Leslie Stevens, of Scots-Irish and Norwegian descent, grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her

mother, an English teacher passionate about women’s rights, and her father, a left-

handed baseball pitcher and businessman, instilled in her a love for learning and

tenacity. An athlete from an early age, Leslie competed in Junior Olympic gymnastics

until age 11, when her family moved and she shifted her focus to dance, acting, and

choir.

Leslie made her Broadway debut at 17 as the ingénue lead in La Cage Aux Folles and

soon after joined NBC’s Search For Tomorrow as a contract player. She has since built

a multifaceted career in theater, film, and dance, originating roles on Broadway,

including Anne in La Cage Aux Folles and performing alongside Julie Andrews in

Victor/Victoria. Her passion extends to writing and education; she collaborates with LA

Opera’s Education Department, creating original librettos for young audiences.

In addition to her on-stage work, Leslie has appeared with Hubbard Street Dance

Chicago and the Dayton Ballet, and she has performed in notable productions like An

American in Paris, Grumpy Old Men, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and

Chicago. Offstage, Leslie finds joy in poetry, pie, and the occasional hamster. She lives

with immense gratitude for her husband, Forrest, and continues to embrace new

projects and roles with heartfelt dedication.

Leslie will share with us her journey and what it feels like to live both in Pasadena and

Los Feliz!

www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com

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