Erika Henningsen

Henningsen was born and raised in Moraga, California.{{Cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Lauren |date=April 10, 2018 |title=Erika Henningsen Is Your New Cady Heron, and Probably Broadway's Nicest Mean Girl |url=https://www.wmagazine.com/story/mean-girls-broadway-erika-henningsen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030411/https://www.wmagazine.com/story/mean-girls-broadway-erika-henningsen |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |work=W}}{{Cite web |title=2014 – Erika Henningson |url=https://www.actorsequity.org/aboutequity/awards/eisenberg/Eisenberg2014/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121092621/https://actorsequity.org/aboutequity/awards/eisenberg/Eisenberg2014/ |archive-date=November 21, 2020 |access-date=22 December 2020 |website=Actors' Equity Association}} She is the youngest of three daughters born to Phil and Marybeth Henningsen.

Henningsen started in theatre after her parents recognized her passion for "talking and being in front of people" from a young age. At the age of seven, her interest in theatre was piqued after reading the Jack Prelutsky poem "The Turkey Shot out of the Oven" and hearing the audience's positive response to her performance. When she was 14 years old, Henningsen was cast in a local production of Grey Gardens and has stated in interviews that after performing in this production, she knew she wanted to pursue musical theatre as a career.{{Cite news |last=Fierberg |first=Ruthie |date=August 7, 2017 |title=7 Things You Need to Know About the Mean Girls Musical's Cady Heron |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/7-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-mean-girls-musicals-cady-heron |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030350/http://www.playbill.com/article/7-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-mean-girls-musicals-cady-heron |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |work=Playbill}}

Henningsen graduated from Campolindo High School in 2010 and then studied at the University of Michigan, earning a BFA in musical theatre in 2014.{{Cite web |last=Ginley |first=Kate |date=March 12, 2015 |title=Alumnus Lands Broadway Role |url=https://chslapuma.com/lifestyle/2015/03/12/alumnus-lands-broadway-role/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030254/https://chslapuma.com/lifestyle/2015/03/12/alumnus-lands-broadway-role/ |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=La Puma}} During her undergraduate years, she also studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London through the NYU London program.{{Cite web |title=Erika Henningsen: Biography |url=https://nyphil.org/about-us/artists/erika-henningsen |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616054822/https://nyphil.org/about-us/artists/erika-henningsen |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=New York Philharmonic}} Henningsen was selected as the winner of the 2014 Alan Eisenberg Award Scholarship, an award given to a University of Michigan graduating senior in recognition of "outstanding talent and career potential" in musical theatre.

In 2010, at the age of 17, Henningsen was cast in her first professional production as Penny Pingleton in Hairspray at the Woodminster Amphitheater in Oakland, California.{{Cite news |last=Levaux |first=Janet |date=July 1, 2010 |title='Hairspray' Comes to the Oakland Hills |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2010/07/01/hairspray-comes-to-the-oakland-hills/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030538/https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2010/07/01/hairspray-comes-to-the-oakland-hills/ |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |work=East Bay Times}}

In November 2014, she made her New York Philharmonic debut as Kim Ravenal in a staged concert production of Kern and Hammerstein's Show Boat.{{Cite news |last=Dziemianowicz |first=Joe |date=November 6, 2014 |title='Show Boat,' Theater Review |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/theater-arts/show-boat-theater-review-article-1.2001707 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030408/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/theater-arts/show-boat-theater-review-article-1.2001707 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |work=New York Daily News}}{{Cite web |title=Kern & Hammerstein's Show Boat |url=https://nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/1415/show-boat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030345/https://nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/1415/show-boat |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=New York Philharmonic}} A live taping of the production later aired on PBS on October 16, 2015.{{Cite web |title=Live from Lincoln Center: Kern & Hammerstein's Show Boat |url=http://www.pbs.org/arts/collections/pbs-arts-festival/2015/kern-hammerstein-show-boat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030603/http://www.pbs.org/arts/collections/pbs-arts-festival/2015/kern-hammerstein-show-boat/ |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=PBS.org}}

