Nobody laughs at Lesli Margherita because she laughs first!
Whether you know her as Queen Lesli or Aunti Lesli, Margherita is theatre royalty. She won an Olivier Award (in 2009 for Zorro) before even making her Broadway debut (in 2013 as Matilda's Mrs. Wormwood, who she played for over 1,000 performances). This beloved performer rules her pink and sparkly kingdom with a press-on encrusted fist, generously offering her followers honest advice and anecdotes meant to empower.
"I just try to give back to the youth of the theatre," Margherita says empathically. "[Own] what you are, who you are, and [don't let] anybody tell you who you should be, what you should do. Have absolute ownership of you, and trying to block out people that are going to be negative."
The self-proclaimed "tacky Italian" is currently "bump-bump-bumpin' it" as the demur-er Texas Twirler, Tessie Tura, in the current Broadway revival of Gypsy at the Majestic Theatre. This is a role Margherita "begged" her agents to get her an audition for, having always been drawn to characters that tickle her maternal bone.
"I have loved Tessie Tura my entire life," Margherita says, proudly rattling off the many reasons the butterfly-costumed burlesque performer speaks to her. "I don't think she thinks she has talent." Margherita laughs. "She knows that she has something to give. And when she meets Louise, she's like, 'Oh, this is my expertise. I can fix you up.' I love that about her."
Joining Playbill to get ready before a two-show day for Gypsy, Margherita chats about her boldest choice audition, Audra McDonald's one flaw, and what set of rhinestoned accessories she cannot exist without. Get ready with Margherita by watching the video above.
