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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


Robert Bannon Will Bring His Holiday Special to Chelsea Table + Stage

The evening will feature live music and special guests, who will be announced soon. Robert will also be celebrating the holidays and his single from last Christmas, 'Don't Save It All For Christmas Day.' It's a must-see event that will bring joy and holiday spirit to everyone this season.
Photos: Inside Classic Stage Company's 2024 Gala

Classic Stage Company presented their 2024 Gala, honoring Tony Award winner Nikki M. James and 11-time Emmy Award winner Frank DiLella. Directed by Daniel Goldstein, CSC’s 2024 Gala was hosted by Tony Award nominee Jenn Collela and Tony Award nominee Michael James Scott.
THE SABBATH GIRL Original Cast Recording is Now Available

Center Stage Records has announced the release of The Sabbath Girl: A New Musical (Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording) on all digital platforms, with a CD to be issued in early 2025.
Review: BROADWAY MELODY Marries Story & Songs at 54 Below

Jack Viertel's new novel mixes some bits of actual theatre productions, people, places, and songs into its fiction. The author read excerpts from the book for a program he hosted and co-produced at 54 Below, with guest singers performing relevant/referenced songs.
WONDERFUL TOWN to Replace THE WILD PARTY in 2025 Encores! Series

New York City Center has revealed that the final production of the 2025 Encores! Series will be Wonderful Town, replacing the previously announced The Wild Party. Learn more about the season and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Red Carpet Arrivals

The best of Broadway came out to celebrate at the Belasco Theatre yesterday, where Maybe Happy Ending held its special gala performance. BroadwayWorld was there for the special night and you can check out photos from the starry guest arrivals below.
Review: Macon Prickett Owns 54 Below During MACON: HIS OWN WAY!

Macon Prickett glittered and was gay. And it worked.
Kate Baldwin, Dylan Baker & More Join THE GILDED AGE Season 3

The third season of The Gilded Age has added six more stars to its supporting lineup, including several Broadway alums. ate Baldwin, Dylan Baker, Michael Cumpsty, John Ellison Conlee, Bobby Steggert, and Hannah Shealy will all appear in the show's upcoming season.
Roger Bart, Laura Benanti and More Will Lead Reading of Brendan Hunt's THE ART COUPLE

Tony Award–winners Roger Bart, Laura Benanti, Will Brill, and Nikki M. James will join Emmy Award–winning actor, writer, comedian, and co-creator of Ted Lasso Brendan Hunt for a full-cast reading of his new play, The Art Couple.
Laurie Metcalf and Eric McCormack Join ELSBETH as Guest Stars

Laurie Metcalf and Eric McCormack have joined the cast of the new season of the CBS dramedy Elsbeth as guest stars.
Talia Susakuer & Loni Ackerman to Join BROADWAY MELODY at 54 Below

Talia Suskauer (Wicked) and Loni Ackerman (Cats) will join Broadway Melody at 54 Below. Broadway Melody is a love letter to both the Golden Age of the American musical and a bygone era of the city that never sleeps, all seen through the eyes of a lovelorn trumpet player and an actress on the cusp of her big break. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Tituss Burgess, Norm Lewis & More Join Classic Stage Company 2024 GALA

Classic Stage Company has revealed the complete lineup of performers for their 2024 Gala, honoring Tony Award winner Nikki M. James and 11-time Emmy Award winner Frank DiLella. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.
Bradley Riches, Amber Davies & Claudia Kariuki Join Scott Alan Live At Cadogan Hall

Bradley Riches, Amber Davies, and Claudia Kariuki will join Amy di Bartolemeo, Oliver Tompsett, and Stuart Matthew Price as guest vocalists for internationally acclaimed songwriter SCOTT ALAN live at Cadogan Hall.
Video: Laura Benanti Sings 'The Sound of Music' at 54 Below

Watch Laura Benanti sing the title song from The Sound of Music, a role she first played on Broadway at 18 years old at 54 Below in this all-new video.
Exclusive: Jonathan Tolins Talks Broadway, Opera, & Murder (Oh, My!) in ELSBETH

Ahead of the new season, BroadwayWorld sat down with showrunner Jonathan Tolins to discuss the CBS series Elsbeth, its many connections to the stage, and why the show represents a more upbeat version of New York City than is often portrayed onscreen.
Laura Benanti and Christine Duffy to be Honored at Broadway Dreams Gala

Co-directed by Tony Award-winner Alex Newell and Emmy Award-nominated director and choreographer Spencer Liff, the Broadway Dreams Gala will honor Laura Benanti and Christine Duffy. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Ana Gasteyer to Join TDF's Fall Fundraiser BROADWAY BREAKFAST At City Winery

Stage and screen star Ana Gasteyer has joined the lineup for its annual fall fundraiser, Broadway Breakfast, to be held at City Winery New York City. The event will feature Laura Benanti, and more. See how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Hannah Gadsby's WOOF! Opens Off-Broadway

Hannah Gadsby's WOOF! recently celebrated its opening night at the Abrons Arts Center. The new comedy is written and performed by Gadsby and directed by Jenney Shamash . Production Design for the Off-Broadway production is by Oona Curley, based on Original Design by Shamash. Check out photos from opening night here!
Laura Benanti, Kate Baldwin & Nikki M. James To Star In BROADWAY MELODY at 54 Below

Laura Benanti, Nikki M. James, Kate Baldwin and more will star in BROADWAY MELODY WITH JACK VIERTEL & FRIENDS at 54 Below in November. Learn more about the upcoming concert and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Gwen Walz, Jane Krakowski, & Susan Sarandon Visit Todd Almond's I'M ALMOST THERE

Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz, Jane Krakowski, and Susan Sarandon visited The New York premiere of I’m Almost There, written and performed by Todd Almond and directed by David Cromer. Check out photos here!

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?

Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Meteor Shower, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for She Loves Me, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for She Loves Me, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for She Loves Me, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for She Loves Me, 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, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for In the Next Room, or the vibrator play, 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, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Nine , Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Into the Woods , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Into the Woods and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for 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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