Later that year, Henningsen starred as Beth in the musical Diner, based on Barry Levinson's 1982 film of the same name with music and lyrics by Sheryl Crow.{{Cite web |last=Rosky |first=Nicole |date=November 4, 2014 |title=Signature Theatre Announces Cast for Sheryl Crow's Diner Musical; Whitney Bashor, Bryan Fenkart & More Set to Star! |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Signature-Theatre-Announces-Cast-for-Sheryl-Crows-DINER-Musical-Whitney-Bashor-Bryan-Fenkart-More-Set-to-Star-20141104 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030656/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Signature-Theatre-Announces-Cast-for-Sheryl-Crows-DINER-Musical-Whitney-Bashor-Bryan-Fenkart-More-Set-to-Star-20141104 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=BroadwayWorld}} The musical, directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, made its world premiere with a sold-out run at the Signature Theatre in Washington, D.C., from December 9, 2014, to January 25, 2015.{{Cite web |last=Rosky |first=Nicole |date=December 29, 2014 |title=Sheryl Crow's Diner Musical Sells Out Run at Signature Theatre |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Sheryl-Crows-DINER-Musical-Sells-Out-Run-at-Signature-Theatre-20141229 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030534/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Sheryl-Crows-DINER-Musical-Sells-Out-Run-at-Signature-Theatre-20141229 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=BroadwayWorld}} She remained part of the production and its extended run when it was staged by the Delaware Theatre Company in December 2015.{{Cite web |last=Hetrick |first=Adam |date=November 6, 2015 |title=Exclusive: Latest Incarnation of Sheryl Crow Musical Diner Will Star Derek Klena, Matthew James Thomas and Noah Weisberg |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/exclusive-latest-incarnation-of-sheryl-crow-musical-diner-will-star-derek-klena-matthew-james-thomas-and-noah-weisberg-370646 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030656/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/exclusive-latest-incarnation-of-sheryl-crow-musical-diner-will-star-derek-klena-matthew-james-thomas-and-noah-weisberg-370646 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Playbill}}{{Cite web |last=Henry Fuller |first=Sally |date=January 3, 2016 |title=Sheryl Crow's Diner Concludes DTC Run Today; Looking Forward to Broadway? |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Sheryl-Crows-DINER-Concludes-DTC-Run-Today-Looking-Forward-to-Broadway-20160103 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030424/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Sheryl-Crows-DINER-Concludes-DTC-Run-Today-Looking-Forward-to-Broadway-20160103 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=BroadwayWorld}}

Henningsen made her Broadway debut as Fantine in the revival of Les Misérables on March 3, 2015.{{Cite news |last=Gioia |first=Michael |date=March 5, 2015 |title=They Dreamed the Dream! How Two Twenty-somethings Went Direct From College to Broadway's Les Misérables |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/they-dreamed-the-dream-how-two-twentysomethings-went-direct-from-college-to-broadways-les-miserables-com-343319 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030209/http://www.playbill.com/article/they-dreamed-the-dream-how-two-twentysomethings-went-direct-from-college-to-broadways-les-miserables-com-343319 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |work=Playbill}} She has disclosed in interviews that she was about to file for unemployment when she learned she was cast as Fantine, which also happened to be the last role she played as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, 11 months earlier.{{Cite news |date=April 14, 2014 |title=Les Mis Program by University of Michigan |url=https://issuu.com/umichsmtd/docs/les_mis_program |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227052130/https://issuu.com/umichsmtd/docs/les_mis_program |archive-date=February 27, 2023 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |work=Issuu}} She is the youngest actress in Broadway history (to date) to portray the role of Fantine.{{Cite news |last=Paulson |first=Michael |date=September 5, 2017 |title=Tomorrow's Marquee Names, Now in the Making |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/theater/tomorrows-marquee-names-now-in-the-making.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030934/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/theater/tomorrows-marquee-names-now-in-the-making.html |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |work=The New York Times}} She left the production along with fellow Les Misérables co-stars Ramin Karimloo and Samantha Hill on August 30, 2015, and was replaced by Memphis star Montego Glover.{{Cite news |last=McPhee |first=Ryan |date=August 10, 2015 |title=Montego Glover to Play Fantine in Les Miserables on Broadway |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/181739/montego-glover-to-play-fantine-in-les-miserables-on-broadway/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030541/https://www.broadway.com/buzz/181739/montego-glover-to-play-fantine-in-les-miserables-on-broadway/ |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |work=Broadway.com}}

In the summer of 2016, Henningsen portrayed Ensign Nellie Forbush, opposite Ben Davis, in the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's production of South Pacific.{{Cite web |last=Eberson |first=Sharon |date=August 6, 2016 |title=Stage Review: Pittsburgh CLO Caps 70th Summer with Glorious 'South Pacific' |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2016/08/06/Stage-review-Pittsburgh-CLO-s-caps-70th-summer-with-glorious-South-Pacific/stories/201608060109 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}}{{Cite news |date=August 5, 2016 |title=Photo Flash: First Look at Ben Davis and Erika Henningsen in South Pacific at Pittsburgh CLO |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/pittsburgh/article/Photo-Flash-First-Look-at-SOUTH-PACIFIC-at-Pittsburgh-CLO-20000101 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030331/https://www.broadwayworld.com/pittsburgh/article/Photo-Flash-First-Look-at-SOUTH-PACIFIC-at-Pittsburgh-CLO-20000101 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |work=BroadwayWorld}}

