Laura Osnes on Singing with Julie Andrews, Performing Maury Yeston and Her Very Strange Music Video

From playing Sandy in Grease to her Tony-nominated performance as Bonnie Parker in Bonnie & Clyde to her upcoming title role in the Broadway premiere in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, Laura Osnes dominates any stage she steps on. Now, the actress and singer tries out a more intimate stage in Laura Osnes Sings Maury Yeston at 54 Below, running November 27 to December 1. Below, Osnes reveals the songs that make her smile, why she listens to herself on her iPod and why Sara Bareilles makes her want to shart.

What record/album was your favorite growing up?
The Secret Garden.

What concert most influenced you as a performer?
I saw Linda Eder in Minneapolis for my 16th birthday!

What is your go-to audition song?
"Not For The Life of Me" from Thoroughly Modern Millie.

What song are you most excited to perform in your show?
Fred Lassen (my music director) and I created this awesome mash-up of Maury Yeston's "Shimmy Like They Do in Paree" and "I Want to Go to Hollywood."

What musical theater track is the most played on your iPod?
Embarrassed to admit, but "This Never Happened Before"... it was my favorite song from Bonnie & Clyde and ended up being cut from the show. Fortunately, we got to record it as a bonus track on the album and I obviously still love to listen to it.

If you could invite any performer onstage for a duet at 54 Below, who would it be?
Julie Andrews.

What’s your favorite love song?
"Home,"  a song my husband [Nathan Johnson] wrote for me on our wedding day!

What is your favorite workout track?
This artist from the '90s called Gina G has my favorite workout/dance party music. Haha! My fav is "Ooh, Aah." It was the song we performed to in eighth grade jazz class. I'm such a nerd.

What’s the best hidden gem in on your iPod?
Ready? I have a recording of Kathleen Monteleone covering Sara Bareilles' "Uncharted," except she re-wrote all the lyrics to go with the new title, "I Sharted." We got a bunch of our friends and made a music video to it...hilarious. It's quite a gem.

Favorite break-up song?
"Bluebird" by Sara Bareilles.

What song most makes you smile?
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow."