
Loading summary
USAA Representative
USAA knows dynamic duos can save the day like superheroes and sidekicks or auto and home insurance. With usaa, you can bundle your auto and home and save up to 10%. Tap the banner to learn more and get a'@usaa.com bundle restrictions apply.
Stem Regen User
I finally committed to getting back in shape. Hit the gym, ate clean, did everything right. But after two days, I felt drained. My body just couldn't keep up. That's when I found Stem Regen. It supports the release of my own stem cells to repair, recover and actually rebuild from the inside out. Now I'm not just working out, I'm bouncing back. I feel stronger, more energized, and more like myself every single day. Stem Regen didn't just change my routine, it changed my recovery. Empower your body to recover from within. Whether you are focused on recovery, longevity or just overall wellness, Stem Regen helps your body feel the best. It can release the best version of you. Try Stem Regen today at StemRegen co. Use code POD25 for 20 25% off your first order. Again, that's StemRegen code POD25.
Acast Representative
Acast powers the world's best podcasts. Here's a show that we recommend.
Podcast Host
Hey folks, looking for a whole new thing to be into?
Sloppy Boys Member
Well, check this then. Check it out. We're the Sloppy Boys and we're basically.
USAA Representative
Like pretty much the new classic guys.
Sloppy Boys Member
We were in a comedy group called the Birthday Boys with Bob Odenkirk and now we're an indie band and we have a podcast about the drinks of the summer like the Gator Bite or the Grape Gorilla.
Podcast Host
And we have guests that are music people like Jeff Rosenstock or Stefan from the Band Pup or comedy people like Tom Sharply or Mitch from Doughboys.
Sloppy Boys Member
Yeah, dude.
USAA Representative
We talk about TV and movies and music like Turnstile or King Giz and it's completely kind of cool.
Laura Benanti
Ooh.
Sloppy Boys Member
Give it a listen and check it out to see what you think. But don't forget that we're the new classic guys.
Acast Representative
ACAST helps creators launch, grow and monetize their podcasts everywhere. Acast.com.
Laura Benanti
Oh my God. Hey. As I get ready to head to the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe later this week, I had the thrilling opportunity to chat with the artist behind one of my most anticipated shows. I am talking about none other than Tony Award winning Broadway star Laura Benanti, who is bringing her show Laura Benanti, Nobody Cares to the Edinburgh Fringe and then subsequently to London this summer. Here is what happened when she took the time to chat to me just after one of her final rehearsals before the first performance of her show at the Fringe.
Todd Alleman
I love you. We're all leaving my tech, so I'm saying goodbye to my people.
Laura Benanti
It's the collaboration of Fringe.
Todd Alleman
Yeah, It's Todd. Wait. Todd, come say hello. He saw your show.
Laura Benanti
Hi. Hello. I thoroughly enjoyed your show last year. Loved it very much.
Todd Alleman
Oh, thank you.
Laura Benanti
Thank you so much. Very special.
Todd Alleman
We're having a blast.
Laura Benanti
Having a bust with this one.
Todd Alleman
Okay, enough. Enough about you. Goodbye.
Laura Benanti
I am very glad to be joined by two time Tony Award winner, Laura Benanti.
Todd Alleman
No, just one. Just one, baby. I'll take a second one. But in reality, it's just one time. It should have been two.
Laura Benanti
Did I just give you a second Tony Award?
Todd Alleman
You did, and I accept.
Laura Benanti
Which one did you want? That I didn't. That you didn't have already?
Todd Alleman
Well, now, I can't say that out loud, can I?
Laura Benanti
No, no, of course not. But you are getting ready for your Edinburgh Fringe Festival debut. Is this your first time at the Fringe in any kind of capacity?
Todd Alleman
I've never been here. We just finished my tech. I'm literally sitting outside our theater. Sorry if it's a little loud. I've never been to Fringe. I've never been to Scotland.
Laura Benanti
And how did this begin to come about? This is a show that you've done before in New York with Audible at the Mineta Lane. What made the decision to take it to Fringe? Who convinced you to do this?
Todd Alleman
Nobody convinced me. I convinced them. This is like a bucket list for me doing the Fringe. And so the producers that I had been talking to in the States about doing more of these shows around the US they were like, would you ever want to do Fringe? And I was like, that's all I want to do. So I'm very excited that it's working out.
Laura Benanti
That's amazing. I mean, it's a huge privilege for everyone at the Edinburgh Fringe to have Broadway artistry of your caliber. No, I'd say it's a really terrific thing. And last year I saw Todd Alleman's brilliant show who has co written the music for your show this year.
