Hello Beautiful People!
Molly Hager radiates sunshine. She has, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful voices in new musical theater today – she’s soulful, through and through. There are a select group of people that have that certain something that great performers, great artists, are made of, an intangible quality that makes it impossible to tear your eyes away from the artist – Molly is one of those people. She is a graduate of New York University; onstage you may have seen her as Taylor in Fat Camp (NY Lab, Hanna Theatre, ATA), as Bree in Only Children, and opposite powerhouse Katie Thompson in Cloaked (November). Her film credits include: Mad City, Goodbye Lover, and It’s Kind of a Funny Story, (Becca). Most recently she can be heard on The Joe Iconis Rock and Roll Jamboree (available on iTunes) singing Smash’s “Broadway Here I Come,” which she originally recorded as a demo for the show. Around town she can be heard singing for composers Joe Iconis, Michael R. Jackson, Zack Zadek, Adam Gwon, Sam Salmond, Chris Miller & Nathan Tysen, and Rob Rokicki – just to name a few. I’m privileged to know this lady, and honored that she took the time to sit down with me Schmackary’s, where we chatted about theater, school, and life, in general.
MM: When you were growing up, did you always want to be an actress/singer?
MH: Yes, always! Some of my earliest memories are of myself singing songs as Madonna from the movie “Dick Tracy” for my Ninja Turtle action figures. My Mom provided all of the Turtle voices. She is very talented, and an actress herself. Actually, both of my parents are in the industry and growing up in LA, I was exposed to a lot of the harsh realities that come with having a career in entertainment. Even still, I never found anything I loved more than performing.
MM: When did you move to New York?
MH: I came to New York to attend CAP21 at NYU in 2004. It was the only school I applied to and I didn’t really have a back up plan. Good thing it worked out!
MM: Of all the roles that you’ve played, are there ones in particular that are most memorable to you?
MH: Taylor, the romantic lead in Fat Camp: The Musical. Fat Camp was the first show I did outside of school, and when it was at NYMF, I played a camper (Melissa #1). A few years and drafts later, they cast me as Taylor. It was my first professional theatre gig, and it couldn’t have happened with better people in and behind the scenes. I’m truly grateful for the whole experience.
MM: Just for fun, what books are permanently on your bookshelf?
MH: My favorite book of all time is The World According to Garp, by John Irving. It’s amazing, and has ruined all other books for me. I was sobbing when it ended. So good.
MM: Just for fun, if you were stranded on a desert island what movies and music would you bring?
MH: I’d have to say Hook, Mrs. Doubtfire, and if I really wanted to make it a Robin Williams party, Jack (but I wouldn’t because that movie makes me sad). Also, When Harry Met Sally, Annie Hall, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Maybe Elf. Superbad. And The Princess Bride. I like movies, clearly. As far as music goes, anything involving Jack White, The Weepies, James Taylor, and Dionne Warwick. These days I’m listening to a lot of Alt-J and Lucius, so I’ll bring those along too.
MM: What’s it like to be a part of Joe Iconis and Family? In a world that can be so vicious, fake, and cutthroat – you are part of a large group of people who support one another in their careers and personal lives?
MH: I feel really lucky. It’s amazing to perform with a group of people who genuinely enjoy each other on and off the stage.
Photo by Monica Simoes
MM: Just for fun, what character in musical theater are you most like and least like?
MH: Least like? I don’t know. I feel like you can find something to relate to in almost every well-written character. So I guess I’ll say that I am least like the poorly written ones. I’m most like Elphaba. My legs are so pale that they’re green.
MM: Just for fun, what sound do you love, and what sound do you hate?
MH: I’m going to be super unoriginal: I love the sound of rain, and I love the sounds of waves at the beach. I hate jack-hammering. And loud talkers. And yes, I am fully aware that I am a loud talker. Oh, the irony.
MM: What piece of advice would you give to aspiring singers/actresses?
MH: You have to really know yourself. You have to know your strengths and weaknesses, and the difference between how people see you and how you see yourself. This has been an ongoing struggle for me, but I know that it’s really important. How can you give the best performance possible if you aren’t fully aware and present? Also, after an audition, you have to “leave it all in the room.” This is another problem area for me that I’m working on. Wondering and worrying about how you did or what anyone thinks about you in an audition is pointless and it will drive you crazy. Always be prepared and try your best, but after it’s over, it’s out of your hands. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be! Also, just be nice to people. Be a good person.
MM: In today’s economy, arts programs are being cut. What reasons would you give to a politician or a school board to preserve the arts?
MH: It’s still shocking to me that everyone on earth doesn’t innately know these! I mean, there are so many reasons. I guess I can start with the importance of self-expression. When a person has difficulty communicating emotions, art is an irreplaceable outlet for it. It’s also a great way to learn about the world and other cultures, and a great way to find a sense of individuality through creation.
MM: What’s next for Molly Hager?
MH: It’s going to be a very busy end of 2013! If you’re really interested you can follow me on twitter @yesmollyhager. I’m trying to be a better tweeter. Self Promotion is hard.
MM: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
MH: I have two! Sue Freitag and Mana Allen. Freitag was my high school drama teacher and remains to be one of the better people in my life. She’s hilarious and wonderful and smart and full of great advice whenever I need it! Mana was my vocal performance teacher at CAP21, and she truly taught me how to act out a song. I think about her whenever I perform, and she continues to be a supportive and loving presence in my life.
Thank you, Molly!
Live, Love, Learn,