We spoke with Laurie Gayle Stephenson, Star of The Phantom Of The Opera, to discuss performing on Broadway and for Corporate Audiences.

HOB: You starred on Broadway in Phantom. How do audiences relate to songs from the show?
LGS: Seeing the Broadway cast of any show is very appealing to an audience – going to any Broadway show is an event since the cast is “The Real Deal!” In a show like Phantom, even if they are not familiar with the show, they have heard the music.

HOB: How is performing for corporate audiences different from Broadway?
LGS: A Broadway audience knows exactly what they are getting. A corporate audience may know nothing about what they are about to see. For that reason, it is critical that the audience is immediately brought in and completely WOWED!

In my experience, I always find that these corporate audiences love the luxury experience of Broadway and enjoy meeting and taking photos with the cast after the show. As a performer it is a very fulfilling and gratifying experience.

HOB: What is one of your favorite experiences from a corporate event?
LGS: At a Hot On Broadway performance last month, our cast performed for 400 of the top leaders and scientists from a major pharmaceutical company. As Broadway performers, we were honored to be entertaining and meeting some of the most renowned scientists and doctors in the world. They expressed equal enthusiasm for our work and performance. The evening of Broadway songs incorporated a specific thematic message: we celebrated their global efforts in drug research and the ongoing efforts in finding cures for diseases including cancer and diabetes. It was a powerful and rewarding experience.

Laurie Gayle Stephenson has enjoyed an acclaimed career on Broadway in many shows including The Secret Garden, The Phantom of the Opera, The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and continues to perform as a soloist across the country. www.lauriegayle.net