Further Cast Announced for WAITRESS

Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live has today revealed additional casting for the highly anticipated Australian premiere of Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS, which will open at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne from 1 May before transferring to the Sydney Lyric Theatre from 1 August. Tickets are now on sale at WaitresstheMusical.com.au.

Joining the previously announced principal cast is a dynamic lineup of performers who will bring the beloved characters of this heartwarming musical to life, alongside a vibrant ensemble.

Recently seen touring the country as Rooster in the Australian production of ANNIE, Keanu Gonzalez will take on the role of Earl, Jenna’s volatile and narcissistic husband. Gonzalez first stepped onto the professional stage at just 16 years old when he understudied the role of Scott Hastings in Baz Luhrmann’s STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL. Since then he has established himself as one of Australia’s rising musical theatre talents, performing the role of Bernardo in WEST SIDE STORY, Kenickie in GREASE and Charles Lee in the Australian company of HAMILTON. His additional stage credits include Greg in A CHORUS LINE, Alonzo/Rumpus Cat in CATS and Kassim understudy in Disney’s ALADDIN.

Gareth Isaac will play the lovable and socially awkward Ogie, whose earnest pursuit of a date with Dawn becomes one of the show’s most endearing storylines. Isaac hails from Gosford on the Central Coast of New South Wales and has been building a strong reputation on Australian stages in recent years. Most recently he starred as Buddy the Elf in the Australian premiere of ELF THE MUSICAL. His other theatre credits include Eugene in GREASE, Robertson Ay in MARY POPPINS and The Narrator in PUFFS: OR SEVEN INCREASINGLY EVENTFUL YEARS AT A CERTAIN SCHOOL OF MAGIC and MAGIC, a comic stage adventure inspired by the world of wizardry.

Acclaimed performer John Xintavelonis will step into the role of Cal, the gruff yet ultimately kind-hearted manager of Joe’s Diner. Xintavelonis is widely recognised for his commanding stage presence and has enjoyed a long and varied career across theatre and television. His stage roles include Pumbaa in THE LION KING, Harry the Horse in GUYS AND DOLLS, the Lion in THE WIZARD OF OZ and Mr Braithwaite in BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL. In addition to his extensive theatre work, Xintavelonis has appeared on screen in series such as BAY OF FIRES, THE TAILINGS, ROSEHAVEN, THE KETTERING INCIDENT and DANCE ACADEMY 2.

Critically acclaimed performer Annie Aitken will serve as the Jenna Alternate, stepping into the central role of the pie-baking waitress whose journey of self-discovery lies at the heart of the musical. Aitken most recently appeared as Sarah Brown in GUYS AND DOLLS for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour and as Cunégonde in Opera Australia’s production of CANDIDE. Her impressive theatre résumé also includes performances as Millie Dillmount in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, Nellie Melba in MELBA, and roles in MURIEL’S WEDDING, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, THE SOUND OF MUSIC and ANYTHING GOES.

Completing the company is a talented ensemble and swing cast comprising Cameron Boxall, Alexandra Cashmere, Ethan Jones, Dwayne Mitchell, Joseph Naim, Conor Neylon, Belle Parkinson, Emily Robinson, Elandrah Tavares, Bree Tipoki and Stephanie Wall. Together they will help bring the lively world of Joe’s Diner to life with the warmth, humour and energy that has made WAITRESS a beloved musical around the globe.

These performers join the previously announced lead cast, which features Natalie Bassingthwaighte as Jenna, Gabriyel Thomas as Becky, Mackenzie Dunn as Dawn, Rob Mills as Dr Pomatter and John Waters as Joe. Casting for the role of Lulu, Jenna’s young daughter, will be shared soon, with four young performers set to alternate the role during the Melbourne season.

Producer John Frost said he was thrilled with the extraordinary calibre of the Australian company assembled for the production.

What a sensational Australian cast we have for WAITRESS, Frost said. This original and inspiring show was a massive hit on Broadway where it played for almost four years, and it has enjoyed tremendous success in the West End and around the world. With its unforgettable music by Sara Bareilles and its universal themes of hope, resilience and friendship, WAITRESS has become a true ‘must-see’ musical. We can’t wait for Australian audiences to experience this life-affirming show.

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s much-loved film, WAITRESS is brought to the stage by a trailblazing female-led creative team. The musical features a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an original score by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus.

At its heart, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and talented pie maker trapped in an unhappy marriage. Dreaming of a fresh start, Jenna pours her hopes, fears and creativity into baking extraordinary pies. When an opportunity arises to enter a baking contest, and an unexpected romance sparks new possibilities, Jenna begins to imagine a life beyond the one she has always known. With the unwavering support of her friends Becky and Dawn, she discovers that courage, friendship and a little sweetness can help transform even the toughest circumstances.

Since its Broadway debut in April 2016 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, WAITRESS has become a global phenomenon, celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling, humour and uplifting score. The production also made Broadway history as the first musical to feature women in the four top creative roles, with Bareilles composing the music and lyrics, Nelson writing the book, Lorin Latarro choreographing and Paulus directing.

Sweet, soulful and irresistibly uplifting, WAITRESS continues to capture hearts across the world with its message of resilience and second chances. As the show prepares to make its Australian premiere, audiences are invited to experience this feel-good musical celebration for themselves.

After all, everyone deserves a slice of happiness.

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MELBOURNE SEASON DETAILS

Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: From 1 May
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs at 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm or 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: waitressthemusical.com.au or phone 13 28 49
Groups 8+ call (03) 9662 9571

SYDNEY SEASON DETAILS

Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Season: From 1 August
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs at 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm or 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: waitressthemusical.com.au or 136 100
Groups 8+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au