In February 2017, she appeared in an Off-Broadway staged concert of Jerry Herman's musical Dear World as Nina with York Theatre, starring alongside Tyne Daly, Alison Fraser, and Ann Harada.{{Cite web |last=Clement |first=Olivia |date=February 16, 2017 |title=See Who's Joining Tyne Daly in Dear World |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/see-whos-joining-tyne-daly-in-dear-world |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030236/http://www.playbill.com/article/see-whos-joining-tyne-daly-in-dear-world |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Playbill}}{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=January 11, 2017 |title=Tyne Daly Will Star in Dear World for the York Theatre Company |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/tyne-daly-will-star-in-dear-world-for-the-york-theatre-company |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030410/http://www.playbill.com/article/tyne-daly-will-star-in-dear-world-for-the-york-theatre-company |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Playbill}}

Henningsen returned to the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (PCLO) in the summer of 2017, starring as Sophie in the company's regional production of Mamma Mia!.{{Cite web |last=Praskovich |first=Drew |date=August 2, 2017 |title=Mamma Mia! at Pittsburgh CLO |url=https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/mamma-mia-at-pittsburgh-clo/Content?oid=3690278 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616032126/https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/mamma-mia-at-pittsburgh-clo/Content?oid=3690278 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Pittsburgh City Paper}} During her run at PCLO, it was announced that she was cast as Cady Heron in the upcoming Washington, D.C., production of Mean Girls.{{Cite news |last=Eberson |first=Sharon |date=July 27, 2017 |title=Star of Broadway-Bound 'Mean Girls' Is Onstage for Pittsburgh CLO in 'Mamma Mia!' |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2017/07/27/Star-of-Broadway-bound-Mean-Girls-is-onstage-for-Pittsburgh-CLO-in-Mamma-Mia-Erika-Henningsen-Tina-Fey/stories/201707270155 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616053316/http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2017/07/27/Star-of-Broadway-bound-Mean-Girls-is-onstage-for-Pittsburgh-CLO-in-Mamma-Mia-Erika-Henningsen-Tina-Fey/stories/201707270155 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}}

Beginning in 2017, Henningsen starred as Cady Heron in the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical Mean Girls, written by Tina Fey with music and lyrics by Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin, respectively.{{Cite web |date=June 7, 2018 |title=Tony Awards 2018: See the Full List of Nominees Here |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/2018-tony-nominations-announced |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126163016/https://www.vogue.com/article/2018-tony-nominations-announced |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Vogue}}{{Cite web |last=Vine |first=Hannah |date=February 2, 2018 |title=See Who's Bringing Mean Girls to Broadway |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/see-whos-bringing-mean-girls-to-broadway |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126172645/https://www.playbill.com/article/see-whos-bringing-mean-girls-to-broadway |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Playbill}}{{Cite web |last=McPhee |first=Ryan |date=July 27, 2017 |title=Mean Girls Musical Finds Its Plastics in Taylor Louderman and Ashley Park; Additional Casting Announced |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/mean-girls-musical-finds-its-plastics-in-taylor-louderman-and-ashley-park-additional-casting-announced |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126172617/https://www.playbill.com/article/mean-girls-musical-finds-its-plastics-in-taylor-louderman-and-ashley-park-additional-casting-announced |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Playbill}} The show had its world premiere as an out-of-town tryout at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., from October 31, 2017, to December 3, 2017, in which Henningsen originated the role of Cady Heron.{{Cite web |date=July 27, 2017 |title=Erika Henningsen, Taylor Louderman, Ashley Park and Kate Rockwell to Play 'The Plastics' in Broadway-Bound Mean Girls Musical; Cast Announced! |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Erika-Henningsen-Taylor-Louderman-Ashley-Park-and-Kate-Rockwell-to-Play-The-Plastics-in-Broadway-Bound-MEAN-GIRLS-Musical-Cast-Announced-20170727 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126163020/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Erika-Henningsen-Taylor-Louderman-Ashley-Park-and-Kate-Rockwell-to-Play-The-Plastics-in-Broadway-Bound-MEAN-GIRLS-Musical-Cast-Announced-20170727 |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=BroadwayWorld}} She was later nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award for this role. The musical, which is based on the film of the same name, began previews on March 12, 2018, and officially opened on Broadway on April 8, 2018, at the August Wilson Theatre in New York City.{{Cite web |last=Vine |first=Hannah |date=April 8, 2018 |title=Inside the Mean Girls Opening Night on Broadway |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/inside-the-mean-girls-opening-night-on-broadway |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929074641/https://www.playbill.com/article/inside-the-mean-girls-opening-night-on-broadway |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Playbill}} During the weeks surrounding the Broadway opening of Mean Girls, Henningsen filmed a series of video blogs for Broadway.com entitled "Too Grool for School: Backstage at Mean Girls with Erika Henningsen", giving viewers a look backstage and at events like opening night, the cast album recording, and the cast's appearance on The Today Show.{{Cite web |last=Lefkowitz |first=Andy |date=March 28, 2018 |title=Mean Girls Star Erika Henningsen Is Broadway.com's Next Vlogger |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/191651/mean-girls-star-erika-henningsen-is-broadwaycoms-next-vlogger/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030318/https://www.broadway.com/buzz/191651/mean-girls-star-erika-henningsen-is-broadwaycoms-next-vlogger/ |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Broadway.com}}{{Cite AV media |people=Broadwaycom |url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu_d_S4ydH-F_G4PJVvatI0M-SGT-q0X6 |title=Too Grool for School |date=May 24, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028101546/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu_d_S4ydH-F_G4PJVvatI0M-SGT-q0X6 |archive-date=October 28, 2022 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}} Henningsen left the production on February 22, 2020, and was replaced by actress Sabrina Carpenter.{{Cite web |last=Wild |first=Stephi |date=January 11, 2020 |title=Erika Henningsen Set Departure Date from Mean Girls |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Erika-Henningsen-Set-Departure-Date-From-MEAN-GIRLS-20200111 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112002257/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Erika-Henningsen-Set-Departure-Date-From-MEAN-GIRLS-20200111 |archive-date=January 12, 2020 |access-date=January 12, 2020 |website=BroadwayWorld |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Quinn |first=Dave |date=February 11, 2020 |title=Sabrina Carpenter Will Make Broadway Debut in Mean Girls Musical: 'I've Been Dreaming of This' |url=https://people.com/music/sabrina-carpenter-mean-girls-musical-exclusive/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226040300/https://people.com/music/sabrina-carpenter-mean-girls-musical-exclusive/ |archive-date=February 26, 2020 |access-date=February 24, 2020 |website=People}}

