Hometown: New York City
Education: Boston University
Select Credits: The Most Happy Fella (Cleo), An Ideal Husband (Mrs. Cheveley), Les Mis (Fantine)
Why theater?: I'm a total nerd! More then that, though, theater is the greatest outlet for human expression that tells a story. Live theater is a conversation between performer and audience that changes every evening, even though the play will remain the same. There is always something new to discover, and I love that.
Who do you play in Somewhere With You?: Nancy
Tell us about Somewhere With You: It's a love story that centers around a new generation of Southerners growing up in the early 2000s, confronted by the methamphetamine epidemic, the war in Iraq, and other post-9/11 challenges in the rural South-- as described by our wonderful creative team.
What is it like being a part of Somewhere With You?: It's the best new musical I have ever been graced to be apart of. JT Harding (music/lyrics) and Peter Zinn (book) came up with a masterpiece that truly speaks to my generation. I can recall exactly where I was when the towers were hit and how I felt, and I never wanted to embrace that memory or feeling again or watch it in any form. These guys wrote a piece of theater that puts that moment, the moments before and the domino effect that occurred right after in a way that, as a New Yorker, I am proud to be apart of and easily said "yes" to when I was offered the role. I have yet to see a piece of theater that gives credit in truth to this part of our history, and Somewhere With You--with all it's beautiful music and interesting characters-- is the one that I would watch even if I had no part in it as a performer.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Theater with a good story that needs to be told. I would say that I am inspired by my personal experiences and those that I have read about. It changes day to day. Recently I wrote a genuinely terrible screen play on van Gogh, so at the moment I am inspired by his life and his paintings that I get to see at the Met museum over and over. They are always the same but they bring something new out of me every time.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Of course! The list is long, but off the top of my head Dot in Sunday in the Park, Aldonza in Man of LaMancha, Fosca in Passion, and the lady that got me into the biz in the first place, Eliza in My Fair Lady.
What’s your favorite showtune?: Ooh...that's a tough one. I can only choose one?...Ok... "I Wish I Could Forget You," from Passion
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Mandy Patinkin!
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Eva Green, she's gorgeous and that makes no sense, but it's a movie and I want to look my best. My working title would be "Strange Dear," and yes, I am totally sampling from Cole Porter right now.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Recently I saw The Cripple of Inishmaan on Broadway and that was excellent.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: "I Know You" by Esperanza Spalding
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Enrique Iglesias
What’s up next?: Something wonderful!
For more on Lauren, visit www.LaurenHoffmeier.com and follow her on twitter @LaurenHoffmeier
