"I am convinced that most people do not grow up... what we do is mostly grow old," said Maya Angelou. Actually, just ask actress Laura Benanti about when she goes home for the holidays. "My dad actually reads Twas Night Before Christmas to my mom, sister and I in our bed. And my sister Marielle and I wear matching pajamas," says the Tony-wining actress who plays Sadie Stone, the country singer-songwriter on the TV show Nashville.
In that vein, Benanti just made a new comedy video, "Santa Baby: A Short Holiday Film," depicting how adults can behave when they visit mom and dad during holiday season. Benanti's collaborator Ashley Van Buren came up with the idea while Benanti's parents play a starring role. "All the videos I do are improv. I love having my voice get out there in a way that is truly mine. explains Benanti, a Broadway veteran, who has created a plethora of hilarious videos over the years. "These videos are an opportunity for me to show my funny, improv side." And besides, her mom and dad were pretty game about playing themselves and didn't need much arm twisting. "My parents are such good sports," says the actress who next appears in a concert version of the show Parade at Avery Fisher Hall in February and then stars in the New York Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. "My mom made chicken soup from scratch and grilled cheese for our crew!"
To watch Laura's video, "Santa Baby: A Short Holiday Film, click on this story at Parade.
Laura Benanti (Credit: Laura Marie Duncan) (Used with permission) 