Eden Espinosa made her Broadway debut as the Elphaba standby in the original company of Wicked in 2003. The following year, she was cast in the musical Brooklyn, the titular singer in search of her father and the life of her dreams. She's now taking on the title role in Lempicka, the new musical about Polish painter Tamara de Lempicka. In the intervening years, Espinosa has had a turn on Broadway as Maureen in Rent and she returned to Wicked to play Elphaba full time. But Lempicka marks her first time originating a Broadway role since 2004. 

"I am overwhelmed with love. I just feel the community really rooting for the show and rooting for me," Espinosa told Playbill on the opening night red carpet. "I haven't opened a show on Broadway in 20 years. Brooklyn was my last opening on Broadway. And that was 20 years ago, believe it or not. I'm just filled with gratitude. And I feel the love buzzing all around us."

But Espinosa is prepared for this moment. In an earlier interview, the performer admitted to feelings of worthlessness and questioning herself after so many years away from the Main Stem. "I'm ready," she says. "I have what it takes…I feel fortunate. And I feel called to lead this cast and tell this woman's story.”

READ: Eden Espinosa Has Been Waiting a Long Time for a Role Like Lempicka

Playbill had the great good fortune of being invited to tag along as Espinosa got ready for her opening night red carpet. Scroll on for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the occasion, with commentary from Espinosa herself. 

"This is a moment I was trying to respond to all the love messages I was being sent! The glorious team of make up by Kat Nejat and hair by Lindsay Block."

"Glam squad of dreams. I couldn’t ask for better hearts and spirits than these two glorious women. On top of being two of the best in the game. So grateful for them, and [stylist] Jake [Sokoloff], for getting me ready for my big night."

"There she is. The minute I tried on this Marc Bouwer piece, my stylist Jake Sokoloff and I knew it was the one. We wanted this lewk to be a moment! I love the Art Deco nod with the design of the sequins."

"We tried two different body suits underneath the dress. This was after we decided on the one that we liked best. Lindsay fluffing my hair and Jake getting me in to my shoes."

"Last looks before hitting the carpet with Jake and Lindsay."

"This is the moment I saw my sweet mother who burst into tears the second she saw me. And my Dad in the background with his iPhone. Always a blessing to have my parents supporting me and cheering me on."

"This was the moment I saw so many of my cast mates and their fabulous fashion moments."

"I’m at a point in my life of radical self-love and acceptance. This is one of the first events where I didn’t try to hide any parts of my body. This is me at 46 and I’ve never felt more 'in my body' than now."

"Didn’t expect any autographs on the carpet. But was honored to sign the official opening night Playbill for Playbill."

"This one might be a framer."

"HEATHER!!!! JUST. NAILED. THIS. I love the composition of this photo. From the marquee to one of the shows tag lines, 'Her time is now'—COME ON!!! Nailed it."

Lempicka opened April 14 at the Longacre Theatre. The new musical features a book and score by Carson Kreitzer and Matt Gould, and is directed by Rachel Chavkin. Amber Iman costars as Rafaela, Lempicka's muse and lover. The cast also includes Beth Leavel, Natalie Joy Johnson, Nathaniel Stampley, Zoe Glick, Andrew Samonsky, and George Abud. 

Click through the gallery below for even more "getting ready" photos with Eden Espinosa. 

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Photos: Eden Espinosa Gets Ready To Open Lempicka

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