In March 2019, she portrayed Helen, opposite Mean Girls co-star Kyle Selig, in Stephen Sondheim's Saturday Night at Second Stage Theater as a part of the theater's "Musical Mondays" weekly concert series.{{Cite web |last=McPhee |first=Ryan |date=March 5, 2019 |title='Mean Girls' Erika Henningsen and Kyle Selig, Jonathan Raviv, More Set for Second Stage's Saturday Night Concert |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/mean-girls-erika-henningsen-and-kyle-selig-jonathan-raviv-more-set-for-second-stages-saturday-night-concert |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308035921/http://www.playbill.com/article/mean-girls-erika-henningsen-and-kyle-selig-jonathan-raviv-more-set-for-second-stages-saturday-night-concert |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |access-date=March 10, 2019 |website=Playbill}}

In January 2020, it was announced that Henningsen would be joining the Broadway cast of the new musical Flying Over Sunset, scheduled to open in the spring of 2020 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater under the direction of James Lapine.{{Cite web |last=Lefkowitz |first=Andy |date=January 16, 2020 |title=Erika Henningsen, Jeremy Kushnier & More Complete the Cast of New Broadway Musical Flying Over Sunset |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/198012/erika-henningsen-jeremy-kushnier-more-complete-the-cast-of-new-broadway-musical-flying-over-sunset/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608154756/https://www.broadway.com/buzz/198012/erika-henningsen-jeremy-kushnier-more-complete-the-cast-of-new-broadway-musical-flying-over-sunset/ |archive-date=June 8, 2020 |access-date=January 20, 2020 |website=Broadway.com}}{{Cite web |last=Fierberg |first=Ruthie |date=January 16, 2020 |title=Erika Henningsen, Jeremy Kushnier, and More Join the Cast of Broadway's Flying Over Sunset |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/erika-henningsen-jeremy-kushnier-and-more-join-the-cast-of-broadways-flying-over-sunset |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117073000/http://www.playbill.com/article/erika-henningsen-jeremy-kushnier-and-more-join-the-cast-of-broadways-flying-over-sunset |archive-date=January 17, 2020 |access-date=January 20, 2020 |website=Playbill}} However, the production's opening was postponed until the fall of 2020 after theaters were mandated to shut down by Governor Andrew Cuomo on March 12, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=March 24, 2020 |title=Lincoln Center Theater Postpones Broadway's 'Flying Over Sunset' Until Fall |url=https://deadline.com/2020/03/lincoln-center-theater-postpones-broadway-flying-over-sunset-until-fall-1202891048/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402000309/https://deadline.com/2020/03/lincoln-center-theater-postpones-broadway-flying-over-sunset-until-fall-1202891048/ |archive-date=April 2, 2020 |access-date=May 8, 2020 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} Henningsen did not return to the production when it resumed performances in December 2021.{{Cite web |last=Broadway News |date=October 19, 2021 |title='Flying Over Sunset' announces new cast members for Broadway run |url=https://broadwaynews.com/2021/10/19/flying-over-sunset-announces-complete-cast-for-broadway-return/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106211523/https://broadwaynews.com/2021/10/19/flying-over-sunset-announces-complete-cast-for-broadway-return/ |archive-date=November 6, 2021 |access-date=2021-11-06 |website=BroadwayNews.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Harms |first=Talaura |date=2021-12-13 |title=Broadway's Flying Over Sunset Opens December 13 |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/broadways-flying-over-sunset-opens-december-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214014721/https://www.playbill.com/article/broadways-flying-over-sunset-opens-december-13 |archive-date=December 14, 2021 |access-date=2021-12-13 |website=Playbill |language=en-US}}

