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Brittany Leffler
Appearing in the Fulton Theater’s, Fiddler on the Roof,
November 29 – December 30, 2007
FLL: Tell us about your role in Fiddler on the Roof?
BL: Well, I haven’t begun rehearsals yet; they begin Nov. 6; however,
I’ll tell you what I know. I’m playing Mirala. She’s a Jewish momma in the
village of Anatevka (a little village with mostly Jews and Russians occupying
it). I’ll be a member of the chorus, and will be dancing and singing all
throughout the show.
FLL: How did you land the role?
BL: I’ve worked with the director, Gary John LaRosa, in a previous show
at the Fulton. He cast me in the fall of ‘06 as Cha Cha DiGregorio in
Grease. It was a wonderful, fun experience for both of us, and I think it was
just a matter of time before we worked together again. So I showed up for
the audition for Fiddler on the Roof about a month ago, and Gary John must
have seen something in me that he wanted for his show. So he offered me
the role of Mirala, and I happily accepted!
FLL: You also have another connection to the Fulton, correct?
BL: I’m the costume associate here at the Fulton. This is my third season
as a full-time staff member in the costume department. I work very closely
with the costume shop supervisor/ wig designer, and the costume designer.
FLL: So then, the question with the likely obvious answer, which is more
fun, backstage or onstage?
BL: Yikes, you want to get me in trouble?! Okay, well, I’ll absolutely give
you an honest answer, and I bet it’s not a surprise. I love to perform; it’s
what I was born to do. Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to be on
the stage. I would stage impromptu concerts on my bed, with my bedposts
as my “microphone.” I even remember back in third grade, wanting so
badly to be Julia Roberts in the movie Pretty Woman that I signed my
papers “Vivian” and insisted that my life’s ambition was to “be a hooker.”
I remember crying at the movie “Annie” because at the end when the
fi reworks are going off and Annie is safe and sound with her new family,
I wanted to be “in the TV with them!” I’m really happy as the costume
associate too – I went to college and earned a degree in theatre, so I
discovered the joys of being backstage there. And I honestly love both,
believe it or not. Being behind the scenes, scrambling to get those last few
costumes built, or fi nding the perfect 1850’s velvet boot (or better yet,
fi nding it for less than $30!) is pretty exciting too.
FLL: It sounds like both things are fun! Tell us a bit about your family. Are
they here in Lancaster?
BL: I’m actually from a small town in Nebraska! I moved here a little over
two years ago. My parents are barbers back in Nebraska, and I have three
younger brothers. Here in Lancaster, my better half’s name is Brian, and
we have an adorable Pomeranian pup, Gus. We live in a little row house in
downtown Lancaster and love it. It’s quite different here than in Nebraska
– most people back there have their own yards, their own garages even!
When I fi rst visited Lancaster, it felt like I’d time-traveled – everything here
is so historic, so condensed, but so intricate and beautiful too.
FLL: So being a transplant, other than the theater, what is your favorite
thing or place so far in Lancaster?
BL: Defi nitely Central Market. I count the days down ‘til the next market
day. The Espresso Yourself coffee guys are so funny, and the Salad Stand
is my go-to for lunch. If I want a really special treat (which is basically
every day I go there), I visit Wendy Jo for her famous pumpkin rolls or
her creamcheese muffi ns/cupcakes (if I visit her in the morning, I call
them “muffi ns”).
FLL: Well, on behalf of Fine Living Lancaster, we think that you are going
to be one of Lancaster’s favorite things! Welcome, and thanks for spending
some time with us. FLL