On May 6, Myra Molloy will take over the lead role of Eurydice in the Tony-winning Hadestown. I had the chance to ask the actress about being the first Thai lead in a Broadway musical, how she prepares for a performance, what stood out to her about this story, and more. Keep reading for everything she shared!
Welcome to HADESTOWN, where a song can change your fate. This acclaimed musical by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and director Rachel Chavkin is winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical and the Grammy Award® for Best Musical Theater Album. It intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and Queen Persephone — as it invites you on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, singers and dancers, HADESTOWN asks audiences to imagine how the world could be.
What is it about theater that excites you as an artist?
Myra Molloy: Theater is one of the reasons why I ever wanted to sing/act in the first place. Theater to me is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling mediums. Performing for an audience, the energy is palpable. The fact that it’s live and it’s essentially one take makes every choice your first and last. I feel it utilizes 200% of your entire skill set and power: singing, moving/dancing, acting. You truly leave it all out there, and that’s what excites me.
What do you do to prepare for a performance?
A lot of warming up, physically and vocally. I do a quick workout to just get in my body and vocal warmups for about an hour, steam, nasal rinse, and take all my allergy meds, haha. It’s quite therapeutic.
You will be the first Thai lead in a Broadway musical. Can you tell me what that title and milestone mean to you?
Absolute insanity. I truly can’t believe it. It is the greatest honor of my life thus far to be able to represent my country on such a global stage and in a show I’ve always admired and dreamed to be a part of. I hope I can do everyone proud.
What is the first thing that stood out to you about the story of Hadestown that made you want to be part of it?
I saw the show back in 2019 for the first time, and everything about it blew me away: the music, the characters, the set. But the first thing about the story that stood out to me was that it was a Greek myth that maybe some people aren’t so familiar with. Orpheus and Eurydice are iconic characters in a destined-to-be -doomed love story, and I personally love those types of tales.
When it comes to the role of Eurydice, what is most important for you to get across to the audience in terms of who she is and her journey?
Her journey is the journey of falling in love, finding hope. I think it’s so universal and TRUE. She’s a survivor, she’s seen the world for what it is (messed up). She’s been through a lot, but she’s also sarcastic, funny, and capable of love and true faith, which Orpheus brings out of her. Her arc and growth in the musical are so beautiful and inspiring to watch, and she really takes the audience on that journey.
You have also done voice acting and live action. Are there any lessons you learned from those projects that carry over to theater, even though it is a different entertainment medium?
One hundred percent. Other than the obvious, which is the acting skill, I feel every job helps me grow in different ways. The best way to learn is on the job, and every job I’ve had has set me up for the next. Also, just having fun! It sounds simple, but sometimes I get so focused I need to remind myself to breathe, be present, and enjoy the ride 🙂