Is Laura Benanti in Mayor of Kingstown? All about the actress’ role in Season 4

Sony Pictures
Sony Pictures' "No Hard Feelings" New York Premiere - Source: Getty

Mayor of Kingstown is bringing in a fresh face for the fourth season of the series. This time, it is the very talented Laura Benanti. With just one episode, Laura Benanti created a significant presence with her character, Cindy Stephens, in Mayor of Kingstown. Much of the episode focuses on Kyle’s journey to jail and the complications that Mike faces while trying to keep his brother safe.

However, even with the shorter screentime that Cindy Stephens gets in the first episode of the fourth season, she completely steals the show. There is no doubt that she will be bringing in some intense complications in the upcoming episodes of the series.


Laura Benanti takes on an intriguing role in Mayor of Kingstown

Laura Benanti’s Cindy Stephens appears on screen in Mayor of Kingstown when we get a view of the prison. Kyle will be arriving in this prison very soon. Cindy gets a tour around the prison, as this is her first day. Carney tells her the details about the task and protocols that she will have to follow through on. Soon, Carney points out that her job is going to be dangerous. Her task will be dealing with prisoners who have done some of the most heinous crimes. Hearing Carney's words, she is quite intrigued.

Her demeanour depicts that she is quite courageous. She is definitely not scared by the danger that her new job comes with. The tour continues, and Carney then informs Cindy that a new inmate will be arriving, and they need to protect him with their lives. Cindy asks Carney about the reason Kyle is serving time in prison. However, Carney does not go into detail. He gives a vague answer to Cindy. We see Cindy again very soon as the episode continues.

Right after Kyle arrives in the prison, trouble begins. At the end of the first episode of Mayor of Kingstown, Kyle is attacked right after he enters the prison. Hearing his screams, help arrives on the scene. Cindy also joins the others. When she arrives, she sees that Kyle is already on the ground. He is writhing in pain. Her expression depicts that she is completely shocked. To witness such brutality right after joining her new job leaves an impact on her.

Mayor of Kingstown | Image Via: MTV Entertainment Studios
Mayor of Kingstown | Image Via: MTV Entertainment Studios

We see more of Cindy at the end of the first episode of Mayor of Kingstown Season 4. The cuts to her driving to her house. The dilapidated condition of her house indicates that her family's economic condition is not in a very good state. Right as she enters the house, there is a change in her demeanor. Cindy then asks her children about their day.

While speaking about her character in Mayor of Kingstown, Laura Benanti admits that Cindy being a mother is a crucial factor in her overall depiction. Mothers “would do anything for their kids”, and Cindy, being a mother and trying to keep her family afloat while working at such a dangerous place, shows the extent of her dedication.

Laura Benanti deftly handles Cindy’s character in Mayor of Kingstown. There is a subtle layer of vulnerability in Cindy’s character that gets perfectly highlighted through Benanti’s performance.

Some of Benanti’s other notable projects that should definitely be on your watchlist are Nashville, The Detour, Younger, Gossip Girl, Gypsy, etc. Her acting prowess ranges from bringing characters to life in both theater and on screen. Through her performance in this series, she is truly showing how versatile she is as an actor.


For more such interesting pieces, stay tuned to Soap Central.

Edited by KOUSHIKI ROY