Westport Country Playhouse (25 Powers Ct, Westport, CT 06880) will welcome Tony Award-winning actress and singer Laura Benanti and her mother, acclaimed voice teacher and performer Linda Benanti, for a one-night performance of “Mothers Know Best” on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 8 p.m.
The musical evening explores the complexities and humor of mother-daughter relationships through songs and personal stories. The show previously played at New York’s 54 Below, where it won a 2025 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award for Best Duo Cabaret Show.
Backed by a three-piece band led by music director Billy Stritch, the Benantis reflect on their shared experiences as performers and as mothers of two daughters each. Linda Benanti was also Laura’s voice teacher during her childhood, a dynamic woven into the evening’s storytelling.
The repertoire includes duets such as “One More Kiss” from “Follies” and a comic take on “Qué Será, Será.” Laura Benanti performs selections including “Vanilla Ice Cream” from “She Loves Me” and “My Fair Lady in 15 Minutes or Less,” a condensed tribute to the classic musical. Linda Benanti offers “The Man That Got Away,” inspired by her childhood admiration for Judy Garland.
Laura Benanti won a Tony Award for her role in “Gypsy” and has starred in 11 Broadway productions, including “Into the Woods,” “Nine,” “She Loves Me,” and “My Fair Lady.” On screen, she appears in the Paramount+ series “Mayor of Kingstown” and has had roles in “The Gilded Age,” “Younger,” and “Elsbeth.” She is also known for her Melania Trump impression on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Linda Benanti’s Broadway credits include “Brigadoon,” and she has performed nationally and regionally in productions such as “Camelot,” “The Music Man,” and “Guys and Dolls.” After retiring from the stage, she founded a vocal studio in New Jersey, where she has trained students ranging from aspiring performers to Broadway professionals.
Stritch, a longtime musical director for Liza Minnelli and collaborator with Tony Bennett and other top vocalists, leads the evening’s band. His song “Does He Love You” won a Grammy Award in 1993.
Click here to purchase tickets.
***** Message Center*****
Westport merch
203 Westport • Exit 41 • Exit 42 • I’d rather be in Westport • I Really Really Miss Westport • Just a kid from Westport • Love & Life Minuteman •
Looking for more?
Finding Connecticut is a premier online platform dedicated to showcasing the best that Connecticut has to offer. From local events and cultural attractions to dining, shopping, and entertainment, Finding Connecticut provides up-to-date guides and insider tips for residents and visitors alike. The site highlights hidden gems, family-friendly activities, and seasonal happenings across the state, making it a go-to resource for exploring Connecticut. With detailed articles, event listings, and curated recommendations, Finding Connecticut helps users discover new experiences, support local businesses, and stay connected to the community. It’s the ultimate guide to living, visiting, and enjoying everything Connecticut has to offer.