My Top 5 Showtunes: Laura Osnes

Laura Osnes originated the title role in the recent Broadway production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. Her other credits include Frank Wildhorn's Bonnie & Clyde on Broadway.

Laura is flying in from New York to star in Frank Wildhorn & Friends at the Palace Theatre Manchester on Tuesday 22 November. Other guests at the concert will include Wendi Peters, Dave Willetts and Natalie McQueen, who will present an exclusive preview of Wildhorn's Wonderland, and Beautiful – The Carole King Musical star Cassidy Janson.

We caught up with Laura and asked her: "If you were stranded on a desert island which five showtunes could you not live without?"

1. "What Baking Can Do" from Waitress

I'm currently obsessed with the Waitress album. I think this song specifically speaks to me because baking is one of my favourite pastimes (in my tiny Manhattan kitchen). I also actually lost my mother to cancer five years ago, so the lyrics really hit home, and Jessie Mueller sings them all flawlessly. Sara Bareilles' knock-out score is contagiously catchy, and I find myself wanting to listen to it every day… all the time. But, I will try to prevent myself from choosing all five of my top showtunes from this album.

2. "You Matter To Me" from Waitress

Sorry, I said I'd TRY. This song is just too beautiful. I've rarely heard a more simple, stunning, emotive lyric; nor more tender and heartfelt performances. This song can make my eyes well up on the spot.

3. "Dear Theodosia" from Hamilton

I'm clearly a sap for the tear-jerkers: Two grown men, each expressing their unfathomable love and expectant hope for their child. I am not yet a mother, but these lyrics (not to mention the harmonious quodlibet-like melodies – look up that word!) are just brilliant. We get to experience a vulnerable humanity of these two powerfully masculine forces, and are reminded they share the bond of fatherhood, despite the fact that they are slowly becoming more enemies than friends.

4. "This Never Happened Before" from Bonnie & Clyde

I think after all that crying, I'll need to have a song that's tied to a happy memory. Even though the sentiment of this song isn't necessarily cheerful, it was my favourite song from Bonnie & Clyde. It ended up being cut from the show on our way to Broadway, but Frank was smart enough to include it as a bonus track on the cast album! Although it seems strange to choose a song I sing in, hearing it always takes me back to that memorably epic adventure I got to have in Bonnie's shoes.

5. "Love Is An Open Door" from Frozen

Since Frozen is on its way to becoming a stage musical, I'm hoping this counts. All my other tunes ended up being relatively serious, so I'll definitely need a spunky, happy, pick-me up song to dance and belt along to on the island. Not only am I a huge fan of Disney and this movie (who isn't?), but it just makes me giggle hearing my pal Santino Fontana as the voice of Prince Hans. We did Cinderella on Broadway together for a year, and I can't help but smile hearing him in this song.