In December 2022, Henningsen starred as Joy Mangano in the world premiere of the musical Joy at the George Street Playhouse in New Jersey.{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=August 15, 2022 |title=Mean Girls' Erika Henningsen Will Star in World Premiere of Joy the Musical |url=https://playbill.com/article/mean-girls-erika-henningsen-will-star-in-world-premiere-of-joy-the-musical |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815202314/https://www.playbill.com/article/mean-girls-erika-henningsen-will-star-in-world-premiere-of-joy-the-musical |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Playbill}}{{Cite web |last=Gershonowitz |first=Heather |date=December 15, 2022 |title=Check Out Photos of the World Premiere of Joy the Musical |url=https://playbill.com/article/check-out-photos-of-the-world-premiere-of-joy-the-musical |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527170508/https://playbill.com/article/check-out-photos-of-the-world-premiere-of-joy-the-musical |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |access-date=May 27, 2023 |website=Playbill}}

As a student at the University of Michigan, Henningsen was the co-president of the Michigan Performance Outreach Workshop (MPOW), a student-run organization (co-founded by her classmate and future Mean Girls co-star, Ashley Park) with the purpose of bringing performing-arts educational opportunities to students in southeastern Michigan to, "foster creative expression, build self-esteem, and strengthen the community."{{Cite web |last=Chin |first=Jennifer |date=30 September 2013 |title=Spice Up Your School Routine With Unexpected Extracurriculars |url=http://www.mochimag.com/article/unusual-unexpected-new-extracurricular-activities-clubs-sports-dragon-boating-qudditch-volunteering-slacklining-eating-club/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030648/http://www.mochimag.com/article/unusual-unexpected-new-extracurricular-activities-clubs-sports-dragon-boating-qudditch-volunteering-slacklining-eating-club/ |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=MOCHI Magazine}}{{Cite AV media |people=University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18kzRZTaSvU |title=MPOW: Michigan Performance Outreach Workshop |date=January 9, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609021835/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18kzRZTaSvU&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=June 9, 2020 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |date=Spring 2012 |title=Musical Theatre Students Launch Outreach Organization |url=http://smtd.umich.edu/muse/2012/spring/students.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926182941/https://smtd.umich.edu/muse/2012/spring/students.html |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Michigan Muse}} MPOW hosts an on-campus workshop each semester for 130-200 public-school students that includes performances by University of Michigan students as well as immersive and collaborative workshops in other arts-based disciplines.{{Cite web |title=eMPOWer |url=https://www.mpowumich.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803120549/https://www.mpowumich.com/ |archive-date=3 August 2020 |website=MPOW}}

Henningsen has actively been involved with Sing For Hope, a NYC-based non-profit organization dedicated to creating access to high-quality arts education and programming throughout New York City.{{Cite web |last=Jourdan |first=Jane |date=February 14, 2018 |title=#FFB Erika Henningsen |url=http://www.fitforbroadway.com/features/broadway/ffb-erika-henningsen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521040402/https://www.fitforbroadway.com/features/broadway/ffb-erika-henningsen/ |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Fit for Broadway}}{{Cite web |title=What We Do: Youth Outreach |url=https://www.singforhope.org/what-we-do/youth-outreach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817215344/https://singforhope.org/what-we-do/youth-outreach/ |archive-date=August 17, 2021 |access-date=December 22, 2020 |website=Sing For Hope}} She serves as an artist partner, teaches classes, and leads workshops with purpose of introducing and encouraging creative expression in NYC children with decreased access to the arts.

