Armed with a digital camera, Zimmerman snapped everything from morning rituals with daughter Cayleigh (who joined her at the theatre for the day) to between-show errands to after-show nightcap.
Here is a two-show day at Chicago with Leigh Zimmerman:
0
of
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Two-Show Day With Chicago Star Leigh Zimmerman
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Two-Show Day With Chicago Star Leigh Zimmerman
Leigh Zimmerman, currently starring as merry murderess Velma Kelly in the long-running Broadway revival of Chicago , offers Playbill.com readers an exclusive look at a recent two-show day, from morning wakeup to final bows.
34 PHOTOS
Happy Saturday! A two-show day in the middle of a five-show weekend. Morning, Pups! My daughter Cayleigh and I start the day the same way every day... feeding our hounds, Tappy and Buddha!
Leigh Zimmerman
OK! Now on to the biggest priority... feeding the child! Saturday is popular in our house because sugar cereal is only allowed on Saturday. Today is Cinnamon Toast Crunch! She has to fuel up, because she comes into the theatre with me every Saturday!
Leigh Zimmerman
Finally, my turn! TEA! Ten years in London finally converted me (except it is still herbal tea with lots of honey!).
Leigh Zimmerman
My mom just returned from the summer in Italy, so it is full-octane Italian coffee for her! Amazingly delicious! I usually have one on Sunday morning to get through the rest of the weekend shows!
Leigh Zimmerman
We do our morning Skype with my husband, Domenick, who is in Liverpool doing two concerts. We were Skyping during his private tour of John Lennon's childhood home. He arrives in NY tonight. And yes, he used to be a member of the rock group Foreigner!
Leigh Zimmerman
Off to the theatre in "The Beast," our Hummer from Las Vegas. Wish they would have come out with a hybrid!
Leigh Zimmerman
After almost 20 years on Broadway and in London's West End, I still feel the need to pose whenever possible...can't help myself!
Leigh Zimmerman
See! More posing! Arriving at the Ambassador Theatre. This is the third home for Chicago . When we opened in 1996, we were at the Richard Rodgers Theatre and then we moved to the Shubert. (I've also played Velma in London.)
Leigh Zimmerman
Speaking of posing! Our daughter poses next to my picture on the way into the theatre! I guess it's in the genes!
Leigh Zimmerman
I am pretending to sign in, but Cayleigh always signs in for us on a two-show day!
Leigh Zimmerman
Good morning to Kevin, our head of wardrobe for for the last 14 years! He is the best there is! Believe me, he has seen and heard everything! Cayleigh has already asked when her fitting will be! Kevin's reply: "10 years!"
Leigh Zimmerman
Cayleigh always has to stop by the stage and check out the house! It may be sooner than 10 years!
Leigh Zimmerman
I know, I better watch out! Velma in training!
Leigh Zimmerman
We are finally in my cozy dressing room! Say goodbye to the blonde hair... the red wig is going on soon!
Leigh Zimmerman
Good morning, Mr. Fosse! My daily inspiration on my dressing room wall. It was an opening night gift from my gorgeous husband.
Leigh Zimmerman
This is another photo my husband gave me of early Fosse with Janet Leigh... and both of their autographs! I had the honor of meeting Janet when she came to see Chicago on opening night at the Richard Rodgers.
Leigh Zimmerman
More of my opening night gifts from Domenick... that is an original Chicago program from 1975.
Leigh Zimmerman
Another poster on my wall… my husband's recent headlining show
in Las Vegas. Both Cayleigh and I sang with him...and then we all flew back to New York the next morning and I started in Chicago on Oct. 8. It was a big week for us!
Leigh Zimmerman
Another photo in my dressing room... Cayleigh and The Donald!
Leigh Zimmerman
Kat is our head of the hair department every Saturday! She is fantastic and takes great care of us!
Leigh Zimmerman
Mary, Amos and Mama! My amazing co-stars R. Lowe, Bobby Creighton and LaVon Fisher-Wilson.
Leigh Zimmerman
A side-shot from the wings... in case you shake apart and want a brand new start to do that jazz!
Leigh Zimmerman
Walking the Fosse walk in "All That Jazz."
Leigh Zimmerman
The ensemble dances behind me as we sing the final verse, right before Roxie kills the guy. (Uh-oh… did I just give it away?)
Leigh Zimmerman
Between shows it is off to the Edison for our favorite soup! Cayleigh and I both love the Cabbage, Chicken Noodle, and Tomato Rice! All we have to do is come in and say to our favorite waitress, "The usual, please!"
Leigh Zimmerman
After dinner, we like to walk around Times Square! It never gets old!
Leigh Zimmerman
Back to the dressing room for the evening show and a dressing-room play date during the show with two of Cayleigh's great friends, Mariela and Rosalia! They are the daughters of our original assistant conductor, Jeff Saver!
Leigh Zimmerman
Domenick and I took all of the girls and Jeff to see Promises, Promises before I started in the show. Great to see Kristin again! Another favorite dressing room photo!
Leigh Zimmerman
Me and the girls doing "Cell Block Tango."
Leigh Zimmerman
The Press Conference Rag – otherwise known to the gang backstage simply as "Gun."
Leigh Zimmerman
Charlotte and the boys rock "Roxie." What she does with that Roxie monologue is incredible!
Leigh Zimmerman
"I'll go now. But not quietly. May I have my exit music please!!" When Velma takes the stand. One of my favorite moments.
Leigh Zimmerman
Almost done with the second show... about to do "Nowadays" and "Hot Honey Rag."
Leigh Zimmerman
After the show, we meet up with Broadway producer and long time friend of Domenick, Larry Toppal, and have a night cap! I need to get home and sleep fast for two shows tomorrow and "Bagel Sunday" at the theatre! See you soon!
Leigh Zimmerman
Zimmerman was an original company member of the 1996 revival of Chicago , playing the role of Go-to-Hell Kitty. She starred as Velma in London’s West End in 2001 and 2009. Broadway credits include The Will Rogers Follies, Crazy for You and …Forum . She has appeared on the West End in Chicago, Contact, Seven Year Itch and The Producers , earning an Olivier Award nomination for her performance as Ulla.
*
Chicago won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 1997 as well as awards for actors Bebe Neuwirth and James Naughton, director Walter Bobbie, lighting designer Ken Billington and choreographer Ann Reinking. The original production was directed and choreographed by the late Bob Fosse.
Chicago plays the Ambassador Theatre, located at 219 West 49th Street.
Visit www.ChicagoTheMusical.com for more information.