Todd Alleman
That's exactly right. Yeah. Todd and I, we've been friends for 20 years. He co wrote the music with me. He's absolutely my creative collaborator. So I'm really, really excited to be doing it with him.
Laura Benanti
So the show is called Laura Benanti. Nobody Cares. Tell us a little bit more about the story you're going to be telling us this year at The Fringe with this show.
Todd Alleman
Well, I have. People are singing. I have sort of like an unusual story in that. You know, I started, I began starring on Broadway when I was 18 years old. I played Maria in the Sound of Music, which is like a grown woman. So I was a teenager playing a grown woman opposite a 70 year old man. And so like when other kids were going to university to discover themselves, I just, I went to work and then I have like a very unusual life. I broke my neck on stage. I've been married three times. I got married when I was super young. So that's kind of an unusual. Not everybody gets to get married three times. Just like everybody. Little girl dreams. And so I'm telling some of basically the. Some self effacing, deeply humiliating stories to hopefully be a cautionary tale to young people. And then also I talk about motherhood, I talk about getting older as a woman, talk about childbirth. But mostly it's about like being a recovering people pleaser. Most of the decisions that I have made in my life, including getting married three times, were because I like, wanted someone to like me or didn't want to hurt someone's feelings or thought I should be doing something in a certain way for someone to approve of me. So it's like my journey from people pleaser to recovering people pleaser.
Laura Benanti
And you're gonna have this experience with all sorts of audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe, is that, I mean, coming from the stages of Broadway and performing in these huge spaces that you have, performing for Jerry Herman, performing for Stephen Sondheim, going then to the very different Edinburgh Fringe, is that thrilling? Is that terrifying? Is it both?
Todd Alleman
It's thrilling. I'm not, I don't feel terrified. It's so funny. I don't feel nervous. I just feel excited. All I feel is excited. I. Today I got to walk around and hand out some of my flyers and so many lovely people were like, I'm coming to see your show. I'm excited to see your show. Which made me feel really good because I'm not necessarily a known entity here. So I was. I've been curious as to what the audience will be, but I feel, I just feel excited. I love doing this show. It's my favorite thing I've done. And to do it in like an intimate venture and frankly not in the United States is a dream.
Interviewee
Yeah.
Laura Benanti
Excellent timing.
Todd Alleman
Yeah.
Laura Benanti
You have sort of plans when you aren't doing. And Fringe is, let me tell you, a marathon and not a sprint. But do you envision getting to go and see a Lot of other stuff. When you're not doing your show, are you planning to just soak up the whole experience?
Todd Alleman
I'd really love to see shows. Yeah. My goal is to see at least a show a day.
Laura Benanti
Sure.
Todd Alleman
I have children, you know, so we'll definitely be seeing some of the kids shows, but there's so many, like, just the flyers alone today, I was like, I want to see that. I want to see that. I want to see that. So I'm really excited to dig into some theater. This is a theater nerd's dream.
Interviewee
Yeah.
Todd Alleman
I mean, this is, like, what I've.
Laura Benanti
Always wanted and now your brilliant artistry as well. So I'm very curious because I had a few questions about some of those moments in your career that you spoke about. I think Ben Brantley said, if you had originated the Sound of Music as Maria, you would have been an overnight sensation. And then about five minutes later, you were basically. And you had this brilliant Broadway beginning with all of these exciting shows. And you've spoken about everything that happened during into the woods and with injury. And I feel like 20 plus years later, we're just now getting to a moment where it feels like performers are now emboldened enough to feel like they can get injured and take time away and are allowed to have time off of shows. What do you think having watched all of that happen over the last few months with, like, Megan Hilty and Death becomes her and Jessica Vosk in Hell's Kitchen?
