ASK THE ARTIST: ELIZABETH LEDO

Elizabeth Ledo in IRT’s 2017 production of Boeing Boeing. Photo by Zach Rosing.

You may recognize Elizabeth from her hilarious portrayal of the long-suffering housekeeper, Berthe, in last season’s Boeing Boeing. We cannot wait to welcome her back to the IRT stage as Siobhan in our season-opening production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, playing on the OneAmerica Mainstage from September 19 –October 14. Read on to learn more about Elizabeth!
 
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE ROLE TO PLAY?
One of my favorite plays so far has been a production of Almost Maine by John Cariani that I did about 6 or 7 seasons ago at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. It’s a beautiful and quirky play of about 10 scenes that capture different couples on a specific night in a remote town in Maine where the Northern Lights are in full expression. It becomes a magical night with positive and negative outcomes. It was with a cast of 4 so each of us got to play about 5 different roles and I just loved every single moment of that process and production. People who saw it still talk to me about it and about how special it was for them as well. And it was directed by Laura Gordon who directed Boeing Boeing for IRT last season! It was our first time working together as actor/director.

WHAT IS A DREAM ROLE YOU HOPE TO PLAY SOMEDAY?
Okay, I REALLY want to play Miss Hannigan in Annie. There, I said it. I really do. I also would love to play Elizabeth in Richard III, Hedda in Hedda Gabler and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. But Miss Hannigan? That would be a dream!

IF YOU WEREN’T AN ACTOR, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
If I weren’t an actor I would be running an animal sanctuary somewhere...I actually still may do that someday, who knows? But I would rescue every needy animal out there if I could. I am an advocate for pit bull rescue. It’s very dear to me. My partner Erin and I have two rescue pitties currently: Vegas and Richard...they are the BEST BREED!

IF YOU COULD EAT DINNER WITH ANYONE, ALIVE OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
My late friend Sarah Heberlein. We lost her far too early. She gave the best advice: genuinely and unabashedly... I would love a night of laughter, tears and Thai food with her again.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/WATCHING FOR ARTISTIC INSPIRATION THESE DAYS?
I have been reading autobiographies lately. Most recent ones are: Alan Cumming, Joel Grey and Carol Burnett. Not really for any reason other than interest and entertainment.

IF YOU WERE BANISHED TO A DESERTED ISLAND AND COULD BRING ONLY THREE ITEMS WITH YOU, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
The three things I would take would be a lifetime supply of matches (I love a good bonfire), thousands of NYT crossword puzzles and apple cider vinegar.

​WHAT SUPERPOWER DO YOU MOST WISH YOU HAD?
The superpower I wish I had is being able to be invisible. I would sneak in to the front rows of so many concerts and football games.

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Our thanks to Elizabeth Ledo (above) for answering our questions for this issue! Is there an IRT artist you would like to see featured, or have a specific question for? Drop us a line! Email Lindsey Horan at lhoran@irtlive.com using the subject Ask the Artist.