Montclair, New Jersey — Tony-winning actress Laura Benanti took the stage in her hometown this past Saturday, October 18, 2025, delivering a sharp, satirical performance that had attendees laughing and reflecting in equal measure. The event, titled No Kings, combined political commentary, music, and community engagement, drawing a diverse crowd of residents eager to see local leaders, artists, and performers speak out on national issues.
Benanti, known for her long-running Melania Trump impression, captivated the audience with her signature character, performing a biting musical number that drew attention to the political climate. Her song, punctuated with the line “The White House is not where a toddler belongs,” delivered her critique with both humor and pointed commentary. She closed the performance with a defiant quip, leaving the audience roaring with applause. Benanti’s ability to combine theatricality with political satire has long been a hallmark of her career, which includes appearances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and numerous national and local stages.
The Montclair gathering featured an impressive roster of speakers alongside Benanti. U.S. Senator Andy Kim addressed the crowd on civic engagement and local concerns, while New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill highlighted issues facing the state ahead of the upcoming election. Jazz singer Melissa Walker also contributed a soulful performance, balancing the evening’s energetic satire with a musical interlude that resonated with the audience.
Benanti’s ties to New Jersey run deep. A Kinnelon native and longtime Montclair resident, she has frequently performed her Melania Trump impression at regional events, including the Out Montclair Pride festival in June 2025. Her familiarity with the local arts scene and her commitment to combining performance with civic awareness helped make the No Kings event both entertaining and socially resonant.
The performance underscored the growing role of theater and live performance as a platform for political expression in New Jersey. Benanti’s work exemplifies how art can engage the public in important conversations, blending humor, critique, and musicality to create a space where complex issues are accessible and thought-provoking. Her portrayal of public figures continues to captivate audiences while sparking discussion about the intersection of politics and performance.
For those interested in exploring more of New Jersey’s vibrant theater and performing arts scene, including live events, stage performances, and local artist showcases, Explore New Jersey Theatre offers comprehensive coverage of performances and cultural happenings across the state.
Benanti’s performance at the No Kings event highlights Montclair’s dynamic arts community, demonstrating how local stages are increasingly serving as forums for both entertainment and civic engagement. The evening left a lasting impression on attendees, combining star power, humor, and political awareness in a way that only New Jersey’s thriving arts scene can deliver.
