The musical Zorro premiered in the West End in 2008, with music by the Gipsy Kings it tells the story of the original superhero – Zorro. To celebrate its success, the musical is being performed as a stage concert at Cadogan Hall this February.
Lesli Margherita is reprising her Olivier-award winning performance as Inez for one night only in this spectacular concert.
“This musical is the origin story of Zorro who was the very first superhero. It is the story of how he became Zorro and his journey to becoming that icon,” said Lesli. “I play Inez, Queen of the Gypsies who is actually his best friend – she really helps him on his journey.”
Lesli describes Inez as ‘the best character ever’ not only because she is Queen of the Gypsies, but because she fights for her rights and the rights of people. “She is the strongest woman I have every played and she’s not afraid to speak her mind,” Lesli explained. “Especially when it comes to Diego who becomes Zorro, she isn’t afraid to tell him when he is being a jerk. I love that relationship because it’s not a romantic relationship, it is a really amazing friendship and I love that that was always at the heart of the show.”
It’s rare to see a female leading role without a love interest and Lesli is so proud to have originated that character. “They truly are best friends and Inez is someone that just wants the best for Zorro,” she said. “I really love being able to play that role.”
In 2009, Lesli won the Olivier Award for ‘Best Supporting Actress in a Musical’ for her portrayal of Inez. “It was so crazy,” she says. “Everybody said to me ‘don’t worry, Americans don’t win,’ so I was just going to have a good time.
My husband made me write down five or six names to thank and it was completely shocking to me, it still is completely shocking to me. I was so proud to represent the show and I think it really took the pressure off having so many people say I wasn’t going to win. We just had a great time that night and I really just enjoyed it and it will forever be something I am mystified by.”
When Darren Bell and Jack Maple, the producers of Take Two Theatricals, approached Lesli, she said yes in a heartbeat. “I had been talking to them about my cabaret show and they said they’d been listening to Zorro a lot recently and would love to do a stage concert of it,” Lesli said. “I said ‘well if you ever do it then I’m in.’ Any chance I get to sing that music and revisit it then I do. Plus to go back to London, which I see as my second home, I am always on board.”
It’s not only Lesli who is returning to the show as her co-star Emma Williams (Half a Sixpence, Mrs Henderson Presents) is reprising her role as Luisa. “I am thrilled to do it with Emma again, we love doing these roles together, especially since this is a little bit of a different version, it will be a little new,” she said. “It is going to be a blast we are really looking forward to it.”
Aside from the thrilling storyline, it’s the music that has really stayed with Lesli all this time. “The Gipsy Kings are just absolutely genius – I was such a big fan of theirs before I did Zorro. As soon as you hear their music you just want to get up and dance,” Lesli said.
“Their iconic sound is just perfect for Zorro. I’ve sang Bamboleo a thousand times but even when I hear it today I just love listening to it.”
Asking Lesli what audiences can expect from this concert, she instantly replied “they are going to be getting up on their feet and dancing.
“I am so excited for audiences to hear this music, maybe for the first time. It is such an amazing show that needs to be heard and needs to reach more and more people. Everyone will have a blast – it will be so much fun. It’s going to be massive, there is such a big ensemble of people and it will sound just as it did on the West End. These musicians and singers are so fantastic and I can’t wait.
“I am looking forward to listening to it just as much as the audience are. I just love this music, so for a concert setting it’s just perfect.”
Zorro the staged concert is on Sunday 23rd of February, tickets and information can be found on their website.
