subsequent broadway roles included "the sisters rosensweig", as a replacement gorgeous teitelbaum starting in september 1993 and mrs. van daan in "the diary of anne frank" (1997–1998), opposite natalie portman, for which she garnered a tony nomination as featured actress in a play. in 1995 she appeared in the off-broadway "death-defying acts", which consists of three one-act plays; lavin performed in the elaine may ("hotline") and woody allen plays ("central park west"). she was nominated for a drama desk award (outstanding actress – play) and won an obie award (performance) and the lucille lortel award. she also directed theater during this period.