Interview: Laura Benanti at David A Straz Center For The Performing Arts

Tony Award winning powerhouse Laura Benanti is scheduled to appear in her one-woman cabaret at the Straz Center in Tampa on February 11. Celebrated for her impression of Melania Trump on Stephen Colbert's Late Show, Miss Benanti played Louise in the 2008 Broadway revival of Gypsy, winning the Tony Award, and appeared in the stage musical Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown in 2010, winning the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She played Baroness Elsa Schräder in the 2013 NBC television production of The Sound of Music Live! and in 2015 began playing twin sisters Alura and Astra in the TV series Supergirl. Laura is also performing with her mother, talented actress and singer Linda Benanti, in a musical celebration of family titled, Laura and Linda Benanti: The Story Goes On.

Miss Benanti took some time out of her very busy schedule to answer a few questions for her BWW fans prior to her concert next week.

What can your fans expect from your one-woman cabaret show?

I like for people to feel relaxed and at ease. Like we are just hanging out singing songs and telling stories. I don't ever want it to feel stuffy or removed.

You are such a diversified entertainer. Is there any aspect of performing that you prefer over another?

I truly love Cabaret in that I get to sing (which I love) and tell jokes (which I also love)

If not this profession, what do you think you would be doing?

I would be a therapist .

Like many Broadway Moms, (Idina Menzel, Megan Hilty, Stephanie J. Block), you are managing a career and motherhood. Who and what help you?

I am so lucky to have a wonderful husband, family, and our incredible Nanny. It truly takes a village and I am so grateful for ours.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned from your daughter Ella Rose?

Patience.

Your dual role as Supergirl's Mother/Aunt, (Alura/Astra) was physically so demanding. What do you do to keep in shape, especially after the back injury you sustained during your role in Into the Woods.

I try and exercise daily. Nothing crazy. Just the elliptical or some walking. I do physical therapy, acupuncture and use heat and ice on my body. A long-term injury like the one I sustained is a daily thing to manage.

What are your thoughts on the current women's movement for unity, equality and the end of sexual harassment?

It's about time! I feel grateful to be alive during this era.

Deepest hope in life?

To be happy

Darkest fear?

That I will focus on the wrong things and miss out on the important stuff.

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For tickets for Miss Benanti's show in Tampa visit www.strazcenter.org. For more information on Laura visit www.laurabenanti.com.