Melbourne Child Cast Announced For Waitress
Four young Melbourne actresses were announced today to play the role of Jenna’s daughter Lulu in the Melbourne season of Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS, which arrives at Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne from 1 May.
Lulu will be played by Stevie Denton (5 years old, from North Warrandyte), Lola Inman (5, from Langwarrin), Ruby Marshall (5, from Port Melbourne) and Evie Papas (6, from Templestowe).
Leading the cast as Jenna will be Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Chicago, Shirley Valentine), while Gabriyel Thomas (Cats, Sister Act) and Mackenzie Dunn (Grease, Annie) play Becky and Dawn, Jenna’s coworkers at the diner. Charismatic star of stage and screen Rob Mills (& Juliet, Wicked) will play Dr Pomatter, and legendary actor John Waters (Jesus Christ Superstar, Oliver!) will be Joe, the owner of the diner.
Keanu Gonzalez (Annie, West Side Story) will play Earl, Gareth Isaac (Elf the Musical, Mary Poppins) will play the role of Ogie, John Xintavelonis (The Wizard of Oz, The Lion King) will play Cal, andAnnie Aitken (Guys & Dolls, The Sound of Music) will be the Jenna Alternate.
The ensemble and swing cast comprises Cameron Boxall, Alexandra Cashmere, Ethan Jones, Dwayne Mitchell, Joseph Naim, Conor Neylon, Belle Parkinson, Emily Robinson, Elandrah Tavares, Bree Tipoki and Stephanie Wall.
“This inspiring show was a massive hit on Broadway where it played for almost four years, and was a huge success in the West End and across the world. WAITRESS has become a ‘must see’ musical, with its memorable music by Sara Bareilles and universal themes of hope and resilience,” said producer John Frost for Crossroads Live. “Get your tickets now to see this sensational Australian cast perform this moving and original musical.”
Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, and brought to life by a trailblazing female-led creative team, including a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an original, uplifting score by Grammy® winner Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave) and direction by Tony® winner Diane Paulus, WAITRESS is the irresistible Broadway hit about resilience, friendship and hope that has captured hearts worldwide.
This heartwarming and empowering musical tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker who longs to escape her rocky marriage and start again. When a baking contest, an unexpected new romance and the support of her fellow waitresses offer her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she ever imagined.
“Treat yourself to a slice of 5 Star musical pie” – The Times
“Sweet, sassy, passionate & delightful!” – New York Magazine
“Simply delightful! A glorious reminder that life is messy and wondrous!”– The Washington Post
WAITRESS made history on Broadway with the four top creative spots in a show being filled by women – Sara Bareilles (music and lyrics), Jessie Nelson (book), Lorin Latarro (choreography) and Diane Paulus (direction). It opened on Broadway in April 2016 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where it ran until January 2020. WAITRESS was originally produced by Barry & Fran Weissler and Norton and Elayne Herrick.
Sweet, sassy and soul-stirring, WAITRESS is “a little slice of heaven” (Entertainment Weekly) and “made from the finest ingredients” (Time Out). It’s a feel-good celebration of second chances, and the magic of a well-made pie.
Everyone deserves a slice of happiness!
Photo Credit: Cameron Grant & Peter Brew-Bevan
Season Details
Melbourne
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: From 1 May
Sydney
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Season: From 1 August
Tickets for new performances have gone on sale today for both the Melbourne and Sydney seasons, on sale at WaitresstheMusical.com.au
