Laufey, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, has her sights set on a new dream role: playing Claire in the musical 'Maybe Happy Ending.' But here's the twist—it's not just about landing the part; it's a personal connection.
The half-Chinese, half-Icelandic artist reveals a deep affinity for Claire's character, seeing herself in the role. She confesses to sharing Claire's initial reluctance in love, making the part a perfect fit. And with a string of coincidences involving Darren Criss, the Tony-winning star of the show, Laufey believes it's a sign.
Her passion for musical theatre is no secret. From her classical music training to her love for ballet and figure skating, Laufey has always been drawn to the stage. Growing up, she immersed herself in Golden Age musical films, and as she matured, recordings of iconic musicals became her escape from the cold Icelandic winters.
One musical, in particular, holds a special place in her heart: 'An American in Paris.' Laufey describes it as a life-changing experience, a perfect blend of classical and jazz music, theatrical traditions, and ballet. She finds solace in knowing that others share her passion, and it inspires her own music.
Laufey's album, 'A Matter of Time,' nominated for a Grammy, was born from her love for theatre. Inspired by the musical 'Carousel,' she named a song after it and drew from its lyrics. She explains how musicals, like 'Waitress,' have shown her that the genre is not just about repeating the past but creating new, captivating stories.
The connection between jazz and musical theatre is profound for Laufey. She believes jazz standards and the Great American Songbook owe their popularity to musicals. The storytelling and harmonies in these shows have shaped her songwriting. Her collaboration with the legendary Barbra Streisand on 'The Secrets of Life' is a testament to her impact.
But Laufey's journey is not just about admiration; it's about participation. She dreams of writing a musical but feels she must first experience being in one. This desire to understand the craft from within drives her to seek out opportunities to perform. And with her growing presence in the TheatreTok community and her recent sold-out show at Madison Square Garden, Laufey is making her mark.
So, will Laufey's dream of playing Claire come true? And will she get the chance to write her own musical? The story is still unfolding, and the world of theatre eagerly awaits her next move. And this is the part where we, the audience, get to witness a rising star's journey, one that might just be a 'Maybe Happy Ending.'
