Leading Ladies (Working In The Theatre

Our four Tony Award winning Leading Ladies -- Laura Benanti, Beth Leavel, Bebe Neuwirth and Alice Ripley - discuss performances they've seen that have made a lasting impact on them; the moment when they realized that a life in the theatre was what they wanted; what it's like originating a role, playing a character in a revival and replacing someone in a show; the roles they never seem to get cast in; their relationship with the audience during a show and after at the stage door; and their thoughts on the audition process.
Originally taped - September, 2009
American Theatre Wing’s Working in the Theatre documentary series features the most fascinating people on the stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience. From Tony Awards® and Obie Awards® winning artists to the next generation of theatre makers, we capture theatre’s inner-workings, industry luminaries, and unique stories that surround important work.
American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards® and home of and the Obie Awards®: for more information visit americantheatr....
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[@drama28king]

I love all of these women so much! And as wonderful as they all are, I think specifically in this interview, Bebe was just so insightful! She was so smart and the things she said were so brilliant!

[@pudgeuncle]

I cannot believe that Beth Leavel is talking about Stepping to the Bad Side. I worked on the production of Applause she was in in 1982 and she and I watched the Tonys backstage [we had a Sunday night performance]....I love NINE, She loved DREAMGIRLS and she said "But wasn't Stepping to the Bad Side one of the most amazing things you have ever seen?" She was lovely to work with. I am thrilled for her success.

[@TNalepka]

"NAME NAMES." Alice Ripley kills me!

[@hfelton]

I'm astonished that the poster below found Ms. Benanti annoying. Maybe it's from someone who lost a part to her. I thought she held back out of deference to the other panelists', to be tactful, greater experience. I find Laura one of the most appealing women in all of show biz.

[@leif1075]

Was something cut at 44:05 when it jumps suddenly from Alice to Laura ?

[@nadiaavery2002]

BEBE❤️

[@leif1075]

What did Beth say at 46:14 that someone had a note that said what for her??

[@TheMaestroCraig]

that they were waiting to meet her at stage door. This was after a performance where she'd exited via another way, so she felt she'd let them down.

[@leif1075]

Do people think Laura is ungrateful or inconsiderate or unprofessional by not going out the stage door or at peast doesnshe do it on the last show or when the show goes on hiatus so there is no risk of missing a show on the next night?

[@fredcovers6484]

Poor Laura - you can tell this interview was shot before her spine surgery, her neck loks so stiff :-( wonderful panel BTW

[@CrankCase08]

How very kosher cosy. Yuck.