BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Class Notes with Leslie Margherita “Gypsy”

Podcast Information

• Title: BroadwayRadio
• Host/Author: BroadwayRadio
• Episode: Class Notes: Leslie Margherita “Gypsy”
• Release Date: April 17, 2025
• Description: Broadway's Premier Podcasts

Introduction

In the April 17, 2025 episode of BroadwayRadio, host Lauren Klaus Schneider welcomes acclaimed actress Leslie Margherita, who is originating the role of Tessie Tura in the much-anticipated revival of Gypsy at the Majestic Theater. The episode delves deep into Leslie's portrayal of Tessie Tura, her creative process, experiences working with the creative team, and balancing her professional and personal life.

Understanding Tessie Tura

Exploring the Character's Depth

Leslie Margherita discusses her nuanced interpretation of Tessie Tura, differentiating her from other performers who have portrayed the character. She emphasizes Tessie's unique "gimmick" as a ballerina, bringing a blend of finesse and true artistry to her performances.

• "Tessie’s gimmick is that she is a ballerina, and she actually thinks that she is demure. Her ballet strip is true talent, whereas the other ones don't really have talent. They just bump it and grind it. But Tess is a true artiste."
  (01:22)

Personal Connection to the Role

Leslie reveals her lifelong connection to Gypsy, having performed various roles as a child, with Tessie Tura always being her favorite.

• "I had done Gypsy a bunch of times as a kid. I had done all the Jones, I had done Louise, and so I always loved Tessie Taurus. She's been my favorite my whole life."
  (01:53)

The Audition Journey

Taking a Leap of Faith

Leslie shares her bold approach during the audition process, where she decided to showcase her ballet skills by performing on pointe—a nod to Tessie's character—that hadn't been seen in previous portrayals.

• "I kicked my husband out of his office and he just said, you are going to break your neck. And I just took a huge swing with the character and what I wanted to do with her."
  (02:31)

Meeting George C. Wolfe

Her unconventional self-taped audition caught the attention of director George C. Wolfe, leading to a swift and seamless selection process.

• "I met with him, we talked about what I would want to do, what he would want to do... it was the easiest process I've ever been a part of."
  (04:00)

Collaborating with Camille Brown

Innovative Choreography

Leslie expresses her admiration for choreographer Camille Brown, highlighting how Camille's storytelling through movement added unique layers to Gypsy.

• "Camille tells such a great story through movement that even the point stuff that she gave me was telling this incredible story of tackiness, of things that Tessie had probably seen once on a ballerina and doing it her way wrong."
  (05:40)

Breaking Traditional Boundaries

Under George's direction, Camille introduced modern and unconventional choreography, setting this revival apart from previous productions.

• "Every major production has used Jerome Robbins choreography. George has famously said, like, why do it if you're going to do the same thing... Camille is a genius and a genius director in her own right."
  (06:30)

Character Evolution and Development

Adding Layers to Tessie Tura

Leslie discusses how she and George C. Wolfe collaborated to infuse Tessie with toughness and a unique "crazy fairy energy," diverging from the traditional delicate portrayal.

• "Tessie has probably been there the longest. She runs the place. There was this toughness that had to come out... if you cross her or get in the way of someone that she cares about, she will cut you."
  (07:26)

Shaping the Character

Leslie appreciates George's willingness to allow creative freedom during rehearsals, enabling her to explore and refine Tessie's multifaceted personality.

• "George would let me try whatever in rehearsal and then, you know, notes come and go. He really let us do our thing."
  (08:00)

Life on Stage: Practicalities and Daily Routine

Behind-the-Scenes Activities

During Act One, Leslie engages in various tasks to stay productive and maintain her focus for Act Two.

• "I'm usually sewing ribbons and elastic on my pointe shoes... I'll read a ton. I'm a huge reader. I also have a big gamer. I'm playing Nintendo a lot."
  (09:39)

Balancing Responsibilities

Her proactive approach ensures she's always occupied, whether it's preparing for upcoming performances or honing her craft through workshops and concerts.

• "I can always work on other things. If I'm doing workshops of other shows, I can really kind of work on my material for that and concerts that I have coming up."
  (10:00)

Balancing Broadway and Personal Life

Navigating a Long-Distance Marriage

Leslie opens up about her 17-year marriage, detailing how she and her husband manage the demands of her Broadway career with long-distance communication.

• "We have always... Since the day we met 20 years ago, I have always been gone doing shows."
  (11:15)

Utilizing Modern Communication

FaceTime and frequent visits help bridge the distance, allowing them to maintain a strong connection despite busy schedules.

• "The greatest thing is FaceTime... He'll come out here. I will sometimes fly home on a Sunday night."
  (12:00)

Commitment and Adaptability

Leslie emphasizes the importance of flexibility and commitment in sustaining their relationship, drawing inspiration from admired couples like Judith Light.

• "We just work it out. And we know these contracts, you know, we say, like, okay, let's take it a year at a time."
  (13:00)

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Lauren Klaus Schneider expressing admiration for Leslie's dedication and achievements. Leslie's portrayal of Tessie Tura in Gypsy promises to bring a fresh and compelling interpretation to this classic role, underscored by her artistic choices and collaborative spirit.

• "This was great. Thank you so much."
  (13:45)

Leslie concludes with enthusiasm for the role and gratitude for the opportunity, leaving listeners eager to experience her performance in the revival.

Key Takeaways

• Leslie Margherita's Unique Approach: By integrating her ballet background into Tessie Tura's character, Leslie brings authenticity and a fresh perspective to the role.

• Collaborative Creativity: Working with directors like George C. Wolfe and choreographers like Camille Brown allows for innovative interpretations that distinguish this Gypsy revival from past productions.

• Balancing Act: Leslie's ability to manage a demanding Broadway schedule while maintaining a healthy personal life showcases her resilience and commitment both on and off the stage.

Listeners of BroadwayRadio can look forward to seeing Leslie Margherita's captivating performance in Gypsy, enriched by her deep understanding of the character and her collaborative efforts with a stellar creative team.