+ rights and representation]] in the theater community.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams-Jent |first=Ryan |date=2020-02-13 |title=Mary Kate Morrissey talks 'Mean Girls,' 'Wicked' and queer representation |url=https://watermarkonline.com/2020/02/13/mary-kate-morrissey-talks-mean-girls-wicked-and-queer-representation/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Watermark Online |language=en-US}}</ref> Her commitment to these causes is evident in her performances and public appearances, including her rendition of "[[Defying Gravity (song)|Defying Gravity]]" at the 2024 [[NYC Pride March|New York City Pride]] event, where she wore a shirt proclaiming "Here, Queer, and Wicked".<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=Watch Mary Kate Morrisey sing 'Defying Gravity' at NYC Pride |url=https://www.pride.com/theater/watch-mary-kate-morrisey-sing-defying-gravity-at-nyc-pride |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=www.pride.com |language=en}}</ref>
Morrissey identifies as [[queer]] and [[Pansexuality|pansexual]] and is an advocate for [[LGBT rights by country or territory|queer rights and representation]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams-Jent |first=Ryan |date=2020-02-13 |title=Mary Kate Morrissey talks ‘Mean Girls,’ ‘Wicked’ and queer representation |url=https://watermarkonline.com/2020/02/13/mary-kate-morrissey-talks-mean-girls-wicked-and-queer-representation/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Watermark Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":9" />


== References ==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


Revision as of 22:50, 19 July 2024

Mary Kate Morrissey
BornJune 18, 1989 (age 34)
Downingtown, Pennsylvania
NationalityAmerican
CitizenshipAmerican
EducationBishop Shanahan High School
Alma materSyracuse University
Occupation(s)Stage actress, acting and voice instructor
Years active2013-present
Known forPlaying Elphaba in "Wicked (musical)"
Spouse
Trevor Blake
​
(m. 2021)​
FatherJohn Morrissey

Mary Kate Blake[1] (born June 18, 1989), known by her maiden name Mary Kate Morrissey, is an American stage actress. Born in Pennsylvania, Morrissey began her career when she starred as Sheila in the musical Hair and Janis in the Mean Girls musical. She played Elphaba on the national tour of Wicked before serving as the Elphaba standby on Broadway and eventually taking on the role full-time.

Early life

Mary Kate Morrissey was born in Downingtown, Pennsylvania on June 18, 1989.[2][3] Her father is John Morrissey, a founding partner at Jackson Cross Partners.[4] She has Irish ancestry.[5][6] When asked how she decided what career path she wanted to follow, Morrissey said, "My grandfather used to sing on the Irish Radio and play in a band, and my dad would dress us up like the Rolling Stones when my brothers and sister and I were little and we would put on full-blown lip sync concerts. My parents recognized the performer bug in me and put me in the local high school's production of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, where my second-grade self played a sheep!"[2]

As a child, Morrissey learned how to play the trombone.[6] In her later school years, she took voice lessons and joined numerous choirs such as the Philadelphia All Catholic Chorus and her high school band.[2][7][5] She attended Bishop Shanahan High School in Downington, Pennsylvania and later attended Syracuse University, where she achieved a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theater.[2][7][8] While at Syracuse University, Morrissey played Meg March in a musical version of the novel Little Women.[9]

Morrissey saw Shoshana Bean and Megan Hilty act in Wicked on Broadway sometime around 2004. Since then, she has been a fan of the play.[10]

Career

2013-present: Theater, tours, and special events

Morrissey's acting debut was in 2013, when she played Sheila in Broadway's US and Canada tour of Hair.[2][11][12][9][13] That same year, Morrissey attended attended the 2013 Emery Awards in New York City alongside Ty Defoe.[14] Morrissey acted in Tamar of the River at the Baruch Performing Arts Center in 2013.[9][15][16] In 2014, Morrissey played Sharon Falconer in a play of Elmer Gantry at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia and Lizzie Borden in Portland Center Stage's poorly-received rock musical, Lizzie.[9][17][18][19][20]

Morrissey played Janis Sarkisian in the Mean Girls musical national tour in 2019.[10][21][22] That same year, Morrissey served as a standby for Joan and Isabelle on the set of the musical Joan of Arc: Into the Fire.[23][9] Also in 2019, Morrissey played Sara, the Magician's Lovely Assistant in The Disappearing Man at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Rehearsal Studio.[9][24][25]

Morrissey performed songs from Wicked at Side By Side: A Celebration of Service on May 25, 2019 in New York City to celebrate United States Army veterans and their families.[26][27] In 2024, Morrissey performed "Defying Gravity" at New York City Pride while donning a shirt that read "Here, Queer, and Wicked".[28]

2015-present: Wicked

In 2015, Morrissey served as the standby for Elphaba on the national tour of Wicked. She began to play the role full-time in 2017 alongside Ginna Claire Mason as Glinda until 2018.[2][9][29][30] During this time, Morrissey and Mason developed a strong friendship.[2][31] In 2023, Morrissey became the official standby for Elphaba on Broadway.[29] On March 5, 2024, she began playing the role full-time alongside Alexandra Socha as Glinda. Morrissey replaced Alyssa Fox as Elphaba, and Socha replaced McKenzie Kurtz as Glinda.[11][32][33]

Morrissey confessed to initially having doubts about whether she could play Elphaba, but her family supported her along the way and she eventually got her dream.[10]

2020-present: Acting coaching

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrissey and Mason began Double Name Witches, a virtual theater and voice school for people ages 5-30.[10][34] The program targets students who aspire to act on Broadway.[35] The program turned out to be successful, as Morrissey and Mason received over 100 students.[31]

