WAITRESS AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE IN MELBOURNE THIS WEEK

Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS has its Australian Premiere on Thursday night, 7 May at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne. Preview audiences have been effusive in their praise of the show, with heart-felt standing ovations each performance. Tickets are on sale for both the Melbourne and Sydney seasons at WaitresstheMusical.com.au

“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. And now WAITRESS has arrived in Australia,” said producer John Frost for Crossroads Live. “With its inspiring music by Sara Bareilles and universal themes of hope and resilience, WAITRESS has fast become a ‘must see’ musical. We have a sensational Australian cast, led by Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Rob Mills, John Waters, Gabriyel Thomas and Mackenzie Dunn, and preview audiences are loving this moving and original musical. Get your tickets now while you can.”

Leading the cast as Jenna is 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) is Dr Pomatter, and legendary actor John Waters (Jesus Christ Superstar, Oliver!) plays Joe, the owner of the diner. Keanu Gonzalez (Annie, West Side Story) is Earl, Gareth Isaac (Elf the Musical, Mary Poppins) plays the role of Ogie, John Xintavelonis (The Wizard of Oz, The Lion King) plays Cal, and Annie Aitken (Guys & Dolls, The Sound of Music) is the Jenna Alternate.

The ensemble and swing cast comprises Cameron Boxall, Alexandra Cashmere, Ethan Jones, Dwayne P. Mitchell, Joseph Naim, Conor Neylon, Belle Parkinson, Emily Robinson, Elandrah Tavares, Bree Tipoki and Stephanie Wall. Lulu is 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).

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!

WAITRESSTHEMUSICAL.COM.AU

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