Henningsen has also participated in events supporting Artists Striving to End Poverty (ASTEP), Artists For Action NYC, Broadway Sings for Immigration Equality, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA).{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=David |date=March 15, 2018 |title=Erika Henningsen, Laura Osnes, Kate Baldwin to Perform at ASTEP Gala |url=https://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/erika-henningsen-laura-osnes-kate-baldwin-astep_84466.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030737/https://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/erika-henningsen-laura-osnes-kate-baldwin-astep_84466.html |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Theater Mania}}{{Cite web |date=February 27, 2018 |title=ASTEP & Friends Gala |url=https://astep.org/gala/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129222522/https://astep.org/gala/ |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |access-date=December 22, 2020 |website=ASTEP}}{{Cite web |date=March 4, 2017 |title=STAGE TUBE: They Won't Keep Quiet: Women of Broadway Perform Protest Song |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Stage-Tube-They-Wont-Keep-Quiet-Women-of-Broadway-Perform-Protest-Song-20170304 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030510/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Stage-Tube-They-Wont-Keep-Quiet-Women-of-Broadway-Perform-Protest-Song-20170304 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=BroadwayWorld}}{{Cite web |last=Hetrick |first=Adam |date=August 17, 2018 |title=Lisa Brescia, Erika Henningsen, and Kara Lindsay Set for Broadway Sings for Immigration Equality |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/lisa-brescia-erika-henningsen-and-kara-lindsay-set-for-broadway-sings-for-immigration-equality |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521040404/https://www.playbill.com/article/lisa-brescia-erika-henningsen-and-kara-lindsay-set-for-broadway-sings-for-immigration-equality |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2018 |website=Playbill}}{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=April 23, 2018 |title=Taylor Trensch, Lea Salonga, Ethan Slater Take the Stage for April 23–24 Easter Bonnet Competition |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/taylor-trensch-lea-salonga-ethan-slater-take-the-stage-for-april-2324-easter-bonnet-competition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030633/http://www.playbill.com/article/taylor-trensch-lea-salonga-ethan-slater-take-the-stage-for-april-2324-easter-bonnet-competition |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Playbill}} In July 2018, she attended the 20th Broadway Barks, an annual event promoting the adoption of shelter animals.{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=July 14, 2018 |title=Hello, Dolly! Stars Bernadette Peters and Victor Garber Host 20th Annual Broadway Barks July 14 |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/hello-dolly-stars-bernadette-peters-and-victor-garber-host-20th-annual-broadway-barks-july-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715092903/http://www.playbill.com/article/hello-dolly-stars-bernadette-peters-and-victor-garber-host-20th-annual-broadway-barks-july-14 |archive-date=July 15, 2018 |access-date=July 15, 2018 |website=Playbill}} In December 2018, Henningsen participated in the second annual Broadway Beats Hunger concert, raising funds for the Summit Medical Group Foundation's "Food, Health and Hope: An Answer to Diabetes" initiative.{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=November 8, 2018 |title=Norbert Leo Butz, Kyle Dean Massey, Erika Henningsen, More Set for Broadway Beats Hunger Concert |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/norbert-leo-butz-kyle-dean-massey-erika-henningsen-more-set-for-broadway-beats-hunger-concert |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130071823/http://www.playbill.com/article/norbert-leo-butz-kyle-dean-massey-erika-henningsen-more-set-for-broadway-beats-hunger-concert |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |access-date=November 30, 2018 |website=Playbill}} She was a prominent advocate for the Actors' Equity Association's "Not a Lab Rat" campaign, petitioning for actors participating in developmental labs for new stage productions to have a higher minimum salary and also receive a share of the production's profits.{{Cite web |last=McBride |first=Walter |date=January 9, 2019 |title=Photo Coverage: Theatrical Unions Show Support For Actors' Equity Development Strike |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-Theatrical-Unions-Show-Support-For-Actors-Equity-Development-Strike-20190109 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110183641/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Coverage-Theatrical-Unions-Show-Support-For-Actors-Equity-Development-Strike-20190109 |archive-date=January 10, 2019 |access-date=January 10, 2019 |website=BroadwayWorld}}

In April 2019, Henningsen partnered with the African Library Project to create a library for St. Catherine's School in Migori County, Kenya, a few hours away from where Cady Heron (her fictional character from Mean Girls) lived.{{Cite web |last=Cutruzzula |first=Kara |date=May 9, 2019 |title=No mean girls allowed: U.S. soccer sensations go backstage with Tina Fey |url=https://womenintheworld.com/2019/05/09/no-mean-girls-allowed-u-s-soccer-sensations-go-backstage-with-tina-fey/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511155302/https://womenintheworld.com/2019/05/09/no-mean-girls-allowed-u-s-soccer-sensations-go-backstage-with-tina-fey/ |archive-date=May 11, 2019 |access-date=June 19, 2019 |website=Women in the World}} She raised money to pay for shipping costs and collected new and used books donated at the stage door of the August Wilson Theatre. In just over a month, Henningsen received over 1,100 donated books and shipped the "library" to Migori County, Kenya.