Morrissey has taught several masterclasses and theater programs for aspiring actors across America. As well as online teaching, Morrissey teaches private lessons from her Brooklyn studio.[34]

Personal life

Morrissey has been vegan since 2012.[36]

In 2021, Morrissey revealed she had married her longtime boyfriend, Trevor Blake.[37] Though she changed her surname to Blake upon marrying him, she still goes by her maiden name, Morrissey.[1] She owns a puppy named Bear.[35]

Morrissey identifies as queer and pansexual and is an advocate for queer rights and representation.[38][28]

References

  1. ^ a b "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Abigail (2018-07-07). "Meet the Actresses Behind Two of the World's Most Beloved Onstage Characters". The Everygirl. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
  3. ^ Person, Some. "Mary Kate Morrissey Net Worth, Age, Height, Bio, Birthday, Wiki!". ZestSync. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
  4. ^ "John Morrissey on LinkedIn: #wicked #jacksoncross #anniversary #20thanniversary | 15 comments". www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  5. ^ a b "When the Little Girl in Me Connected with Elphaba: My Interview with Mary Kate". When the Little Girl in Me Connected with Elphaba. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  6. ^ a b "Double Name Witches — The Refuge Blog". The Refuge for DMST. 2020-12-17. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  7. ^ a b Hostutler, Mark (2019-11-27). "'Mean Girls' Musical Arrives in Philly, Stars Bishop Shanahan Grad". VISTA.Today. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  8. ^ "Alumna MK Morrissey Stars on Broadway". www.shanahan.org. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g "Mary Kate Morrissey theatre profile". www.abouttheartists.com. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  10. ^ a b c d Penzer, Maia (22 August 2023). "3 Remarkable Ways Mary Kate Morrissey Defied the Odds in the Theatre Industry". www.theatrely.com. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
  11. ^ a b "Mary Kate Morrissey and Alexandra Socha to Lead Wicked on Broadway; Donna McKechnie, Brad Oscar & More Join Cast". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
  12. ^ "Performance of musical 'Hair,' showing at Kingsbury Hall". FOX 13 News Utah (KSTU). 2013-01-18. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
  13. ^ Wray, Tobias (23 February 2013). "REVIEW: Hair the Musical: It's Got Life". Fayetteville Flyer.
  14. ^ "Mary Kate Morrissey at the 2013 Emery Awards with Ty Defoe". BFA.com.
  15. ^ Gioia, Michael (12 August 2014). "Cast of Tamar of the River, Including Rocky's Margo Seibert, Will Reunite for Album Release Concert". Playbill.
  16. ^ "Tamar of the River at Baruch Performing Arts Center 2013". www.abouttheartists.com. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  17. ^ "Lizzie (Portland Center Stage)". Willamette Week. 2014-06-11. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  18. ^ "Wonderful! Mary Kate Morrissey Will Star as Elphaba in the National Tour of Wicked". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  19. ^ Oregonian/OregonLive, David Stabler | Special to The (2014-05-28). "'Lizzie Borden' rock opera closes Portland Center Stage's season". oregonlive. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  20. ^ Brassell, Patrick. "BWW Reviews: LIZZIE Is a Bloody Mess at Portland Center Stage". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  21. ^ Jones, Elinor. "Mean Girls: The Musical Star Mary Kate Morrissey Helps the Weird Art Kids Feel Less Alone". The Stranger. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
  22. ^ Medeiros, Linnae. "Meet MEAN GIRLS on Tour's Mary Kate Morrissey!". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  23. ^ Clement, Olivia (15 March 2017). "Joan of Arc: Into the Fire Opens at the Public". Playbill.
  24. ^ "Sara, the Magician's Lovely Assistant, character in The Disappearing Man". www.abouttheartists.com. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  25. ^ "The Disappearing Man at The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Rehearsal Studio 2019". www.abouttheartists.com. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  26. ^ "Side By Side: A Celebration of Service 2019" (PDF).
  27. ^ "Mary Kate Morrissey performs during the Side By Side: A Celebration..." Getty Images. 2019-05-25. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
  28. ^ a b "Watch Mary Kate Morrisey sing 'Defying Gravity' at NYC Pride". www.pride.com. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  29. ^ a b Smith, Paul Art (16 April 2024). "MEET MARY KATE MORRISSEY AND ALEXANDRA SOCHA, WICKED'S NEWEST WITCHES". Broadway Direct.
  30. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Interview: WICKED's Mary Kate Morrissey on Why Taking on Elphaba Full-Time 'Feels Right'". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
  31. ^ a b Jones, Elinor. "Q&A: Mean Girls: The Musical Star Mary Kate Morrissey Helps Weird Art Kids Feel Less Alone". Portland Mercury. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  32. ^ Hilton, Lauren. "Photos: Mary Kate Morrissey Shares Photos from Rehearsals for WICKED on Broadway". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
  33. ^ Gans, Andrew (5 March 2024). "Donna McKechnie Returns to Broadway in Wicked March 5 Alongside Mary Kate Morrissey, Alexandra Socha, More". Playbill.
  34. ^ a b "Mary Kate Morrissey | Stella Adler Studio of Acting". 2023-04-26. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  35. ^ a b "013. Actor: Mary Kate Morrissey". The Breakdown with Robbie. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  36. ^ "what the heck happened?". almost vegan kitchen. 2012-12-05. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  37. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
  38. ^ Williams-Jent, Ryan (2020-02-13). "Mary Kate Morrissey talks 'Mean Girls,' 'Wicked' and queer representation". Watermark Online. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
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