Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti brings her solo show Nobody Cares to Underbelly Boulevard Soho, a 65-minute blend of cringe comedy and heartfelt reflection. Benanti, known for her Broadway career and Melania Trump impressions, explores her journey from a "pathological people pleaser" to a middle-aged entertainer.
A show about growing up on Broadway
Benanti, who won a Tony and self-deprecatingly notes she's a "four-time Tony award loser," recounts her early career. She performed on Broadway at 18, faced propositions from powerful producers, and broke her neck during a revival of Into the Woods. The injury was covered up, a fact she shares with eyebrow-raising honesty.
The strongest moments focus on Benanti's younger self, a "recovering ingenue" who avoided conflict. She lurches through disastrous relationships and awkwardly dodges a marriage proposal, inspiring a droll song about making amends years later. This dialogue between her present and past selves gives the show real savour.
Later life stories dilute the focus
The second half shifts to Benanti's later life, including sourcing divorce paperwork, which she treats as shameful, and tales of her children's birth. A heartfelt section on breastfeeding pressure adds sincerity but dilutes the initial theme. The show becomes a grab-bag of "lessons learned," such as the sentiment "our kids are so funny," leading to a fun song about lies parents tell children that devolves into schmaltz.
Benanti's daughter's put-down gives the show its title, Nobody Cares. The closing stages circle back to her childhood somewhat clunkily, ending with a clarion call to confused ingenues.
Verdict: charming but uneven
For those who relate to Benanti's journey, the show is a must-see. For others, it remains charming and enjoyable. Nobody Cares runs at Underbelly Boulevard Soho, London, until 26 July.