She also has served as a mentor and held masterclasses for various programs and organizations, such as The Performing Arts Project, Broadway Method Academy, Broadway Workshop, Exit II Theater, and The Broadway Collective.{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2017 |title=Bid Today for a Backstage Tour at MEAN GIRLS with Erika Henningsen and Grey Henson! |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Bid-Today-for-a-Backstage-Tour-at-MEAN-GIRLS-with-Erika-Henningsen-and-Grey-Henson-20171215 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030239/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Bid-Today-for-a-Backstage-Tour-at-MEAN-GIRLS-with-Erika-Henningsen-and-Grey-Henson-20171215 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=BroadwayWorld}}{{Cite web |title=Faculty |url=https://broadwaymethodacademy.org/about-us/faculty/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030636/https://broadwaymethodacademy.org/about-us/faculty/ |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Broadway Method Academy}}{{Cite web |title=Programs |url=https://www.exittwotheater.com/the-company |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030343/https://www.exittwotheater.com/the-company |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Exit II Theater}}{{Cite web |title=Gathered NYC |url=https://bwaycollective.com/gathered/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126164525/https://bwaycollective.com/gathered/ |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |access-date=September 14, 2018 |website=The Broadway Collective}}{{Cite web |date=January 30, 2019 |title=Photo Flash: Broadway Workshop Celebrates MEAN GIRLS Day With Ashley Park, Erika Henningsen, and More! |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Flash-Broadway-Workshop-Celebrates-MEAN-GIRLS-Day-With-Ashley-Park-Erika-Henningsen-and-More-20190130 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126163021/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Flash-Broadway-Workshop-Celebrates-MEAN-GIRLS-Day-With-Ashley-Park-Erika-Henningsen-and-More-20190130 |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |access-date=February 2, 2019 |website=BroadwayWorld}}

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Henningsen teamed up with She's the First, a non-profit organization committed to providing access to education to all girls, to raise money for their COVID-19 Response Fund by offering access to her exclusive living room concert with any donation amount on May 12, 2020.{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Lindsey |date=May 5, 2020 |title=Odds & Ends: Erika Henningsen Helps Out on Giving Tuesday, Qui Nguyen Play Offered in New Adaptation & More |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/199232/odds-ends-erika-henningsen-helps-out-on-giving-tuesday-qui-nguyen-play-offered-in-new-adaptation-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513025506/https://www.broadway.com/buzz/199232/odds-ends-erika-henningsen-helps-out-on-giving-tuesday-qui-nguyen-play-offered-in-new-adaptation-more/ |archive-date=May 13, 2020 |access-date=May 8, 2020 |website=Broadway.com}} Her Zoom living room concert on May 15, 2020, raised over $4,000 for She's the First.{{Cite web |last=Moynihan |first=Caitlin |date=May 14, 2020 |title=Erika Henningsen Reflects on the 'Singular Experience' of Mean Girls & the Future of Flying Over Sunset |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/199304/erika-henningsen-reflects-on-the-singular-experience-of-mean-girls-the-future-of-flying-over-sunset/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725164043/https://www.broadway.com/buzz/199304/erika-henningsen-reflects-on-the-singular-experience-of-mean-girls-the-future-of-flying-over-sunset/ |archive-date=July 25, 2020 |access-date=July 25, 2020 |website=Broadway.com}}

Henningsen began dating Mean Girls costar, Kyle Selig, in 2018.{{Cite web |last=Strohm |first=Emily |date=May 25, 2023 |title=Stars of Broadway's 'Mean Girls' Are Married: Inside the Wedding— with Champagne and Pizza— in New York City! |url=https://people.com/the-lead-actors-of-broadway-s-mean-girls-marry-in-nyc-wedding-7504046 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527154714/https://people.com/the-lead-actors-of-broadway-s-mean-girls-marry-in-nyc-wedding-7504046 |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |access-date=May 27, 2023 |website=People}} The two announced their engagement on July 1, 2021.{{Cite web |last=Campione |first=Katie |date=July 1, 2021 |title=Broadway's Erika Henningsen Engaged to Mean Girls Costar Kyle Selig: 'I Choose You Always' |url=https://people.com/theater/broadway-erika-henningsen-engaged-to-mean-girls-costar-kyle-selig/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701230217/https://people.com/theater/broadway-erika-henningsen-engaged-to-mean-girls-costar-kyle-selig/ |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |website=People}}{{Cite web |last=Meyer |first=Dan |date=July 1, 2021 |title=Mean Girls Stars Erika Henningsen and Kyle Selig Engaged |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/mean-girls-stars-erika-henningsen-and-kyle-selig-engaged |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701183511/https://playbill.com/article/mean-girls-stars-erika-henningsen-and-kyle-selig-engaged |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |website=Playbill}} Henningsen married Selig on May 22, 2023, in New York City.

