Here, via email, we hear from Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Tony nominee Anika Larsen, who recently released her debut solo CD, "Sing You to Sleep," on the Yellow Sound Label.
What show recently impressed you?
I was swept away by Bridges of Madison County. I cried so hard I soaked through my shirt. No lie. It was beautiful and breathtaking, and Kelli O'Hara was extraordinary. I was very upset it closed so quickly. I’ll never understand the appetites of Broadway audiences.
What production are you most excited to see?
Well, my honest answer is going to make it seem like I have a talent crush on Kelli O’Hara, and you better believe I do. I can’t wait to see her in The King and I. Bart Sher is such a terrific director, I just know this production is going to be fantastic. And, my Avenue Q buddy Ruthie Ann Miles is going to be a fantastic Lady Thiang. Can’t wait.
What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play?
Can I answer this question regardless of how recently there has been or there will be a revival of a show I’m thinking of? My greatest unfulfilled dream is to play a Sondheim woman. Pretty much any one of them. They’re all so dynamic, so unique, so deftly written. I’d love to play any of the women in A Little Night Music, any of the women in Into the Woods, and, of course, Dot in Sunday in the Park with George.
What are your current/upcoming projects?
I am about to release my debut solo album, “Sing You to Sleep,” and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it. It was inspired by my nieces and nephews and the many children I’ve babysat and nannied over the years, to whom I always sang songs that I found beautiful. What I’m most excited about is that it aspires to be more Norah Jones than The Wiggles, because I think you should play for children the music you want them to love, and parents have to listen to these things, too. Also, sometimes grownups need to be lulled—I know I do. So I guess you could say this is a lullaby album for all ages. And, if you listen in order, the songs go from faster to slower as the album goes on—a trick from my babysitting days.
