Dresser Maureen Leshley Reveals How On the Twentieth Century Star Kristin Chenoweth Is a Water Bottle Diva & More

Sometimes actors and dressers work together over and over again, and sometimes they meet and bond immediately. The latter is the case for On the Twentieth Century headliner Kristin Chenoweth and her dresser Maureen Leshley (known as Moe). Chenoweth, who plays a glam Hollywood starlet in the music comedy revival, is best known for her Tony-winning performance in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, her Emmy-winning turn on Pushing Daisies and originating the wonderfully popular role of Glinda in Wicked—as well as numerous other stage and screen credits. Moe and KC bonded over their love of dogs and something a little bit less common: they are both 4’ 11’’. It’s not every day that the Tony winner, who proudly calls herself a “pocket diva,” can find someone with whom she can see eye to eye! Find out more about what it’s like backstage at On the Twentieth Century below.

When did you first meet Kristin Chenoweth, and what was your first impression of her?
We met at my interview for the job as her personal dresser for this show, On The Twentieth Century. My first impression of Kristin was that we were the same height. I've never worked with an actor that I've been eye level with before!

What do you wish more people knew about dressers?
It’s not as easy as people think. In my opinion, you need to be in physical and mental shape. It’s like being an athlete preparing for a big race. With live theater, anything can happen at any given moment, so you have to be prepared.

What are some items you both like to have on hand backstage?
Hand sanitizer, Tiger Balm, Grether's Pastilles throat lozenges and Tic Tacs.

What’s the most challenging part of dressing Kristin?
Trying to find her! Kristin is a social butterfly.

Which of her costumes do you wish you had in your closet?
The handmade silk robe with the marabou sleeves.

What do you two bond over?
Our love of dogs.

What's something she says all the time?
She always says "cray cray"—short for crazy.

What's the secret to your relationship?
Mutual respect.

What makes the job fun?
Kristin loves to come up with tricks or games to play with or about her fellow actors—as do they about her and each other. It can get pretty crazy backstage with everyone trying to one up each another. There are lots of dirty deeds going on!

Since she plays a Hollywood diva in the show, what is the most diva thing about Kristin?
There is nothing diva about her! Well, she is very particular about her water bottles. Lots of drama over the bottles and their straws—so many bottles to choose from, so little time.

What’s the best part about being part of Team Cheno?
When you are working with a great team, it all stems from the top. And at the top is Kristin Chenoweth. Everybody helps each other. It is all a team effort. Not to sound too cliché, but we are truly like the song, "We Are Family": "Living life is fun and we've just begun/To get our share of the world's delights.” It is fun and a delight to be a part of Team Cheno, every day!