Star Spotlight: ANYTHING GOES' Laura Osnes

Star Profile
Name: Laura Osnes
Show: Anything Goes
Character: Hope Harcourt

Q: When did you realize you wanted to become a professional actor?

A: I sang "Castle On A Cloud" from Les Mierables in my Kindergarten talent show. It's been my dream for as long as I can remember.

Q: Any funny on-stage mishaps thus far?

A: I wasn't actually on stage for this moment, but there's a scene where Joel and Colin are locked in the brig and can't get out. Joel's blocking in the scene is to go over and bang on the jail bars of the door...And on the second preview, the door flung open!! The audience roared and Joel did a nice, comedic "take" to the audience. The crew now triple checks that the door is securely locked before the scene...But I remember Joel later asked what he could do to make sure it wasn't locked every night! He loved it.

Q: What is your favorite moment in Anything Goes?

A: One of the most magical moments every night is reveling in the applause after the big "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" number in Act II. At nearly every performance so far, the audience has clapped and cheered for a steady 20-30 seconds, and we just get to stand, smile, and soak it in!

Q: You made your Broadway debut in the 2007 revival of Grease, directed by Kathleen Marshall. What do you enjoy most about working with her?

A: She is so wonderful, and I'm honored to have gotten the opportunity to work (and play!) with her again on Anything Goes. She's literally made this production a work of art, transitioning seamlessly from scene, to song, to dance. She does it all. And on top of that, she has such a kind, humble, positive spirit! She has earned all of our respect without a demanding an ounce of it.

Q: Are there fundamental differences between performing in "pop-musicals" like Grease versus the more traditional styles in Anything Goes?

A: They are very different, but it's fun for me to get to switch it up. Although Hope Harcourt is a similar type of character to Sandy, her songs require more of that legit sound. I don't think I "belt" one note in this show...As where "Hopelessly Devoted" was all about belting that well-known chorus. Both musicals include well-known songs, so it's my job to pay homage to them and the music, while also putting my own twist on it.

Q: When you're not onstage you are...

A: Watching "Friday Night Lights" with my hubby or meeting up with friends for dinner between shows.

Q: What's your favorite hangout in NYC?

A: Casellula - My husband and I love this little wine/cheese nook on W 52nd St. The food is fabulous, the atmosphere's cozy, and we've even befriended the owners.

Q: Do you have any theatre-related superstitions?

A: Not really, actually. I don't freak out if someone says "good luck" instead of "break-a-leg", or if The Scottish Play is mentioned. I tend not to think about them, pruning out any negative stigma that superstitions bring. My job is too wonderful to get overly worried about superstitions that are tagged to it.

You can see Laura in Anything Goes at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre now extended to 2012.