Credits in bold indicate Broadway production(s):

• The Theory of Relativity – Original Cast Recording (2016){{Cite web |date=April 29, 2016 |title=The Theory of Relativity Album Released Today |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/the-theory-of-relativity-album-released-today |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030316/http://www.playbill.com/article/the-theory-of-relativity-album-released-today |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=Playbill}}
• Mean Girls – Original Broadway Cast Recording (2018){{Cite magazine |last=Weatherby |first=Taylor |date=May 3, 2018 |title='Mean Girls' Musical Unveils Latest Track From Cast Recording Album, 'Apex Predator': Listen |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/broadway/8454335/mean-girls-musical-new-song-apex-predator-cast-soundtrack |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918134607/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/broadway/8454335/mean-girls-musical-new-song-apex-predator-cast-soundtrack |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |magazine=Billboard}}
• Girls5eva (Music From the Peacock Original Series) (2021){{Cite magazine |last=Memo |first=Heran |date=May 3, 2021 |title='Girls5eva' Soundtrack to Arrive With Peacock Series, Including Sara Bareilles-Penned Song: Exclusive |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/9566123/girls5eva-soundtrack-album-sara-bareilles-song-music-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508200249/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/9566123/girls5eva-soundtrack-album-sara-bareilles-song-music-video/ |archive-date=May 8, 2021 |access-date=May 8, 2021 |magazine=Billboard}}{{Cite web |date=May 6, 2021 |title=Girls5eva (Music From The Peacock Original Series) |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/girls5eva-music-from-the-peacock-original-series/1565280966?uo=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508230729/https://music.apple.com/us/album/girls5eva-music-from-the-peacock-original-series/1565280966?uo=2 |archive-date=May 8, 2021 |access-date=May 8, 2021 |website=Apple Music}}
• Hazbin Hotel (Original Soundtrack) (2024)

• Broadway's Carols for a Cure, Volume 17 (2015){{Cite web |last=Rafter Keddy |first=Genevieve |date=December 13, 2015 |title=Exclusive Photo Coverage: LES MISERABLES Company Gathers in the Recording Studio for Carols For A Cure! |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Exclusive-Photo-Coverage-LES-MISERABLES-Company-Gathers-in-the-Recording-Studio-for-Carols-For-A-Cure-20151213 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030651/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Exclusive-Photo-Coverage-LES-MISERABLES-Company-Gathers-in-the-Recording-Studio-for-Carols-For-A-Cure-20151213 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=June 15, 2018 |website=BroadwayWorld}}
• Broadway's Carols for a Cure, Volume 20 (2018){{Cite web |last=Hetrick |first=Adam |date=November 19, 2018 |title=Casts of Mean Girls, Frozen, Dear Evan Hansen, and Pretty Woman Featured on 2018 Carols For a Cure |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/casts-of-mean-girls-frozen-dear-evan-hansen-and-pretty-woman-featured-on-2018-carols-for-a-cure |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127002621/https://www.playbill.com/article/casts-of-mean-girls-frozen-dear-evan-hansen-and-pretty-woman-featured-on-2018-carols-for-a-cure |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |access-date=November 30, 2018 |website=Playbill}}

• "Rockin' Around the Pole" by The Hot Elves (2018){{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Jeff |date=December 7, 2018 |title=The Mean Girls Musical Releases Music Video for Holiday Song 'Rockin' Around the Pole' |url=https://people.com/music/mean-girls-broadway-musical-rockin-around-the-pole-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126163021/https://people.com/music/mean-girls-broadway-musical-rockin-around-the-pole-video/ |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |access-date=December 8, 2018 |website=People}}
• "Happy Day in Hell" (2023)

• 2014 – Alan Eisenberg Award Scholarship
• 2018 – Broadway.com Star of the Year{{Cite web |last=King |first=Eric |date=December 20, 2018 |title=Erika Henningsen Is the 2018 Broadway.com Star of the Year! Here's Why We Love the Mean Girls Star |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/194463/erika-henningsen-is-the-2018-broadwaycom-star-of-the-year-heres-why-we-love-the-mean-girls-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110183535/https://www.broadway.com/buzz/194463/erika-henningsen-is-the-2018-broadwaycom-star-of-the-year-heres-why-we-love-the-mean-girls-star/ |archive-date=January 10, 2019 |access-date=January 10, 2019 |website=Broadway.com}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.erikahenningsen.com/}}
• {{IBDB name|499266}}
• {{IMDb name|6039941}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Henningsen, Erika}}

Category:1992 births

Category:21st-century American actresses

Category:Actresses from San Francisco

Category:American musical theatre actresses

Category:American sopranos

Category:American stage actresses

Category:Living people

Category:University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance alumni