Janine LaManna

Janine LaManna was born in Rochester, New York.^[7] She graduated from Wagner College and she was honored with the Wagner College Fellows Award in recognition for her professional achievements.^[1]

LaManna has worked in many Broadway productions.^[8][6][5] Her performance in Seussical as Gertrude McFuzz earned her a Drama Desk Award nomination.^[6]

LaManna's Broadway credits include roles in Kiss of the Spider Woman (1994–1996), Chicago (1997–2000), Ragtime (1998–2000), Kiss Me, Kate (1999–2001), Seussical (2000–2001) for which she received a Drama Desk Award nomination, Sweet Charity (2005), and The Drowsy Chaperone (2007).^[5][6] She has also appeared in numerous regional and Off-Broadway productions, such as Evita, Aida (IRNE-nominated), Noises Off, and The Prom.^[1]

LaManna originated the live-action role of Carmen Sandiego in the first season of the PBS series Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego? in 1996.^[7][1][9] Her other screen credits include appearances in the film Two Weeks Notice, she voiced The Sirens for Samurai Jack, a role as Paquette in Great Performances, and a role in Devious Maids.^[1][10][11]

As a singer, LaManna has performed in solo concerts and as a guest artist internationally.^[5] A highlight of her career was singing at the White House in 2007 for the National Military Spouse Appreciation Day event.^[1] She debuted her solo concert "Black & Gold" in New York in 2023.^[12]

LaManna is married to retired U.S. Army Major Mike McDermott, with whom she has two children including a daughter Mia McDermott and a son Liam McDermott.^[7][6] As a military spouse, she has spoken about balancing her acting career with military family life, relocating to North Carolina near Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg).^[5] In addition to performing, LaManna works as a vocal coach.^[1]