Todd Alleman
Well, I mean, both of those women are my friends, so, you know, like, especially Jess. She ended up going to my surgeon for her neck, you know, So I. Look, I feel like Covid taught us that understudies are magic. I think if we learned anything from that time, it's that it is. We are lucky to be seeing a Broadway show at all. And just because you're seeing someone's understudy doesn't mean they're not going to be good. I was an understudy, you know, that was my first job ever. And, like, then Brantley said, you know, like, so I just think they're, like the unsung heroes of Broadway. Yeah. And I always feel excited when I'm going to see an understudy. Of course, you feel a little disappointed that you're the person you wanted to see isn't there, but you're going to discover someone new, and that's really exciting. It's been really gratifying to see this. This walk toward empathy. You know, I think that, like, the show must go on Mentality, it's that to an extent. But for 140 years MultiCare has been in Washington prioritizing long term solutions, partnering with local communities and expanding access to care. Together we're building a healthier future. Learn more@mycare.org we're people, you know, we have to be able to. Bye guys, you're the best. We have to be able to be human beings. And what I wish I had done was say I'm too afraid to do that pratfall. But again, I was people pleasing. I didn't want anybody to think I was a baby or not strong. So I did a very dangerous thing that I should not have done. And you know, I got hurt incrementally. So I hurt my wrist, I hurt my rib and I in those moments should have said I need to stop doing this. And so, and that's on me, frankly. You know, it's, it is the environment, it's the culture that I lived in. But. And then sort of the, the turning on me that happened once I had to leave the show and, and the cruelty frankly of some people was really hurtful. I was 20 years old.
Interviewee
Yeah.
Todd Alleman
You know, and to have that intensive an injury that young and have, you know, my only dream was to be on Broadway. I didn't dream of being a TV star or movie star. I just wanted to be on Broadway. And I got that dream so early. And then two years later to feel like the community was like mad at me for being injured just was hard. It was really hard.
Laura Benanti
You're such an interesting talent, I think, because you combine tonally this classical world of all of these lovely soprano roles with a very contemporary sense of humor and a contemporary sensibility. I think there are few people who can sing the way you do who are as funny as you are. Are there? I mean, when you were dreaming of Broadway, were those the roles that you were thinking of? And is there anything else on the soprano bucket list that you haven't yet crossed off because you've done so many of them?
Todd Alleman
I mean, honestly, Maria and the Sound of Music, Cinderella and Into the Woods, Louise and Gypsy Amalia and she Loves Me. And then my number one of all was Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. I feel like I'm leaving stuff out, but you know, those were my dream roles. And so for me, now what's. I'd love to play Fosca and Passion. I've always wanted to do that. And then I'd love to play Desiree in, Excuse me, in Little Night Music.
Laura Benanti
Oh, My gosh, yes.
Todd Alleman
Yeah, I would love to do that. I'd love to do Follies. I also would enjoy doing Follies, I think.
Laura Benanti
Who would you play in Follies? Would you be a Phyllis in Follies or a Sally in Follies?
Todd Alleman
Phyllis.
Interviewee
Yeah. Nice.
Todd Alleman
Oh, yeah, Phyllis.
Laura Benanti
Yeah, for sure.
Interviewee
Yeah.
Laura Benanti
I'm going to be thinking about that for a considerable amount of time. Are there any shows.
Todd Alleman
Yes, please.
Laura Benanti
Yeah. Are there any shows running right now on Broadway? Obviously, you've opened more stuff than you have replaced traditionally, but is there anything that. That you sort of glance at out of the corner of your eye and, like, I could. I could replace in that. Is there anything you think, even for a moment? I mean, there's some great roles in Death Become so.
Todd Alleman
I know. I don't think I could sing like that. It is such a hard score. I just feel like I. I don't know. I don't know. But for me, it's like, you know, I have these two kids, and so if I'm going to do something on Broadway, it needs to be really, really special.
Interviewee
Yeah.
Todd Alleman
And not for too long of a time, because for me, we live in New Jersey, so there's a commute involved as well. So by the time my daughter comes home from school, I would be leaving. And then you obviously do multiple shows in a weekend, so, you know, I'm doing a TV show right now that shoots in Pittsburgh, and I see my children more doing that TV show than I would eight shows a week.
Interviewee
Wow.
Todd Alleman
Because I fly home every weekend to be with them. Even though we'd be sleeping in the same house, we would be ships passing. And that's, you know, just a decision, a choice that I'm making right now. But, like, certainly if something absolutely magical came up, it would be a conversation I have with my husband, who's, like, the greatest person in the entire world.
Laura Benanti
Yeah, well, we have plenty of time. There's, like, decades down the line. We can do night music, we can do Follies and Passion.
Todd Alleman
Yes. Let's do all of these things. I gotta give myself time. I gotta stretch it out.
Laura Benanti
And you'll be ready if. I mean, I assume you already are.
Todd Alleman
Oh, she's ready.
Laura Benanti
Yeah. So many people now know you as the parody face of Melania Trump in this brilliant bit of joyous escapism. Entertainment that is also meaningful political advocacy at the same time, that is speaking out against all of the chaos and the nonsense and everything that is happening in a way that is also keeping us smiling and making us laugh. And that was with the Colbert show originally.
