THE HANGOVER REPORT – In her glorified cabaret confessional NOBODY CARES, Laura Benanti speaks and sings her truth

Laura Benanti (center) in Audible Theater’s presentation of “Nobody Cares” at the Minetta Lane Theatre (photo by Ashlee Harrison).

Currently over at Off-Broadway’s Minetta Lane Theatre, you’ll be able to catch Laura Benanti in her theatrical memoir Nobody Cares, which has returned to the West Village venue for an extended run after a sold out limited engagement in February. Thankfully, the encore Audible Theater presentation gives fans of the gorgeous, hugely likeable Tony-winner (she took home the coveted prize for her nuanced performance in the title role of Gypsy opposite Patti LuPone) ample opportunity to catch her in the mode where she shines the most — as unabashedly herself.

Over the years, I’ve been struck by just how much of a natural cabaret performer Benanti actually is. Indeed, those familiar only with her stage and screen work may be surprised by her instinctual comic chops (especially that self-deprecating humor!) and storytelling prowess, talents which she unleashes in full force in Nobody Cares. In essence, the show is a glorified cabaret confessional in which Benanti finds herself pausing to assess and reflect upon her professional and personal life thus far. A professed “recovering ingenue” with a habit for not wanting to disappoint, the show navigates through her experience as a woman in the entertainment industry, as well as her love life via numerous marriages, and ultimately her role as a mother. She emerges on the other side empowered and in control of her life, but only after she’s repeatedly made herself the bunt of many a joke — putting herself down with the hopes of lifting up and inspiring others.

Onstage, she’s generously supported by her music director Todd Almond, an excellent band, and a pair of fabulously game backup singers (Barrie Lobo McLain and Chelsea Lee Williams). To aid in telling her story, Benanti and Almond have written a handful of original songs — sprinkles lightly throughout— that wittily, often hilariously comment on her life events. Nobody Cares has been directed by Annie Tippe (whose work can also be currently seen in another cabaret-inspired production, Dave Malloy’s Three Houses at Signature Theatre Company), who brings a playful theatricality to the proceedings.

RECOMMENDED

LAURA BENANTI: NOBODY CARES
Off-Broadway, Play
Audible Theater at the Minetta Lane Theatre
1 hour, 20 minutes (without an intermission)
Through June 2

Categories: Cabaret, Off-Broadway, Theater

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