Results for "Julie Benko"

Musician

Julie Benko

Born: March 24

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.

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Straight Ahead into the New Year: Woody Shaw, Alexa Tarantino, Mike Clark with Mike Zilber and More

by Hobart Taylor
January 7, 2026

Starting the new year like an OG. Playlist Julie Benko “Ma Belle Evangeline" from Euphonic Gumbo (Club 44) 00:23 Mike Boone “Hymn" from Confirmation (Self-Produced) 3:41 Nnenna Freelon “Changed" from Beneath the Skin (Origin) 8:05 Host Speaks 13:40 Woody Shaw “Obsequious" from Love Dance (Time Traveler) 14:53 Alexa Tarantino “The Roar and The Whisper" ...

Video

Funky Fête (Iko Iko/Tootie Ma Is A Big Fine Thing)

Featuring the music of Julie Benko
Duration: 90:00
January 6, 2026

During rehearsals for Funny Girl on Broadway, a moment of sheer panic unexpectedly led to a meaningful musical collaboration for Julie Benko. Faced with the daunting realization that tap dancing was part of the role, a breakdown in rehearsal turned into a breakthrough thanks to tap dance great John Manzari, whose generosity, encouragement, and impromptu coaching made all the difference. Now, the spotlight turns back to Manzari as a very special guest soloist on the first single from the forthcoming New Orleans–inspired jazz album Julie Benko 'Euphonic Gumbo'. Released on Twelfth Night to kick off the Mardi Gras season, “Funky Fête” is a joyous medley of "Iko Iko" and "Tootie Ma Is A Big Fine Thing", capturing the spirit, rhythm, and communal energy of New Orleans. 'Euphonic Gumbo', which features pianist Jason Yeager, will be released on February 13 via Club44. Consider this your invitation to move: it’s impossible not to dance along. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Album

Promises, Promises and Raindrops

By Allyson Briggs

Label: Self Produced
Released: 2024
Track listing: Do You Know The Way to San Jose; I'll Never Fall in Love Again; Trop'ns Fin Regen Oif Mein Kop; What the World Needs Now is Love; One Less Bell to Answer; Anyone Who Had a Heart; Uninvited Dream; My Rock and Foundation; Always Something There to Remind Me; Wenn Ich Mir Was Wunschen Durfte; Casino Royale; This Girl's In Love With You; Promises, Promises; Walk On By; Alfie; Close to You; I Say a Little Prayer; The Look of Love; Arthur's Theme; That's What Friends Are For.

Article: Radio & Podcasts

New releases from Geri Allen & Kurt Rosenwinkel, Isle of Klezbos With Holiday Recordings By George Gee, Liam Forde, Laila Biali, Julie Benko & More

by Mary Foster Conklin
December 18, 2023

This broadcast includes new releases by Geri Allen & Kurt Rosenwinkel, Tom Ricci, Isle Of Klezbos and Jelena Jovovic, with holiday recordings from the George Gee Swing Orchestra, Liam Forde, Laila Biali and Julie Benko, plus birthday shoutouts to Dave Brubeck, Cory Weeds, Diane Schuur, Jihee Heo, Cassandra Wilson and Amanda Tosoff, among others. Thanks for ...

Album

Introducing Julie Benko

By Julie Benko

Label: Julie Benko
Released: 2017