Todd Alleman
Yes. We had a late show with Stephen Colbert. Yeah.
Laura Benanti
Yeah. So how do you feel now with everything that's just emerged about what's going on there?
Todd Alleman
Yeah. I am devastated for the, for everyone that Steven's show is that the late show is gone. It's gonna be gone.
Interviewee
Yeah.
Todd Alleman
I mean it's, it's an iconic show. It just, yeah, I'm, and I'm, I'm devastated for that group of people who've really become family to me. I think that, look, Stephen is going to be fine. He's brilliant and he's going to do a million more wonderful things. But it's just a real loss and you know, I think it's hard. I'm trying to be a little careful with my words.
Interviewee
Yeah.
Todd Alleman
We are in a tricky place in America right now. We are at a precipice of.
Shopify Representative
Starting a business can be overwhelming. You're juggling multiple roles, designer, marketer, logistics manager, all while bringing your vision to life. But for millions of businesses, Shopify is the ultimate partner. Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world and 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. Build a stunning online store with Shopify's ready use templates. Boost content with AI powered product descriptions, page headlines and enhance photography. Marketing is easy with built in tools for email and social media campaigns. Plus Shopify simplifies everything from inventory to shipping and returns. If you're ready to sell, you're ready for Shopify. Turn your big business idea into With Shopify on your side, sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com try go to shopify.com try shopify.com.
Todd Alleman
What I consider dangerous and starting to sort of silence artists is not great.
Laura Benanti
Well done to you for having been one of the many people using your voice and continuing to speak for the things that are important. Now after you have this lovely, fantastic run at the Edinburgh Fringe, you're taking the show to London as well in like very early September.
Todd Alleman
Yes, September 2nd. September 2nd at 7:00pm and 9:00pm yes. And I'm really, really, really excited about it. Yeah, it's been my dream to do a show like this in London. So I just can't wait. I'm really, really excited.
Laura Benanti
Are there any, have you had the opportunity to do a London show before? Like a transfer of anything that hasn't quite materialized or come together or is this the first time this is happening.
Todd Alleman
I did a concert. I did, like, a musical theater, like, concert. Yes, at Cadogan. Cadogan.
Laura Benanti
No, you wrote perfect the first time.
Todd Alleman
Okay. I did it there at Cadogan hall, which was a blast. But this is like, this is not musical theater. This is a comedy show with original music. And I think that's tricky for people who might come in expecting me to sing, like, the Sound of Music or something. I'm not doing that here. I'm singing a song with lyrics that literally say, we don't want to see your dicks unless we say we do. So it's, it's. You know, I'm going out on a limb here. There's swearing.
Laura Benanti
You're a nuanced artist. You are a multifaceted performer.
Todd Alleman
I mean, but I am a little bit nervous about people being like, what? So I want people to know going in, like, people under 16 should not see it. There's foul language, there's adults, you know, material. So I do want people to know that coming in, this is not amusable.
Laura Benanti
Is this. Are you gonna let your kids watch some recording of this when they get old enough or.
Todd Alleman
Absolutely, yes, when they're old enough for sure. When they're adults, you know, and they can choose. They can choose their own adventure then, yes, but not before then.
Laura Benanti
What is your greatest aspiration for how this show is going to make audiences at the fringe feel and what it's going to leave people with?
Todd Alleman
I just want to make people laugh. I think this is one of the bleakest moments in human existence, and I would love to make people laugh at me. I, you know, I never. I never punch down. I just punch straight back. You know what I mean? Like, there's, there's nothing nasty in this show. I want people to laugh, and I do want young people to maybe be able to take some wisdom from my people pleasing stories. Because the majority of. I don't want to call them mistakes, but the majority of moments in my life that became really challenging are because I made decisions based on people pleasing. So I would love for young people to get to hear those stories and take them in. And then, you know, for parents, I talk about children and the challenges of that. So there's something, honestly, for everyone. I know it's kind of a gross way to say it, but for the thing I love most is looking out into the audience and seeing how intergenerational it is. When I did it in New York, it was like, you know, young women with their mothers and their mothers, like, you know, husbands and Wives, Husbands and husbands, Wives and wives. You know, it was just. And of all ages, over the age of 16. And everyone took something different from it. And, you know, there were a lot of husbands and boyfriends who were dragged there who absolutely did not want to be there and made no bones about that. After the show, they were like, I'd have to. And they're like, jersey. They're like, I got to tell you, I didn't want to be here. It's one of the funniest things I've ever seen, you know, where I was like, wow. One guy, I talk about breastfeeding in the show. One guy was like, I gotta be honest, the breastfeeding part was my favorite part. I didn't see it coming. And I was like, wow. And his wife was like. Then messaged me on Instagram to say it, like, opened up conversation between them. So I want to make people laugh, but I also do want to make people think and feel, and I think I do accomplish that in 62 minutes to the best of my ability.
