Laura Benanti?calling out of performances

I went to see a performance of Nine last week, very excited that I was going to see the original cast before Laura Benanti left the following week. However, when I arrived at the theatre, I found that she had called out. Someone who works at the theatre also told me she called out for a whole week for this this show near the start of the run.
This also happened two times when I was supposed to see her in Into The Woods (pre-injury) and one of my friends said he was supposed to see her in Swing and she was out as well. The more people I ask about this, the more stories I hear....so I ask.....has anyone had similar dealings with Ms. Benanti?
I think she's amazingly talented, she sounds great on the Nine CD, I really do with I could have seen her, though her understudy was great. I'm seeing Rebecca Luker in the role in a few weeks at the Actors Fund performance and I think she'll do a great job as Claudia.

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Updated On: 9/3/03 at 03:45 PM

I think it goes both ways. Your odds of seeing her are better than not but there are also those times when she needs to rest or is sick. I saw her twice in Into The Woods, once in Swing, and once in Nine w/o any problem.

I always have been able to catch her, BUT she does miss a lot. I just feel I have good luck... I also saw Side Show twice, with Emily Skinner both times!

Laura didn't miss a lot in Swing! or Time and Again (Was that the name? That might be a little off...), but in her last two Broadway shows she has. I think in her case it may have a lot to do with being diva and star-like. Like how the cast of Rent got after they became "stars" -- they always missed... But this is pure speculation on my part.

I saw her once in Into the Woods.

You people are ruthless...


I LOVE IT!

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Leave the girl alone. She is beuatiful, more attractive and intriguing than Rebecca Luker.

As for her not winning the Tony, leave a girl alone.

rebecca luker is awesome!!!

Worked with her in many capacities onstage...she NEVER missed a performance or a rehearsal and NEVER acted the diva. Truly a talent and a professional.

"I always have been able to catch her, BUT she does miss a lot. I just feel I have good luck... I also saw Side Show twice, with Emily Skinner both times!"


You DO have good luck! Imagine that... BOTH times!

Actually, I've ALWAYS seen Laura as well. And Emily... only once have I seen a show Emily's been in when she was out. ONCE! (She was sick and the air conditioner was broken. She had good reason to miss!)

I agree. Stop harping... you don't know what goes on in these women's lives. You have no right to judge.

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You know, some of you people really need to get over yourselves. Who are you to say all of these mean and inaccurate things that you post. So what if she has missed performances. Actors and actresses do that. That's why there are understudies and covers. I know that I have seen Laura in Into the Woods 2 twice, and in Nine once, and she was very cordial and nice to everyone at the stage door, and she truly seemed appreciative to be working and doing what she does. Yes, she's 23, but I am sure that she is aware of how fortunate she is to be a working actress on Broadway. How do you know that she is only in it for fame, or how do you know that she only wants a Tony. God, some of the things that people post....it's unbelieveable. There is a certain poster that I know, that won't get over Laura not signing a playbill. How childish and petty. She is not obligated to be nice or sign anything at the stage door. No actor or actress is. So get over it, and move on. And yes, leave the girl alone.

Cheers,
The Balladeer

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I saw Laura on stage in NINE - and she also showed up at the Shubert Alley concert with other Broadway stars where she sang a number from the show.

"squandering her luck real fast" is about the BEST assessment of Benanti I've ever heard. Billyweeds, you win! Also, Mamamia, I heard the one about Lapine as well. She's got some serious "delusions of grandeur", issues. Luck or no luck ,skill or no skill, you've gotta, at the very least, SHOW UP. It wouldn't hurt to not alienate the majority of your co-workers at every opportunity as well.