Famous for her exquisite soprano and successful stage, TV and film career, Laura Benanti has come back to London to set the record straight: she’s done playing the ingenue. She won’t be reprising her Tony Award-winning Louise or Maria, Cinderella, Claudia or Amalia, but she will delight her fans with something even more exciting. Real-life stories from one of Broadway’s favourite leading ladies.
Now a “recovering people pleaser”, Laura commands the stage with wit, confidence and charisma and speaks candidly about men, marriages, pregnancy, motherhood, perimenopause, and people pleasing. Created by Benanti herself and directed by Annie Tippe, “Nobody Cares” blends original music (co-written by Todd Almond, also musical director) with stand-up comedy. Never aiming for easy laughs, the show is bold enough to place centre stage its leading lady's personal low moments as well as achievements, thus demystifying the woman behind the actress.
It’s the perfect showcase for Benanti’s impeccable comedic timing, self-deprecating humour and musical talents. Her anecdotes always feel genuine and relatable and never shy away from sensitive issues; they invite a frank dialogue on divorce, women’s bodies and the eternal battle of the sexes among other topics well worth discussing. If this sounds too heavy or niche, don’t worry; by the end of the show, you’ll feel like you’ve spent just over an hour catching up with your funny best friend.
It’s hilarious, empowering and, as Benanti herself says, a welcome break from what can feel like the bleakest times.
Nobody Cares is at Underbelly Boulevard Soho until 26th July.
Review: Francesco Pagnoncelli