| Laura Benanti |
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EARLY LIFE Benanti was born in Kinnelon , New Jersey and lived in New York until she was three years old, and was then raised in New Jersey . The daughter of actors Martin Vidnovic and Linda Benanti , she grew up in the world of theater. Her stepfather, Sal Benanti , is a Psychologist . Her mother is currently her vocal coach. MUSICAL THEATRE Her Broadway debut was in the 1998 revival of Rodgers And Hammerstein 's '' The Sound Of Music '', as a postulant and Understudy for Maria. She eventually took over the role of Maria and at the age of nineteen was starring on Broadway opposite Richard Chamberlain . She next appeared in the revue '' Swing! ''. Benanti then joined the cast of the 2002 revival of Stephen Sondheim 's '' Into The Woods '', starring as Cinderella. While in the process of preparing for ''Into the Woods'', Benanti stated she would like to eventually go back to college and focus on women's studies to empower young women. Since then, subsequent productions include '' Nine '' (as Claudia) and '' The Wedding Singer '' (as Julia Sullivan, opposite Stephen Lynch ). Off-Broadway , she starred in '' Time And Again ''. Benanti has been nominated for two Tony Award s for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, for her performances in ''Swing!'' and ''Into The Woods''; the latter also earned her a nomination for a Drama Desk Award - Outstanding Actress in a Musical. She was replaced in ''Into the Woods'' by Erin Dilly after breaking her neck as a result of a disastrous Pratfall . She was misdiagnosed, and later had spinal surgery that saved her life. In August 2006, it was announced that Benanti would be taking a four to six week medical leave from '' The Wedding Singer ''. Her standby, Tina Maddigan , temporarily replaced her. Benanti returned to the show on October 3 , 2006 , and it was announced at the end of that month that the show would close on December 31 , 2006 . http://www.playbill.com/news/article/103001.html ''Playbill.com'' Retrieved on 05-08-07 She played the role of the love-sick studio assistant to Antonio Banderas (her former co-star in the Broadway production of '' Nine '') in the feature film '' Take The Lead ''. She is presently engaged to actor Steven Pasquale (of theatre and Rescue Me success), who was also in the 'dream cast' of Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation concert of The Secret Garden in 2005 with her. In July 2007, she began a three-week limited run of the musical Gypsy at the New York City Center as Louise, alongside Patti Lupone as Mama Rose and Boyd Gaines as Herbie. TELEVISION In addition to stage roles, Benanti has appeared on the FX Networks sitcom " Starved ". Currently, she is recording an Album . She has been cast in '' Eli Stone '', a projected ABC series for the 2007-2008 season, and will play the mother of a child with autism. EXTERNAL LINKS
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