Chicago’s Leigh Zimmerman Shows Off Her Fosse-Filled Dressing Room

Her character, Velma Kelly, may spend her days in a cold and tiny jail cell, but Chicago’s Leigh Zimmerman keeps her personal space backstage at the Ambassador Theatre a bit more welcoming. “We have a lot of family time in here,” the actress says. Zimmerman, who was part of the hit revival's original 1996 cast, invited Broadway.com into her dressing room to show off her  keepsakes and the perfume she custom-picked for Velma. Want to know what the merry murderess smells like? Read on below!

Photos by Jenny Anderson for Broadway.com

“For ten years MAC makeup sponsored me in London. For every show I did they were there for me so they are now with me for every show I do!”


"This is my Ricola. I’m a singer; I have to have it! It takes care of me and is just the most amazing thing."


"My wedding rings are always with me. If I’m playing a married character I wear them onstage. My husband, [rock singer and actor] Domenick Allen, and I have been married 17 years and he’s always with me."


"This framed picture of Bob Fosse is an opening night gift from my husband. He gave it to me when I returned to Chicago. Fosse is my total inspiration every time I walk in the door. The picture reminds me who the work is."


"I pick a fragrance for every character I've done in the last 20 years. L'occitane Verbena is Velma’s."