BWW Exclusive: Laura Osnes Will Take a Crack at Boublil & Schonberg at the New York Pops Gala

On Monday, May 2, 2016, The New York Pops presents its 33rd birthday gala, celebrating the revolutionary collaborations of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, the songwriting team behind LES MISERABLES, Miss Saigon, and more. Serving as Honorary Co-Chairs for the event are musical theatre legends Sir Cameron Mackintosh and Patti LuPone.

The event begins at 7:00 PM with a concert in Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, featuring a spectacular lineup of guest artists under the baton of Music Director Steven Reineke. The performance will highlight Boublil and Schönberg's tremendous four-decade partnership. Guest artists Jesse Tyler Ferguson,Montego Glover, Robert Marien, Laura Osnes, and Kyle Scatliffe join the previously announcedStephanie J. Block, Jon Jon Briones, Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis, Patti LuPone, Eva Noblezada, John Owen-Jones, Hugh Panaro, Lea Salonga, and Marie Zamora. The concert will also feature Judith Clurman's Essential Voices USA, as well as students from The New York Pops' Kids on Stage music education program and Camp Broadway Kids.

In anticipation of the big event, BroadwayWorld is checking in with some of the performers. Today, check out what Laura Osnes had to say...

Do you have a favorite memory from working with Alain Boublil & Claude Schonberg?

I can't wait to meet Mr. Boublil and Mr. Schönberg! We haven't started working together yet, but these men wrote the musicals of my childhood that sparked my love for musical theater! I'm sure it's going to be a very special experience, especially paired with the charismatic Steve Reineke and the prestigious New York Pops!

Do you have a favorite song or moment from a Boublil & Schonberg show?

I love the song "I'd Give My Life For You" from Miss Saigon. It's such a powerful moment of instinctual, guttural motherly love that Kim gets to have. Ugghhh, that whole musical is just... it amazes me.

Is there a role in a Boublil & Schonberg show that you'd like to play someday?

Kim is definitely a dream role, but I will never get to play her! Not only am I likely too old at this point, I'm also not the appropriate race... slight problem.

This year's gala will feature music students from The New York Pops' extensive education programs. What single piece of advice would you give to any young, aspiring performers?

To all young aspiring performers, be proud of the gifts you've been given and bring the best of yourself to every audition, song, role, or performance you give. Be patient, humble, kind, hard-working, eager, and grateful. Every professional performer has a very different "success" story... create yours.

What projects are coming up for you in future that you can share

I have been a part of the developmental process for a brand new musical called The Bandstand that is aiming for Broadway in the 2016-2017 season. In the meantime, I have several concert appearances coming up including my solo cabaret at Birdland (May 30), Golden Age of Broadway concert with the Boston Pops (June 15 & 16), The Broadway Princess Party at 54 Below (June 20), and Broadway Romance concert with Santino Fontana in Minneapolis (July 10).

Advance benefit tickets to the concert-only range from $65 to $160 and can be purchased at www.newyorkpops.org.