Interview: Broadway Star Laura Osnes on Her Upcoming Utah Concert and 'Standing Up for What I Believe In'

Broadway star Laura Osnes, a two-time Tony nominee for her leading roles in BONNIE & CLYDE and CINDERELLA, will perform in concert with classical/crossover tenor Mark Masri and the Utah Valley Symphony at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre on Saturday, August 20, 2016.

The gracious and talented Laura Osnes was happy to speak in depth with BroadwayWorld about her return to Utah.

Audiences may remember that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir invited Osnes as a special guest artist last year on two separate occasions--for both their Pioneer Day and Christmas concerts.

"I knew they had done that the year before with Santino Fontana, but I didn't expect it to happen again," she said. "It just was an incredible affirmation and act of love and support. I was honored."

Osnes is looking forward to performing in the SCERA's outdoor venue on a summer night. "I've been so fortunate to get to be invited back to Utah. What a rare gift to get to have this opportunity," she said. "I can check off my list my trip for this year," she added with a laugh.

Although Osnes has never met Masri, she is excited to share the stage with him. They will each perform their own set, along with two duets.

Her set list will be comprised of exactly the kind of songs you want to hear from her. "I'm sticking to theatre stuff because that's my world I know and love," she said, listing composers Frank Wildhorn, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and Lerner and Lowe. "It's a bunch of stuff from shows I'm known for, shows I love, and dream roles of mine."

One of her favorite songs to sing is "I Could Have Danced All Night" from MY FAIR LADY, which she will sing at the SCERA. "It's such a crowd pleaser. It has such a high, impactful ending, and people love to hear it."

Another audience favorite to look for is "When I Look at You" from THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL.

Osnes got her Broadway start in an unorthodox way--as winner of the reality show GREASE: YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT, which cast her as Sandy in the most recent revival of GREASE on Broadway.

"I had always dreamed of being on Broadway since I was three years old," she said. "I always knew I would get there, but I never imagined it would be this early."

Her second big break came after she was chosen (after four auditions) to replace Kelli O'Hara in Bartlett Sher's acclaimed revival of SOUTH PACIFIC. Her place cemented as a versatile Broadway performer, she then moved on to a number of other varied roles, including those recognized with Tony nominations.

When asked which was her favorite, she responded, "It's kind of like choosing your favorite child. They're all special to me for different reasons. With Bonnie, I created that role, so I feel a unique sense of ownership that makes me feel fulfilled and proud of her. Nellie Forbush came at a point in life when I was actually pretty young and went from girl to woman. It took me outside of my box in a beautiful and challenging way. And, of course, Cinderella was magical."

Osnes said that her rapid transition from being a local theatre performer in Minnesota to becoming a household name for theatre fans is still sometimes hard to take in. "It's so crazy because in a way I still feel like me," she said. "I'm the same person--the three-year-old girl who dreams of being on Broadway. I get to do what I love every day, and I feel grateful."

One aspect of her fame she takes very seriously. "I have a unique platform to be an example and inspiration to young people," she said. "I look for roles that are challenging, interesting, have a good message, and appeal to how I want to be known."

"Life's too short to make compromises," she said. "I've learned that for me I'd rather do things I'm proud of and speak to me. There are roles I don't audition for or turn down because I don't feel comfortable."

Osnes explained that educators often tell aspiring actors that it is career suicide to turn down a role based on personal values. "In my experience, that's not true," she said. "I try to spread the word of standing up for what I believe in. If anything, I feel like my career has been blessed." She said it's not her place to judge the choices others make, but "I know what my line is and it's not worth compromising."

Osnes grew up attending a Christian church and has chosen to continue to live as she was raised. "I don't know how people survive in this business without faith," she said. "It has grounded me."

A number of upcoming concert appearances are on the books for Osnes, including at Carnegie Hall and on a Playbill cruise. Her upcoming musical BANDSTAND is aiming for a spring 2017 Broadway bow.

General admission tickets for the 8 pm concert are $20 for adults and $15 for children (age 3-11) and seniors (age 65 and older). Patrons should bring a blanket or may rent a chair for $1.00 (limited quantities). Reserved seating areas with a free chair may still be available for an additional cost. Tickets are available at www.scera.org, by calling 801-225-ARTS, in person at the SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 South State, Orem, or at the Shell gate 90 minutes prior to performance.

Photo Credit: Laura Osnes