Saturday, August 20, 2016

Spotlight On...Brendan Leonard

Name: Brendan Leonard

Hometown: Rowley, MA

Education: B.A. in Theater & Dance and English from Colby College

Select Credits: NYC debut!

Why theater?: My first role was as Daddy Warbucks in Annie in the 4th grade. I came out on stage, a chubby 9-year-old in a tuxedo and a bald cap, and from my first entrance, audiences were laughing and clapping. I knew then I’d be at this for a long time.

Who do you play in That’s MISS FITS, to You!?: Young Miss Service Wo-man. She had a tough childhood and received a dishonorable discharge from the army, but through it all she is bright, enthusiastic, and funny. I think she provides a sense of order to the rest of girls without being overbearing.

What is it like being a part of That’s MISS FITS, to You!?: I’m new to the city and have learned so much from this supportive, warm, and legendary group of performers.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I tend toward the queer, devised, and experimental and work that blends of genres of performance. This piece says and is so many things – a musical, a drag show, a celebration – and very much fits with the kind of work I want to continue making as an actor, director, and writer.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: Tom in The Glass Menagerie.

What’s your favorite showtune?: "‘Til There Was You,” from The Music Man

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Nathan Lane.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Angela Lansbury in "What’s Going On?"

If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: I would see Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Natalie Portman do The Seagull at Shakespeare in the Park.

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Check out anything at JACK in Brooklyn.

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Georgetown cupcakes.

What’s up next?: My improvisatory performance duo, vic + renda, will be performing at the Sans Limites Dance 2nd Annual Community Garden Dance Festival on August 13th  and Waxworks at Triskelion Arts on August 14th (the same weekend at Miss Fit, but different times).