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Entrances and Exits: Thoughts from Laura Bell Bundy (the Renaissance Woman)

Laura Bell Bundy has been the envy of women (and a few men) everywhere for being able to embody pop culture heroine “Elle Woods” every night on stage in Legally Blonde The Musical. However, the current spotlight has given Ms. Bundy the chance to shine, and as she plays her final performances this weekend, she’s proven that “Elle” might not be the only modern day heroine on stage at the Palace Theatre. Laura took some time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for The 8th Avenue Observer about playing Elle, her various interests, and where she plans to go from here.

Review: The Marriage of Bette and Boo

It might look it from the start, but wedded bliss isn’t so much the case for the title characters of Christopher Durang’s play, The Marriage of Bette and Boo. In fact, while the play is an unabashed comedy, the marriage is anything but bliss.

VictoriaWorld: No Running Permitted in London

I have a confession to make. I am not an anglophile. I’ve never understood the fascination with England. I don’t watch The Office. I don’t laugh at Monty Python. And although I did enjoy Bridget Jones, I think that might be something most true anglophiles try to forget. I went to London for the first time when I was eight, and even then I wasn’t in awe. My two biggest memories from that trip involve being very impressed with the electric fireplace in Claridge’s, and very unimpressed with getting scolded by the doorman every time I entered the lobby with, “young lady, there is no running permitted in Claridge’s.” Point being, I’ve just never understood the deep fascination and aggrandizement some Americans feel towards Great Britain, and therefore, certainly have never fully understood the Broadway versus West End debate.

Last Night’s Show: Mr. Green’s Opus

Last Night’s Show: Mr. Green’s Opus at Birdland and Small Talk with Stephanie J. Block

(where were you)

VictoriaWorld: 30lbs and a Fake Nose

“So, they’re playing themselves? Hmm. Well, isn’t that kind of cheating?”
That’s what I overheard someone (who I’m assuming was dragged along by his theatre loving companion) say as I was walking out of the [title of show] invited dress rehearsal last Thursday evening. Now, since I’m not acquainted with anyone in the cast of [title of show] I can’t offer much insight into the first half of the question. However, I think the second part is worth exploring: why is it that audiences feel “cheated” when they feel an actor is playing a part that is too close to the actors real self?

Last Night’s Show: Musikids Benefit at The Zipper

Last Night’s Show: Musikids Benefit at The Zipper and Small Talk with Julia Murney

(where were you)

Summer Listening List

As if our Summer Theatrical Reading list wasn’t enough, we’ve prepared a Summer Listening List (for when reading while sun bathing in Central Park just becomes too much effort).

VictoriaWorld: Alec, Patti, and You

Since The 8th Avenue Observer is quickly on its way to world domination of theatrical journalism, it seems like now is a good time to debut one of everyone’s favorite parts of any publication: the op-ed section (some of you thought I was going to say product placement, right?). It’s with great excitement that I introduce my first column.

Last Night’s Show: Christine Ebersole at Birdland

Last Night’s Show: Christine Ebersole and Small Talk with Christine Ebersole

(where were you)