Our Spotlight on the Stars in September 2025 featured Steve Leach.
From his very first audition with Mark Carroll to nearly two decades of music, memories, and backstage adventures, Steve Leach has been a cornerstone of the Spectacular Follies. Known as both “the guy with the guitar” and a versatile performer willing to step into any role, Steve has helped shape the Follies with his talent, humor, and heart. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, the friendships he’s made, and the joy of being part of something truly unique.
For nearly two decades, Steve Leach has been a steady presence in the Spectacular Follies — as a singer, guitarist, arranger, and all-around “utility player.” But ask him how it all began, and he’ll tell you it started with a little nudge.
Steve was singing in a vocal quartet with Andy Michlin, the original Follies music director, when Andy’s wife Judy urged him to audition. “I had no idea what I was getting into,” Steve recalls. “Nobody did, really.” His first audition with founder Mark Carroll was both fun and nerve-wracking, and the first show — more than three hours long — was “scary and exhilarating.” Steve sang five lead numbers that year, only one of which he’d performed before.
From that debut, Steve became known as “the guy who played guitar.” These days, he’s “one of the guys who plays guitar” — and much more. He’s taken on roles as a singer, musician, and arranger, even crafting medleys for recent shows. “It’s been a great challenge,” he says. “I had performed in music groups for decades, but had never done theatrical performances. The Follies pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow musically.”
Along the way, he’s collected countless memories — like singing “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” with Carmen after a last-minute change, or crooning “Only You” in two different shows. Backstage moments have been just as unforgettable. One year, he battled laryngitis throughout the run, surviving only with “a shot of Cuervo Gold before each number — medicinal, of course!” And in his very first performance, Steve walked onstage alone with his guitar to sing “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” while three frolicking dancers in nude suits were supposed to join him. They never came — one had injured her foot backstage. “They made it the next show,” Steve laughs.
Through it all, Steve says the heart of the Follies has always been the people. “It gives me so much inspiration to be among talented, committed seniors who are so full of optimism. It truly is exceptional.” He has built musical collaborations and deep friendships, and says the empathy and support cast members show each other is something rare and special.
He admits there were times he thought about leaving — but director DeeAnne Meece always convinced him to stay. “I’ve decided to quit several times, and DeeAnne has always ‘pulled me off the ledge,’ as she says. And it’s always been a good decision.”
Seventeen years after almost leaving that first audition without going in, Steve is grateful he stayed. His advice to newcomers? “If you are considering it, take the leap.”
As for the legacy of the Follies, Steve hopes audiences and cast members alike will remember how unique it is. “Nothing else in the world is quite like it, and I’m very grateful it happened to happen here where I live. Thousands of people have been entertained and inspired by the Follies over the years. That’s something special.”