Laura Benanti
I'm excited to find out I'm coming to see the show this weekend. I think I'm there on Saturday.
Interviewee
Yeah.
Todd Alleman
Oh, please say hi. Please come back. Please say hi after.
Laura Benanti
I will. I absolutely will. But, yeah, I can't wait to come and see the show. I have one final question, because as I mentioned before, you performed the music of some legendary composers. For those legendary composers, which was more nerve wracking, performing Jerry Herman for Jerry Herman or performing Sondheim for Sondheim?
Todd Alleman
Sondheim. I mean, hands down, Sondheim. I auditioned for into the woods when I was 20 years old. And, you know, he is my hero. I love musicals, but I love Sondheim. For me, he is it. He is like the pinnacle of what you can do, telling a story through this art form.
Interviewee
Yeah.
Todd Alleman
And he was so incredible to me and continued to be incredible to me. I did a little night music at the LA Opera. And he came to that and has just always been so supportive and complimentary and never anything but that. And yet every time I saw him, I was like, hello, It's a pleasure to see you, sir. You know, he's. It's. And you know, Jerry is such like a. He was such, like a mushy, sweet. He was just less intimidating to me.
Interviewee
Yeah.
Todd Alleman
Not that Steven wasn't kind, because he's very kind.
Laura Benanti
But listen, it's being in the presence of legends, but you were fantastic in both of those performances.
Todd Alleman
And Arthur Lawrence, he directed Gypsy, gave.
Laura Benanti
You a standing Ovation for that Tony win.
Todd Alleman
I know. That was pretty amazing. Yeah, I feel. And Sheldon Harnick in she Loves Me. I've been really lucky to work with those brilliant people.
Interviewee
Yeah.
Laura Benanti
That was a beautiful product, that recording of she Loves Me. Thank goodness that that was made and we can enjoy you. What a beautiful production that was. I have. I don't know if you can see it just above my head. This is from the flea market. That's the little Marriage X. It was an opening night gift.
Todd Alleman
Yes.
Laura Benanti
Maybe the lighting team put together. Or the set team.
Todd Alleman
Yes, that's right, the set team. And is that our Gypsy poster behind you too? Our Gypsy playbill.
Laura Benanti
It's all happening back there. Have you had a chance to this production of Gypsy on Broadway yet?
Todd Alleman
No, not yet, and I really, really want to. I had tickets and then I got sick and then I got tickets again and then Audra was sick and then I had to leave. So I don't think I'm gonna get to see it.
Laura Benanti
Listen, there will be another Gypsy on Broadway in eight to 10 years, if forecasts are.
Todd Alleman
I know, but I really wanted to see Audra and Dani. Yeah. And of course, the young woman who plays Gypsy, who. I'm so bad with names, I barely remember mine right now, so please forgive me. Joy Woods. Yes. Thank you. I really wanted to see all of them.
Laura Benanti
I will let you enjoy the streets of Edinburgh, but thank you for taking the time to let us know about your show. Remind us where and when your show is going to be during the month of August.
Todd Alleman
So Underbelly, Bristow Square, Specifically the Ermentrude Theatre. I'll be there from tomorrow, which is July 30th through August 24th. And my show is at February, 4:55pm Perfect.
Laura Benanti
Lovely. Go outside and get a drink in the lovely beer garden area outside. There's food, the vibes are great. Lovely time, lovely theatre. Have a lovely run. I can't wait to come and see you.
Todd Alleman
Thank you. I'm so excited to meet you. Thank you so much for this.
Laura Benanti
No worries. Thank you for taking the time. Thank you so much for watching this interview. Thank you, of course, to Laura Benanti for taking the time to chat to me about her fringe show. Don't forget to check it out this summer if you are in Edinburgh or. Or in September in London. In the meantime, I hope that everyone is staying safe and that you have a stagey day. For 10 more seconds, I'm Mickey Jo Theatre. Oh, my God. Hey, thanks for watching. Have a stagey day.
Todd Alleman
Subscribe.
Acast Representative
ACAST powers the world's best podcasts. Here's a show that we recommend.
