Words From the Wings: Betsy Aidem of LEOPOLDSTADT on Talking to the Dead Backstage, and More!

BroadwayWorld is bringing you Words From the Wings, a new series of interviews that take fans behind the scenes of some of their favorite Broadway stars' backstage routines!

Today we're chatting with Betsy Aidem of Leopoldstadt, who told us all about how she talks to the dead before hitting the stage, and more! Check out her answers, along with photos taken by BroadwayWorld's Jennifer Broski, below!

What's the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?

The first thing I do when I get to the theater is start pin curling my hair for wig prep. Slap on some makeup. I'm not terribly adept at this - you'd think by now I'd be better. I warm up my voice in the lower lobby and head up to the basement for my wig to be put on by Justin.

What's the last thing you do before you go on stage?

The last thing I do before I go on is usually invoke some of my friends and family who are no longer with us. It fills me up, both with them and with the gratitude that I'm still here to honor them.

What's your must-have backstage snack?

Ricola's. I was snacking back before Thanksgiving and then my corset got tight - so I'm trying to not snack. A piece of dark chocolate manages to break that commitment.

Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?

Talking to dead people. The show is about ancestors.

What are five must-haves in your dressing room?

Must have my paints, my beads, my books, my cleanser and my graphite pencils.

What's your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?

From the wings: I love watching both our Rosas, Pearl and Ava, goof around before their very somber opening tableau with the cat's cradle. The music starts and gets me every time.

What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?

My favorite moment is all the time I get to spend with the four girls in the cast. We do a lot of creative projects/challenges together and they are so unbelievable smart and kind and funny and dear. I feel like I'm 10 again with them.

About Betsy Aidem

Prayer for the French Republic, All The Way, Beautiful, Nikolai and the Others, Road, The Metal Children, Mary Rose, Celebration, Final Follies, Stone Cold Dead Serious, A Lie of the Mind, Steel Magnolias, Balm in Gilead. Regional: A.R.T., Huntington, Long Wharf, George Street, Williamstown, Portland Stage, Westport. TV: "Inside Amy Schumer," "Law & Order: SVU," "Bull," "Madame Secretary," "The Americans." Film: Margaret, Irrational Man, The Greatest Showman. Awards: Obie Sustained Excellence of Performance, Richard Seff 2022, BWW Award, Drama Desk Ensemble. Nominations: Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics Circle, Irne. Directing: A Doll's House, Part 2.

About Leopoldstadt

Set in Vienna, Leopoldstadt takes its title from the Jewish quarter. This passionate drama of love and endurance begins in the last days of 1899 and follows one extended family deep into the heart of the 20th Century. Full of his customary wit and beauty, Tom Stoppard's late work spans fifty years of time over two hours.

Leopoldstadt's cast, which includes several members of the original West End company and 24 actors making their Broadway debuts, features Jesse Aaronson* (The Play That Goes Wrong off-Broadway), Betsy Aidem (Prayer for the French Republic), Jenna Augen* (Leopoldstadt in the West End), Japhet Balaban* (The Thing About Harry on Freeform), Corey Brill ("The Walking Dead," Gore Vidal's The Best Man), Daniel Cantor* (Tuesdays with Morrie off-Broadway), Faye Castelow* (Leopoldstadt in the West End), Erica Dasher* ("Jane By Design"), Eden Epstein* ("Sweetbitter" on Starz, "See" on Apple TV+), Gina Ferrall (Big River, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), Arty Froushan* (Leopoldstadt in the West End), Charlotte Graham* (The Tempest at A.R.T.), Matt Harrington (Matilda The Musical), Jacqueline Jarrold (The Cherry Orchard), Sarah Killough (Travesties), David Krumholtz ("Numb3rs," Oppenheimer), Caissie Levy (The Bedwetter; Caroline, or Change), Colleen Litchfield* ("The Crowded Room" on Apple TV+), Tedra Millan (Present Laughter, The Wolves), Aaron Neil* (Leopoldstadt in the West End), Theatre World Award winner Seth Numrich (Travesties, War Horse), Anthony Rosenthal (Falsettos), Christopher James Stevens*, Sara Topham (Travesties), three-time Tony Award nominee Brandon Uranowitz (Assassins, Falsettos, Burn This), Dylan S. Wallach (Betrayal), Reese Bogin*, Max Ryan Burach*, Calvin James Davis*, Michael Deaner*, Romy Fay* ("Best Foot Forward" on Apple TV+), Pearl Scarlett Gold*, Jaxon Cain Grundleger*, Wesley Holloway*, Ava Michele Hyl*, Joshua Satine*, Aaron Shuf*, and Drew Squire*.