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Laura Benanti

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BIO

Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti can be seen in the Samantha Bee and Jason Jones TBS comedy, The Detour. Additional TV credits include Younger, Supergirl, Nashville, guest-starring as songbird Sadie Stone; The Good Wife; and Showtime’s Nurse Jackie.


Most recently, Laura starred as Eliza Doolittle in the Broadway Revival of My Fair Lady. Prior to that, she co-starred alongside Amy Schumer and Keegan Michael Key in Steve Martin’s hit Broadway play, Meteor Shower.
In 2016, Laura completed her Tony nominated role (and 5th nomination) as Amalia Balash in the hit Broadway Musical, She Loves Me. Laura also received Outer Critics Circle, Drama League and Drama Desk Award nominations for this role.
In addition to television work and her critically acclaimed performance as Elsa Schrader in NBC’s The Sound of Music LIVE, Ms. Benanti is a highly celebrated, stage actress who took Broadway by storm at the age of 18.
She received a Drama Desk award, Outer Critics Circle Award and a Tony Award Nomination for her starring role in the Broadway production of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown for Lincoln Center where she also starred in the Broadway production of Sarah Ruhl’s In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play. Ms. Benanti earned the 2008 Tony Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award for her revelatory portrayal of Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy opposite Patti LuPone and directed by Arthur Laurents. Her other Broadway roles include The Wedding Singer, Nine, starring Antonio Banderas, her Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award-nominated performance of Cinderella in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods and her sultry Tony nominated turn in Swing! Ms. Benanti made her Broadway debut as Maria in The Sound of Music opposite Richard Chamberlain.
Other distinguished theater performances include the Public Theater’s production of Christopher Durang’s Why Torture is Wrong and the People Who Love Them, Perdita in The Winter’s Tale at the Williamstown Theatre Festival opposite Kate Burton, Anne in A Little Night Music at the L.A. Opera opposite Victor Garber, Eileen in Wonderful Town opposite Donna Murphy and most recently her portrayal of Rosabella in the Most Happy Fella, both for City Center Encores! Ms. Benanti completed a week-long engagement at the popular New York cabaret club, 54 Below, for which The New York Times hailed her as a “supremely confident” performer whose “bright, full soprano, with its semioperatic heft, can go almost anywhere.” In September 2013, she released her debut album, “In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention: Live at 54 Below” on Broadway Records to ecstatic reviews.
Laura currently performs her concerts in venues around the country and even recently performed for the President and First Lady of the United States at both the Fords Gala and the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington DC.
In 2014, she joined the cast of ABC’s hit series “Nashville” guest-starring as songbird Sadie Stone. Laura also appeared in recurring roles on CBS’s “The Good Wife” and HBO’s “Nurse Jackie.”
Laura’s past television credits include a starring role in the NBC series “The Playboy Club” and “Go On” opposite Matthew Perry. She also starred in the F/X original series “Starved”. Ms. Benanti recurred on “Law and Order: SVU,” “Royal Pains,” and “Eli Stone.” and had appearances on “The Big C”, and “Elementary”.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Irish Rep Off-Broadway Production, 2023
Melissa

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2018
Eliza Doolittle [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2017
Laura

[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Broadway Revival, 2016
Amalia

[Off-Broadway]
Radio City Musical Hall Production, 2015
Jenna

[New York]
Manhattan Concert Production at Lincoln Center, 2015
Lucille Frank

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2014
Performer

[Motion Picture]
NBC Live Televised Production, 2013
Elsa Schrader

[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Production, 2010
Candela

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2009
Mrs. Givings

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2008
Louise

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 2007
Louise

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 2006
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2006
Julia

Julia [Replacement]

[New York]
New York Concert, 2005
Lily

[New York]
Workshop, 2005
Performers

[Regional (US)]
Workshop, 2004
Princess Caraboo

[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2004
Other Roles

Performer

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2003
The Snake-Led

[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2003
Rosamund Plinth [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2003
Claudia

[Broadway]
Richard Rodgers 100th Birthday Celebration, 2002
"Something Good" Performer

"In My Own Little Corner" Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2002
Cinderella

[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Revival (Pre-Broadway), 2002
Cinderella/Cinderella's Mother

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2001
Julia

[Off-Broadway]
2001
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2000
Eileen

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1999
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1998
Maria Rainer [Replacement]

Ensemble

A Postulant

Maria Rainer (Understudy)


Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2018 - Distinguished Performance Award

Laura Benanti, Meteor Shower

Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, She Loves Me

Drama League Awards - 2016 - Distinguished Performance Award

Laura Benanti, She Loves Me

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, She Loves Me

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Laura Benanti, She Loves Me


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2011 - Best Featured Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Laura Benanti, In the Next Room, or the vibrator play


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Gypsy


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Gypsy


winner
Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Gypsy

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Nine

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Laura Benanti, Into the Woods

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Into the Woods

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Laura Benanti , Swing!

