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by Michael Portantiere

I'm a Pretty Girl, Mama!


  • I'M A PRETTY GIRL, MAMA!

    There was much joy at Sardi's on Tuesday evening, June 3 as Laura Benanti, who earned her third Tony Award nomination this year and won the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for her performance in the title role of Gypsy, received another of the theater's greatest honors: Her portrait was unveiled and added to the world-famous collection displayed on the restaurant's walls.

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    Benanti's friends and colleagues gathered for the event, as did the press. Here's the "reveal," courtesy of Sardi's co-owner Max Klimavicius.

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    Benanti signed the portrait: "This is better looking than I am!!! Thanks, Max! Love, Laura Benanti."

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    As you can see, the artist did an excellent job of capturing Laura's likeness.

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    Here's lovely Laura with her Gypsy co-stars: Boyd Gaines (Herbie), Patti LuPone (Mama Rose), and Leigh Ann Larkin (June).

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    "Mama, I'm pretty. I'm a pretty girl, Mama!"

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    Among those who turned out for the event were Kevin Cahoon and Sara Gettelfinger, who respectively appeared with Benanti in The Wedding Singer and Nine...

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    ...and Mary Beth Peil, who also appeared in Nine.

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    Here's a parting shot of Benanti with her equally gorgeous and talented husband, Steven Pasquale.


    Published on Wednesday, June 4, 2008


    Michael Portantiere has more than 30 years' experience as an editor and writer for TheaterMania.com, InTHEATER magazine, and BACK STAGE. He has interviewed theater notables for NPR.org, PLAYBILL, STAGEBILL, and OPERA NEWS, and has written notes for several cast albums. Michael is co-author of FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: BEHIND THE MYLAR CURTAIN, published in 2008 by Hal Leonard/Applause. Additionally, he is a professional photographer whose pictures have been published by THE NEW YORK TIMES, the DAILY NEWS, and several major websites. (Visit www.followspotphoto.com for more information.) He can be reached at [email protected]


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