Lauren most recently starred as Percy in the Jeff-recommended
THE SPITFIRE GRILL, with Refuge Theatre Company!
March 23-May 5, 2018
"As protagonist Percy, Lauren Paris is a revelation. Ornery yet optimistic, tender but tempestuous, her deeply wounded demeanor is matched only by her apparent yearning for peace and affection. She inhabits the role with every laugh, every jitter, and every tear, her tremendous voice a contained supernova across a close-knit performance. Should she not receive her Jeff nomination, or at least get to record a folk album, then let it be known this is a world without justice" - Ian Rigg, Chicagoland Musical Theatre (Highly Recommended)
"Lauren Paris leads this show through its darkness with grace and just the right amount of brutal sadness. She brings the audience along on Percy’s journey through her second chance at finding happiness with obvious affection for the character and genuine admiration for the story" - Stephanie Dykes, Picture this Post (Highly Recommended)
"What is unexpected, however, are some of the performances, especially that of Lauren Paris as Percy. These aren’t easy songs, (and) Paris’ command of breath control and vocal technique make her soar. Her earthy charisma blends effortlessly between speech and song...there are many moving and impressive moments" - Bec Willett, Performink (Recommended)
"In short, I don’t think I’ll see a better production of this charming and disarming gem of a musical... (with) one of the best ensembles I’ve seen. Most are new faces to me, and all are vocally adept while truthful to this tender material. Lauren Paris carries the bulk of the work as Percy, a former prisoner who’s hoping for a new beginning. Her work here is stunning, with many of her most emotional moments played just a few feet from a rapt audience...I can't encourage you enough to check out this heartwarming musical" - Bob Bullen, Chicago Theatre Addict (Highly Recommended)
"Each actor fully inhabits his character. Their powerful voices full of pain, eventual healing and blissful happiness. Lauren Paris carries the show as tough, ex-con Percy Talbott. As her own tragic story begins to meld with the suspicious, gossiping folks around her, Paris’ protective walls start to crumble and secrets are revealed...all three actresses display excellent, trained, subtly expressive voices. Ms. Paris’ “A Ring Around the Moon,” which opens the play, is stunning" -Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review (Highly Recommended)
"Spitfire's cast is stellar, navigating a complex, challenging score with grace and pride...Spitfire's three main characters couldn't be more perfect: Paris is a rising star, embodying the rough, guarded Percy with phenomenal vocals and scrappy style...Refuge's The Spitfire Grill is a must-see, a small but powerful musical with a lovely score and a deep understanding of the meaning of home" - Lauren Whalen, Chicago Theater Beat (Highly Recommended)
December 2017: Lauren played Jenna Roxy in a workshop of Jenna Roxy and the Church of Modern Love at The Den on December 12th, produced by Haven Theatre, and continued to workshop the role throughout the winter for the creative team.
November 2017: Lauren was so excited to be the featured performer at The Wrigley Building's annual Tree Lighting on Michigan Ave, from 4PM-5PM on November 17th.
November 2017: Lauren sang with Broadway's Nick Adams at Pride Films and Plays annual benefit, Simply Sensational, on November 6th.
October 2017: Lauren was thrilled to return to the world of solo cabaret with her dear friend Robert Deason on the piano in Girl's Gotta Eat: Lauren Paris and Robert Deason in Concert. The one night event was presented to a sold out audience on October 2nd at Pride Films and Plays.
November 2017: Lauren was so excited to be the featured performer at The Wrigley Building's annual Tree Lighting on Michigan Ave, from 4PM-5PM on November 17th.
November 2017: Lauren sang with Broadway's Nick Adams at Pride Films and Plays annual benefit, Simply Sensational, on November 6th.
October 2017: Lauren was thrilled to return to the world of solo cabaret with her dear friend Robert Deason on the piano in Girl's Gotta Eat: Lauren Paris and Robert Deason in Concert. The one night event was presented to a sold out audience on October 2nd at Pride Films and Plays.