Carrie St. Louis on the Friendship, Costumes & Dance Parties She'll Miss as She Exits Broadway's Wicked

In the corporate world, employees leaving a job are often asked to sit through an exit interview with HR about their time at the company. That concept doesn’t exist for Broadway performers, but we love checking in with stars as they finish up a successful run. Carrie St. Louis has had a glittery run as Glinda in the Broadway blockbuster Wicked. She is leaving (possibly via bubble) on October 30, which also happens to be the show's 13th Broadway-versary, a.k.a. Wicked Day. In her Broadway.com Exit Interview, St. Louis shares what she'll miss as she makes her exit from the Gershwin Theatre.

How did you feel when you first got this job?
I was elated! Glinda has been a dream role of mine ever since I saw the national tour when I was 15. It really was a total dream come true in every way. 

How do you feel now that you’re leaving?
It's bittersweet. Of course, I am sad to leave my Glinda girl behind, but I am so grateful for the opportunity and the experience. I learned so much about myself throughout this process, and I get to keep all of those lessons moving forward. I will cherish these past two years for the rest of my life. 

What are three words you would use to describe your experience?
Exhilarating. Rewarding. So incredibly special 

What was the easiest thing about this job?
Wearing Susan Hilferty's Tony Award-winning costumes! I wish I could take them all home. Also, becoming a part of the wonderful Wicked family! I have met lifelong friends through this show and it is always a highlight to see them every day and laugh NONSTOP backstage/have pre-show dance parties. 

What was the hardest thing?
The emotional and physical stamina that the role requires. Not only is the role written for a wide vocal range, Glinda is also a roller coaster of emotions from the beginning to the end of the show. She works in extremes and that can be very exhausting eight times a week. The range of emotional depth mixed with energetic comedic moments over the course of a three-hour show is challenging. 

What was the highlight of your time at this job?
My first night on Broadway with my best friends and family in the audience, including both of my grandmothers! There is no better feeling than being surrounded and supported by people you love. 

What skills do you think are required for future job applicants?
A lot of energy (or coffee), a solid vocal range and a strong sense of self. Glinda is a complex character, and I think it's important (especially in a long-running show) to stay truthful to yourself and the story and not just be a carbon copy of someone else, which is an easy trap to fall into. 

What advice would you give to future employees in your job position?
If you ever feel overwhelmed or stuck or tired—always go back to telling the story. It is one of the greatest, and when told truthfully; it will never steer you wrong.

How do you think you’ve grown?
Oh, exponentially! I'm a completely different actor and human from where I started two years ago. I've realized I'm capable of way more than I ever thought I was. And being able to tell a story about compassion, friendship and acceptance in times like these is truly powerful.  

Why are you leaving?
Just like with any chapter in life, it's time. But I'm leaving with a suitcase full of memories, a new perspective and a much stronger sense of self. I've learned so much over these past two years and look forward to many more adventures to come!

What will you miss the most? 
Meeting so many inspiring and wonderful people at the stage door! Wicked has the best fans on the Earth, and it has been such a highlight meeting so many grandparents, young children, musical theater nerds like me, tourists from all over the world and more at the stage door, and seeing how the story/message has affected them. It is the most fulfilling job in the world to be able to transport someone for a few hours and make them laugh, cry, smile and get away from it all. Like the exit door of the Gershwin says, "You are now leaving Oz." And what a special, special place it's been. This is cheesy but, "Happy is what happens when all your dreams come true."