Farewell, Maggots! Lesli Margherita Reflects on Her Cooter-Slamming, Scooter-Riding Time in Matilda

In the corporate world, employees leaving a job are often asked to sit through an exit interview with HR about their time at the company. That concept doesn’t exist for Broadway performers, but we love checking in with stars as they finish up a successful run. Lesli Margherita is playing her final performance in the hit musical Matilda on September 6, so we asked the Olivier winner to take Broadway.com’s Exit Interview to tell us all about her time as Mrs. Wormwood before she begins her new gig in Dames at Sea. Below, Queen Lesli reflects on her wig-wearing, back-flipping and (of course) LOUD time in Matilda.

How did you feel when you first got this job?
At first it was extreme joy. Like, weeping joy. I had waited so long to finally make my Broadway debut—and had literally waited so long because it took three months to hear I got the job. Then it went to extreme fear when I realized I had to actually move to New York from L.A. The subway...walking...[shudders].

How do you feel now that you’re leaving?
Total mixed feelings. This is my family, and this show absolutely changed my life. But two and a half years is a long time to spend with one character, cooter-slamming and back-flipping. I'll miss her, but I'm so excited to do something new—and not wear blue eyeshadow.

What are three words you would use to describe your experience?
Loud. Loud. Loud.

What was the easiest thing about this job?
Mrs. Wormwood's look. I'm a tacky Italian. I already had the fake nails, high hair and wear a ton of makeup. The more sparkles the better. I had much more in common with her than I wanted to admit. It was also easy to dance with Phillip Spaeth every day. Please. Gorgeous.

What was the hardest thing?
Saying goodbye to kids when they outgrew their roles. That and scooting in heels on a raked and extremely bumpy stage. The scooter won the Lesli vs. evil scooter battle many times.

What was the highlight of your time at this job?
There have been so many, but the first preview will always be special. It was my Broadway debut, and I'll never forget stepping on stage and saying my first line. I remember listening to the London recording while driving on the 405 in L.A., and that moment was like, "Wow, it's really happening."

What skills do you think are required for future job applicants?
1. Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself.
2. Be able to slide through someone’s legs with a giant wig on without knocking them in their man parts.
3. Have the ability to scoot in heels on a raked and extremely bumpy stage.
4. Have Ethel Merman vocal cords. (Loud! Loud! Loud!)

What advice would you give to future employees in your job position?
Tylenol.

How do you think you’ve grown?
Figuratively, I've grown just by performing alongside these kids. Long runs can be challenging, but they were excited for every single show and always gave 100%. They made me do the same. Literally, I think I've grown wider because when you do a show with kids, someone is always bringing in sweets.

Why are you leaving?
I'm leaving to go about 50 feet across the street from the Shubert to play Mona Kent in Dames At Sea.

What will you miss the most?
My family at the Shubes: cast, crew, everyone. They became my first New York family and will always be special. And my pink sparkle dance shoes. I'll miss them. A lot. [Steals shoes.]