Eden Espinosa has made a triumphant return to Broadway after a 16-year hiatus. Last seen on the Broadway stage in 2008 as Maureen in the closing company of "Rent," Espinosa now leads the new musical "Lempicka," portraying the celebrated artist Tamara de Lempicka. This role marks a significant milestone in her career, earning her a Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.
"Lempicka" chronicles the life of the titular character from her early days as an artist in Paris to her complex personal relationships and beyond. Espinosa, at 46, emphasizes the rarity and the challenge of such roles for women her age. "There's no roles like this for women my age, that do this whole thing," she says. The show begins with Lempicka as an old woman and traces her entire journey, pushing Espinosa beyond her limits.
Espinosa's involvement with "Lempicka" spans a decade, including pre-Broadway productions at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and the La Jolla Playhouse. Initially, she played Rafaela, Lempicka's lover, in the 2014 workshop. Her journey to securing the title role was arduous, involving multiple re-auditions and a battle for the part. Espinosa compares the character to her past roles like Maureen in "Rent" and Elphaba in "Wicked," where she made her Broadway debut as a standby before joining the national tour and the original Los Angeles company.
Espinosa's portrayal of Lempicka is informed by her dedication to understanding and embodying complex characters. "I always want to find the human aspect and have compassion for my characters and never judge them," she explains. Her commitment to portraying nuanced, flawed individuals resonates with audiences, as evidenced by the show's positive reception and the emotional connections it has fostered.
As "Lempicka" prepares to close on May 19, and with the Tony Awards approaching on June 16, Espinosa reflects on her Broadway return and the significance of the role. She acknowledges the challenge of portraying a bisexual woman whose relationships and desires are central to the narrative. Espinosa and co-star Amber Iman, who plays Rafaela, hold their portrayal of queer relationships in high regard, ensuring authenticity and respect.
Espinosa's career has been marked by risk-taking and a willingness to embrace challenging roles. "I've developed a thicker skin when it comes to opinions about the pieces that I'm involved in," she notes, emphasizing the importance of artistic integrity. Her hope is that audiences leave "Lempicka" feeling moved and inspired to reflect on their own lives. "I want them to leave a bigger human," she says, encapsulating the transformative power of theater.
Espinosa's return to Broadway in "Lempicka" not only highlights her talent and dedication but also underscores the evolving landscape of Broadway, where complex, multifaceted female characters can lead production and captivate audiences.