As previously reported by BroadwayWorld, Laura Benanti will star in NBC's drama pilot 'Playboy Club' as Carol-Lynne, a 30-year-old Playboy star. Now Variety reports that the pilot's actors had to sign nudity clauses, which state: "nudity as defined above and/or simulated sex acts may be required in connection with player's services in the pilot and/or series." Could this mean that Benanti might have to channel her GYPSY charactor once more?
Laura Benanti most recently starred in the Broadway production of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Prior to that, she played the title role of the Patti LuPone revival of Gypsy, for which she was honored with the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award, and a Drama League nomination. She previously starred in the Encores! production.
Broadway: The Sound of Music (Maria, opposite Richard Chamberlain), Swing! (Tony nomination: Best Featured Actress), Into The Woods (Cinderella; Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, LA Ovation and Tony nominations), Nine (Claudia, opposite Antonio Banderas; Outer Critics Circle, Drama Leauge nominations), The Wedding Singer (Julia Sullivan). Encores: Gypsy (Louise), Wonderful Town (Eileen). Benefits: The Secret Garden (Lily), Hair, Pippin (Catherine) and Children of Eden. Off-Broadway: Time and Again (Julia, MTC). LA Opera: A Little Night Music (Anne). Williamstown: The Winter's Tale (Perdita, opposite Kate Burton). Film: Falling for Grace (Princess Alexandra), Take the Lead. Television: "Eli Stone" (ABC), "Starved" (FX). Recordings: several Broadway cast recordings, as well as "NEO," "The Stephen Schwartz Album" and "The Maury Yeston Songbook."
Laura studies voice with her mother Linda Benanti, a former Broadway performer. She was raised in Kinnelon, NJ with her sister Marielle, by her mother and father, Dr. Salvatore Benanti. She is married to actor Steven Pasquale.
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