Leslie Paine Anding Biography

A model at age 2, Leslie made her stage debut as Clara in the New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker.  She earned a drama degree from the High School of Performing Arts, which helped Leslie win a drama scholarship to Hofstra University.  On stage, Leslie has appeared in Our Town, Finian’s Rainbow, Once Upon A Mattress, Damn Yankees, Picnic, Five Finger Exercise, Arms and the Man, Member of the Wedding, and The Man Who Came to Dinner.  Most recently, Leslie co-starred in Some Like It Hot - The Musical at Kelsey, where she’ll return in December as a featured guest star of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  Leslie’s backstage work has included stints as producer, assistant director, choreographer and stage manager - all done with the Children’s Theatre Workshop and other community theatre groups.  Because of her personal connection with the real Gypsy Rose Lee, Leslie considers her role as AD for Gypsy as one her all-time favorite stage assignments.