A Broadway star since 2007, Laura Osnes first became a household name after appearing in NBC’s Grease: You’re The One That I Want. Since her Grease tenure, Laura has been seen in a variety of starring roles, including stints in South Pacific, Anything Goes, Bonnie & Clyde, and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Ultimately, her theatrical work has led to acclaim from critics and fans alike, earning a Drama Desk Award and three Broadway.com Audience Awards, beyond multiple Astaire and Tony Award nominations.
Later this year, Laura is slated to be part of the Broadway production of The Bandstand, which played in 2015 at New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse. Prior to that, she will be part of the New York Pops’ 33rd Birthday Gala at Carnegie Hall on May 2, alongside Patti LuPone, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Montego Glover and many others. Aside from the theater, Laura has also appeared on television in recent years, including roles on CBS’ Elementary and Nickelodeon’s Team Umizoomi. She has also been involved with Michael Feinstein’s Great American Songbook Foundation, mentoring high school students for its Songbook Academy last year.
Laura spoke to Downtown about the May 2 event and various other facets of her past, present and future. She can be followed on Twitter and Instagram, while some loyal fans keep up a great fansite.
How did you get involved with the New York Pops?
Laura Osnes: I first sang with The New York Pops in 2008 for their 25th birthday concert. I was playing Sandy in Grease at the time and was invited to come sing “Hopelessly Devoted.” You don’t say NO to The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall!
What do you remember about your first-ever live performance in New York?
L: My first ever live performance in New York must have been opening night of Grease. It was surreal. I kept punching myself to make sure it was really happening.
Photo: Courtesy of Richard Termine
What’s ahead for you professionally once the gala has wrapped? Any roles or productions you can talk about?
L: I have several more concerts booked over the summer, then will hopefully be doing The Bandstand, a brand new musical, on Broadway in Fall 2016.
A lot of people first learned about you through Grease: You’re The One That I Want on NBC. Interestingly, you auditioned for that show while still in a production of Grease. Was that a coincidence, or had you been recruited to audition?
L: It was a coincidence. I saw an ad for reality show auditions in the newspaper and thought maybe I had a chance since I was currently playing the role in Minnesota. I took shows off to fly to L.A. and audition for Grease: You’re The One That I Want, and then ended up having to leave the run early because I kept making it further in the TV completion! I thought I was going to burn a bridge with my theater company back home, but I’m glad I followed my heart because my Broadway dream came true!
Having toured all over the place, what is it that keeps you a New York resident?
L: I love New York. I’m really a homebody, so I don’t love being away from here for more than a few days at a time. I’ve done a few out-of-town theater gigs, but the longest was still less than three months. I love the energy of New York, my loving community of friends and artists, the best theater in the world, all the amazing food, the ability to get basically anything at any time, and that my husband and puppy have lots of kisses waiting for me after climbing up five flights of stairs to get home. (laughs)
Do you have a favorite New York venue to see a live show at?
L: I mean, Carnegie Hall has to take the cake. It’s legendary. Equally iconic, but far more intimate, would be The Carlyle.
For you, is theater your ideal end game? Or is there a medium or sort of project that you hope to explore in the near-future?
L: Musical theater is my first love, I must admit. I would love to branch into TV or film if the right opportunity came along, but I think my heart will always be on the stage.
Do you have plans for an album in the future? Or to perform more music outside of the theatrical realm?
L: I have two albums out already, Dream A Little Dream: Live At The Cafe Carlyle and If I Tell You: The Music Of Maury Yeston. I would love to recoup those [albums] before attempting to do a third! (laughs) I occasionally throw in pop/jazz stuff into my concerts, but like I said, theater is my first love.
Photo: Courtesy of Richard Termine
Is there a professional accomplishment you’re most proud of?
L: For some reason, playing Nellie in South Pacific holds a particularly prestigious place in my heart. I had big shoes to fill, assuming a Tony-nominated role at 23 years old from Kelli O’Hara at Lincoln Center! I was shocked to get the role after a series of four auditions, and joining that company was the most rewarding challenge. I like to say that both personally and professionally, I grew from being a girl to being a woman during my time as Nellie.
When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
L: I love baking in my two square foot kitchen, playing with my chihuahua Lyla, Words With Friends, scrapbooking, trying new restaurants — or returning to our favorite haunts — tea/coffee dates with friends, seeing shows and shopping.
Finally, Laura, any last words for the kids?
L: I love what The New York Pops is doing to involve children in the wonderful gift of music. To the kids, keep dreaming big and chasing after the things that you love. Know that you have tremendous gifts and a tremendous purpose to share them with the world.
-by Darren Paltrowitz
