Laura Benanti
Playing compelling roles in Broadway theatre, television, and film have made actress LAURA BENANTI one to watch. As an up-and-coming film and television actress, she has already demonstrated her abundant talents through the diverse characters she has brought to life on the theatre stage. Benanti made her Broadway debut just out of high school, leading the cast of Rodger & Hammerstein's long awaited The Sound of Music revival. Benanti received rave reviews as Maria, starring opposite theatre-legend Richard Chamberlain. Since then, she has played numerous key theatrical roles that have won her wide recognition amongst audiences and critics. Next up, Benanti went on to star in Swing!, the commemorative theatrical homage to the Duke Ellington era of Jazz music. This show earned Benanti her first Tony Award nomination. Following this acclaimed role, Benanti went on to star as Cinderella opposite Vanessa Williams in Into the Woods. The Sondheim revival brought Benanti a second Tony Award nomination, as well as a 2002 Drama Desk Award nomination, a 2002 Outer Critics Circle nomination, and an LA Ovation nomination. Soon after Into the Woods came the highly-anticipated theatrical revival of Nine, where Benanti starred opposite Antonio Banderas, playing the role of his muse. In 2006, Benanti starred in the five-time Tony Award nominated musical The Wedding Singer. Benanti hit Broadway by storm again in 2008 starring opposite Patti Lupone in Gypsy as Louise, and won the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Awards. Currently starring in Lincoln Center Theater's production of Sarah Ruhl's In the Next Room or the vibrator play. Benanti's off-Broadway credits include Time and Again for the Manhattan Theatre Club, and Wonderful Town and Gypsy for City Center's Encores! Series. Benanti performed Anne in A Little Night Music directed by Scott Ellis and the Los Angeles Opera House, and starred as Perdita in the Williamstown Theatre Festival's production of The Winter's Tale. Benanti made her leap to the silver screen in 2005. She co-starred in the FX acclaimed and controversial Starved, as an anorexic/bulimic songwriter. Then in 2006 Benanti made her film debut in New Line Cinema's Take the Lead. She starred opposite actress Alfre Woodard and reunited with Nine co-star Antonio Banderas. She played Tina, Banderas's business partner and love interest. Benanti also appeared in the indie romantic comedy Falling For Grace as Princess Alexandra. Laura returned to television, with a recurring role on Eli Stone, with Jonny Miller. Bio as of October, 2009. American Theatre Wing programs, interviews and/or credits include: Working in the Theatre (video) Leading Ladies - September, 2009 - Watch now. Downstage Center (audio) Laura Benanti - May, 2008 - Listen Now. SpringboardNYC Cues from Tony Nominees (video) Why theatre? - Watch Now. Is there a part you'd like to play that you don't think people would consider you for? - Watch Now. What has been the most important part of your training? - Watch Now. Internet Broadway Database Listing (IBDB.com) Website: www.laurabenanti.com