Videos

News


Videos: Laura Benanti, Julia Murney, and More Perform at BROADWAY CELEBRATES EQUAL RIGHTS at 54 Below

On August 26, 54 Below celebrated Women's Equality Day with Broadway Celebrates Equal Rights, featuring a host of Broadway performances. Check out the videos here!
Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup �" Aug. 26 to Sept. 1, 2024

Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including album release shows, Isaac Mizrahi, and plenty of jazz.
Westport Country Playhouse Adds Laura Benanti To Talent Lineup For Annual Fundraiser

Westport Country Playhouse has announced that Tony Award winner and five-time Tony Award nominee Laura Benanti has been added to the talent lineup for the fundraising concert, “The Best Is Yet to Come,” on Saturday, September 14.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld August 22, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is August 22, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: Laura Benanti is Back as Melania Trump on THE LATE SHOW

As politics continue to heat up ahead of the November election, Laura Benanti's tried and true portrayal of Melania Trump has returned to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In the clip, Benanti tunes into the Late Show as the former First Lady, who is on location at the Democratic National Convention.
Anthony Rapp And Adam Pascal Join THE BROADWAY CRUISE 3rd Sailing

THE BROADWAY CRUISE has announced new talent for its third sailing, featuring performances and events with Broadway stars. Join this unique experience combining the best of Broadway and cruising.
Laura Benanti Starring in Indie Horror Movie THE SHADE, Releasing in September

The Shade, an award-winning independent horror film starring Chris Galust and Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti has been picked up for North American distribution by Level 33 Entertainment. The film will have an exclusive theatrical release on several hundred screens in the U.S. and Canada on September 20, 2024, ahead of its release across all digital platforms. 
Todd Almond's I'M ALMOST THERE to Have NY Premiere at Audible Theater

Audible will present the New York premiere of I’m Almost There, written and performed by Todd Almond and directed by David Cromer. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Laura Benanti and More Join BROADWAY CELEBRATES EQUALITY At 54 Below

54 Below will present “Broadway Celebrates Equality,” a celebration of Women’s Equality Day, Monday, Aug. 26, 7  p.m.
Leslie Uggams, Andrea Martin, & More Join THE GILDED AGE Season 3

A slew of new names have joined the third season of HBO's hit drama The Gilded Age. Bill Camp (Broadway's The Crucible), Merritt Wever, Leslie Uggams, and Lisagay Hamilton will all play key roles in Season 3's ensemble. Additionally, Tony Award winner Andrea Martin is set to portray a medium named Madame Dashkova. 
Amy Sherman-Palladino Recalls GYPSY Film Talks with Stephen Sondheim- 'The Best 15 Hours of My Life'

Amy Sherman-Palladino makes her Broadway writing debut this season with her adapted book for Once Upon a Mattress, which opens on Monday, August 12. Mattress isn't her first try at rewriting a musical, however. She was called on to pen a new script for a new film adaptation of Gypsy and she recalls the experience in a recent interview.
Stella Cole Shares New Rendition of 'P.S. I Love You'

Vocalist and rising artist Stella Cole has shared a rendition of the popular 1934 classic love song, “P.S. I Love You” available now. A timeless love letter to a partner, the song was written by Gordon Jenkins and features one of Johnny Mercer’s cleverest lyrics.
Derek Hough's DANCE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Tour Comes to the Bosh Center Wang Theatre in November

Four-time EMMY® winner Derek Hough announced his all-new Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays tour.  The screen and stage star will be at the Boch Cetner Wang Theatre November 6, 2024.
Joe Iconis & Family, Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp, and More to Play 54 Below

Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. Check out the full lineup here!
Megan Hilty, Christine Ebersole & Gavin Creel to be Featured in Broadway In Worcester 2024-2025 Season

Broadway in Worcester announces its 2024-2025 season featuring Megan Hilty, Christine Ebersole, and Gavin Creel. Single tickets and subscriptions are now available. Learn how to purchase!
Review: Laura and Linda Benanti Take A Glorious Trip Down Memory Lane at 54 Below

Together Laura and Linda Benanti, a truly remarkable mother-daughter singing duo, took to the stage and brought an unsuspecting audience into their own unique world filled with love, laughter and of course, song. The sold-out run continues with two more shows tonight and tomorrow.
See Laura and Linda Benanti & More Next Week at 54 Below

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Mary Testa to Star in QUEEN OF THE MIST in Concert at PEAK Performances

Mary Testa will star in concert performances of Queen of the Mist at PEAK Performances. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup �" July 15 to July 21, 2024

Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including plenty of cabaret, a new show by Ziwe, and Broadway-filled brunch.
The Cast of MJ, Lucie Arnaz, and More to Play 54 Below Next Week

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club and 2022 Tony Awards Honoree for Excellence in the Theatre, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Laura Benanti been in?

Laura Benanti has appeared on Broadway in 14 shows.

How many West End shows has Laura Benanti been in?

Laura Benanti has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Laura Benanti been nominated for?

Laura Benanti has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performances. She was nominated for the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for Meteor Shower. Additionally, she earned nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Tony Awards for her role in She Loves Me. For Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, she was nominated for Best Featured Actress in a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards, as well as Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. She also received a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for the same show. In the Next Room, or the vibrator play earned her a nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. She received nominations for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at both the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for her performance in Gypsy, as well as a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for the same role. Furthermore, she was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Nine, and for Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Into the Woods. She also received a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for both Into the Woods and Swing!.

What awards has Laura Benanti won?

Laura Benanti has won the following awards: - Best Featured Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Gypsy - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Gypsy - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Gypsy.

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