LESLIE GODDARD ROXIE HART

Leslie Goddard (Roxy Hart) has been seen on Broadway in HAIRSPRAY as Brenda/Penny Pingleton (u/s), in Las Vegas as Francine et al in JERSEY BOYS and at The Kennedy Center in “Broadway: Three Generations.” Most recently, she performed as Missy Miller in THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: CAPS AND GOWNS at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Some favorite roles include: Deb in ORDINARY DAYS, Darlene in HONKY TONK ANGELS, Delee in SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ and Maggie in A CHORUS LINE. Leslie earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drama from New York University. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Name of your hometown Aurora, NY. It’s in the Fingerlakes region of Central New York

What has been your favorite / most memorable performing experience and why? Performing in Hairspray on Broadway. There is nothing better than your first Broadway show!

What’s your favorite musical, and why? I don't think I could single out one show as my favorite. I have a very special place in my heart for Hairspray and Jersey Boys, for obvious reasons. I also really love Gypsy. I think the music is great, the story is classic, and it moves me every time I see it.

Describe your experience thus far in diving into the local arts scene Working in Cincinnati has been a blast so far. The dedication to theatre here is unparalleled. I am consistently impressed by how energized everyone in Cincinnati is about their local theatre scene. It is something to be extremely proud of and I feel lucky to be a part of it.

What excites you the most about CHICAGO and/or playing Roxie? I am intrigued by Roxie's ability to manipulate her situation. There are so many facets to her personality that I am excited to explore. I am sure she is going to be a challenge- but a really fun one!

DAVID BAUM CHOREOGRAPHER

David Baum (Choreographer) most recently finished a long run on Broadway in Disney's MARY POPPINS. Originally from Cincinnati, he has been seen in MTV's The American Mall (Stavros) and in the original Broadway revival company of A CHORUS LINE as Roy (u/s Mike, Al, Greg, Bobby). Additional New York credits include Encores! productions OF THEE I SING, NO NO NANETTE and DAMN YANKEES. Other regional credits include The Kennedy Center, MUNY, Music Theatre of Wichita, North Shore Music Theatre and others. David received a BFA in musical theatre from the University of Michigan, an MA from Xavier University and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. CHICAGO marks David's Cincinnati choreography debut.

What has been your favorite / most memorable performing experience and why? My most memorable performing experience(s) if I could have two, would be performing on the opening of the Tony Awards with "A Chorus Line," and the opening night performance of the show. Both were truly incredible in their own ways.

What’s your favorite musical, and why? My favorite musical is probably “Guys and Dolls.” I think it's probably one of the most expertly written musicals and the dancing arrangements are charged and exciting.

What changes in Cincinnati have struck you since returning home? I am really enjoying being and adult in the same city in which I grew up. In some ways it's difficult to distinguish between how the city has shifted and how I have changed. I absolutely love the new areas around the ballpark and OTR. They remind me very much of New York.

What are your impressions of the local arts scene coming back after 10+ years? The arts scene in this town is terrific. As a kid, I did not realize the breadth of wonderful organizations and supporters that Cincinnati has for the arts. In a way I was spoiled, I figured every city had its own pops orchestra, ballet, opera, professional theatre troupes, Shakespearean acting companies, etc. Now I realize how special Cincinnati is for its arts community. The support is overwhelming, the community is thriving, and it has made my transition to the area much more enjoyable!

Who inspires you as a choreographer? I'd have to say Sergio Trujillo. I never got to work on a show with him, but I really appreciate his passion for his work. He is probably most well known for his work on "Jersey Boys," but he also choreographed "The Addams Family," and "Memphis." I was lucky enough to be invited to final callbacks for a show he was involved with that never made it to New York called "Mambo Kings." The combination for that show was killer, I never enjoyed an audition more than that one.