Julie Benko

Julie Benko is an actress, singer, and writer based in New York City. She has performed on Broadway, national tours, and in regional theaters across the country. She has released three albums: Introducing Julie Benko (2017), Hand in Hand (Club44 Records, 2021), and Chrstmas With You (Club44 Records, 2023). All her records were arranged and produced by her frequent collaborator (and husband) jazz pianst Jason Yeager. 

Julie is best known for her portrayal of Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway, skyrocketing to fame and joining the annals of theatrical lore for her sensational understudy-to-star trajectory in the show. She received numerous accolades for her interpretation, including Theatre World's Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in the Theatre. She was named the 2022 Breakout Star for Theater by the New York Times, included in Variety's 10 Broadway Stars to Watch in 2023, honored as one of 40 Under 40 for Crain's New York Business, hailed by CBS Mornings as "Broadway's breakout star," and profiled in numerous national media outlets such as the New York Times and Time. In the fall of 2023, she originated her first role on Broadway, playing Ruth in the long-gestating Barry Manilow/Bruce Sussman musical Harmony. She has played leading roles in off-Broadway and regional productions across the nation, including the title role in Jane Eyre, Girl in Once, and many more. She will make her film debut in the upcoming full-length feature "Caravan." A graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts BFA and MFA programs, she is constantly involved in developmental readings and workshops of new works at venues throughout New York City.

In addition to lending her voice to the 85th Academy Awards and the 70th Tony Awards ceremonies, Julie took home the Gold Medal and the Johnny Mercer Award in the national American Traditions Vocal Competition in 2017. In 2021, she was named a finalist alternate in the international Lotte Lenya Competition.

Benko has headlined sold-out shows at such storied New York City clubs as the Café Carlyle, Birdland, and 54 Below, as well as San Francisco's famed Venetian Room at the Fairmont Hotel, Los Angeles' Catalina Club, and many other prestigious venues around the country. She has performed as a guest soloist at Carnegie Hall and with numerous symphonies across America.

Julie lives in New York City with her husband, daughter, and cat (Thelonious Monk). 

Awards

Dorothy Loudon Award (Theatre World Awards) 

American Traditions Vocal Competition - Gold Medal, Johnny Mercer Award Lotte Lenya Competition - Finalist Alternate

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