Podcast Host
Hey, folks. Looking for a whole new thing to be into?
Sloppy Boys Member
Well, check this and check it out. We're the Sloppy Boys and we're basically.
USAA Representative
Like pretty much the new classic guys.
Sloppy Boys Member
We were in a comedy group called the Birthday Boys with Bob Odenkirk, and now we're an indie band and we have a podcast about the drinks of the summer, like the Gator Bite or the Grape Gorilla.
Podcast Host
And we're we have guests that are music people like Jeff Rosenstock or Stefan from the Band Pup or comedy people like Tom Sharply or Mitch from Doughboys.
Todd Alleman
Yeah, dude.
USAA Representative
We talk about TV and movies and music like Turnstile or King Giz, and it's completely kind of cool.
Laura Benanti
Ooh.
Sloppy Boys Member
Give it a listen and check it out to see what you think. And don't forget that we're the new classic guys.
Acast Representative
ACAST helps creators launch, grow, and monetize their podcasts everywhere. Acast. Com.
Podcast Information:
In this engaging episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Mickey-Jo sits down with the illustrious Tony Award-winning Broadway star, Laura Benanti. The conversation delves into Laura's upcoming show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, her illustrious career, personal challenges, and her perspectives on the evolving landscape of theatre.
Laura kicks off the interview by sharing her excitement about bringing her latest show, "Laura Benanti, Nobody Cares," to the Edinburgh Fringe and subsequently to London in early September.
She provides details about the show’s run:
Laura reflects on her Broadway beginnings, starting at the young age of 18 with the role of Maria in "The Sound of Music". She candidly discusses the personal challenges she's faced, including breaking her neck on stage and navigating multiple marriages—all while maintaining her career.
She emphasizes her journey from being a "people pleaser" to a "recovering people pleaser," sharing how this transformation has influenced her personal and professional life.
A significant portion of the interview focuses on Laura’s collaboration with Todd Alleman, a fellow Tony Award winner and her creative partner.
Their long-standing partnership has been instrumental in shaping Laura's current work, blending classical Broadway artistry with contemporary humor and sensibilities.
Laura contrasts the grandeur of Broadway with the intimacy of the Edinburgh Fringe, expressing her excitement and lack of fear about performing in a new environment.
She highlights the unique opportunity to engage with diverse audiences at the Fringe, fostering intergenerational connections and personal interactions that are sometimes lost in larger venues.
Laura shares her thoughts on the importance of understudies in the Broadway ecosystem, especially highlighted during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
She praises the resilience and talent of understudies, viewing them as the unsung heroes who ensure the continuity of performances even in an actor's absence.
The conversation touches upon Laura's efforts to balance her demanding career with her family life. She discusses the tough decisions involved in managing performances, particularly when considering her children's well-being.
Laura emphasizes the importance of being present for her family, sometimes choosing projects that allow her to maintain that balance.
Looking ahead, Laura expresses her desire to take on more diverse and challenging roles in musical theater. She mentions specific characters she aspires to portray, such as Fosca in "Passion," Desiree in "Excuse Me," and Phyllis in "Follies."
These aspirations reflect her continuous growth and commitment to her craft, seeking roles that push her artistic boundaries.
Laura expresses her sadness over the recent announcement regarding the end of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."
She acknowledges the cultural loss and the close-knit relationships formed within such iconic shows, highlighting the emotional impact on the entertainment community.
As the interview wraps up, Laura invites listeners to attend her show, sharing her enthusiasm and providing practical information.
She encourages the audience to visit the vibrant beer garden area outside the venue and enjoy the overall experience of the Edinburgh Fringe.
Laura Benanti [04:46]:
"I'm telling some self-effacing, deeply humiliating stories to hopefully be a cautionary tale to young people."
Todd Alleman [06:31]:
"I feel only excited. I love doing this show. It's my favorite thing I've done."
Todd Alleman [08:40]:
"Understudies are magic. We are lucky to be seeing a Broadway show at all."
Todd Alleman [12:25]:
"I'd love to play Fosca in 'Passion' and Desiree in 'Excuse Me.'"
Todd Alleman [14:42]:
"I am devastated for everyone that Stephen's show is gone."
This episode of MickeyJoTheatre offers a deep dive into Laura Benanti's latest theatrical endeavors, her personal and professional journey, and her insightful perspectives on the world of Broadway and beyond. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her work, this interview provides valuable insights into the life of one of theatre's most dynamic performers.
Stay Connected: