Possible Jenna Replacements

[Jjohansan]

Just wondering which actresses you think could possibly replace Jessie Mueller in "Waitress". It's such a great role, and I find myself dream casting it all the time. A few that come to mind would be Lindsay Mendez, Laura Osnes, and Carmen Cusack.

[broadwayguy91]

Sara

[dissimilate]

I'm not sure if Sara's acting skills are up to par with her singing, but she's be an interesting choice and I'd watch it.

Lindsay Mendez could definitely do it. Yes please. Laura Osnes would be going a little out of type -- but that's not a bad thing. This role would certainly stretch her. Haven't seen Carmen Cusack (didn't manage to catch Bright Star!) so who knows. She has a wonderful voice though.

I think Cynthia Erivo and Renee Elise Goldsberry could also play Jenna. Maybe even Annaleigh Ashford. And give Sydney Lucas a few more decades...

[CindersGolightly]

I think most of the actresses we'd all hope to go into this show wouldn't or couldn't afford to do replacement jobs, but I agree that Lindsay would be such a perfect choice, as well as Annaleigh, who isn't thought of for dramatic roles as she should be - she's quite a force in both comedy and drama. I think Megan Hilty could also do wonders as Jenna, as well as perhaps Jasmine Cephas Jones, though she would also be a VERY fun Dawn. Also, I'd love to see Bonnie Milligan replace as Becky.

[broadwayboy223]

Omg I'd die if Megan Hilty did Jenna. I doubt she would do it though. 

[pupscotch]

I would not have thought of this without this thread, but ANNALEIGH ASHFORD! She would be fantastic!

[steven22]

As soon as the grosses go down or Jessie's contract is up, Sara will be there. 

[Call_me_jorge]

Christine Dwyer.

[broadwayboy223]

Does anyone know if Jessie and the original cast will still be in August ?

[IdinaBellFoster]

broadwayboy223 said: "Does anyone know if Jessie and the original cast will still be in August ?"

 

I assume Mueller signed a year contract. Even if she just signed a six month contract (which I doubt) she'd be there. The only cast member who might be out would be Kimiko, just depending on OITNB filming.

[dramamama611]

I'd be shocked if Mueller has anything short of a one one year.  I would suspect most, if not all, of the leads do - that's pretty standard.

[neonlightsxo]

Not to be a jerk, but Carmen is a little old for the role...

[broadwayboy223]

Even though Carmen is older I think she would be beautiful Jenna. I'd pay good money to see that. We all know she can read younger 

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

I'd love to see what Anika Noni Rose could do with the part, but given how rarely she chooses to do Broadway, I figure she wouldn't be a replacement in this show, and her pilot was also picked up recently.

My vote goes to Lauren Ambrose. But I'd also love to see Mandy Gonzalez and Megan Hilty.

[OhHiii]

Jennifer Nettles.

She's performed 'She Used To Be Mine' on her tour that she's been on. Not for nothing, she was actually very good in that Dolly Parton TV movie...even if the rest of it was...well...not.

[neonlightsxo]

Oh, Megan Hilty is a very good choice.

[JBroadway]

Of the suggestions mentioned, my favorites are:

Sara Bareilles

Carmen Cusack

Lindsay Mendes

 

The rest...I'm not so sure how I feel. I'm not a fan of Annaleigh Ashford, but I think she'd be a good fit for Dawn. 

 

Here are some other possible people I'd like to see play Jenna:

Andrea Burns (probably too old, but I love the idea anyway) 

Caissey Levy (actually, I think she'd be perfect) 

Jennifer Damiano 

Rebecca Naomi Jones

Daisey Eagan 

Laura Michelle Kelly 

Karen Olivo (I know she's stepped away from Bway, but I can dream!) 

Krysta Rodriguez

Rachel Tucker (i'd LOVE this!) 

[TFMH18]

MEGAN HILTY! It'd be great to see her in a "stripped down" role-- I feel like she usually plays sort of "glam" and it would be so cool to see her do something raw like this, and her voice on these songs would be incredible.

I agree that Carmen Cusack is a bit too old to play her (there's that one song where the doctor says Jenna reminds him of a woman who is now 42 and Jenna gets offended. That is basically how old Cusack is so it would be off). But as someone else said, it's not as if she can't play younger and I would find her totally believable as a 30 something. Of course, this is me selfishly wanting to hear her sing those songs, and knowing she would bring such complexity and sadness to the role.

[broadwayguy91]

lmao, i'm such an idiot. thanks neonlights_xo lol

[neonlightsxo]

Andrea Burns doesn't have a strong voice????

 

[broadwayguy91]

Call_me_jorge said: "Christine Dwyer.

 

"

surprised you didn't mention Alison Luff, who would be great as Jenna I think

[Blabla3]

YES to Megan Hilty!! Would be incredible to see her in a role like this!
Or Annaleigh Ashford, Lindsay Mendez, Rachel Tucker (though maybe she could open the West End production when it transfers?)

[broadwayguy91]

neonlightsxo said: "Andrea Burns doesn't have a strong voice????

 

 

"

oh **** i actually had her confused wiith Andrea MARTIN. don't know what i was thinking, lmfao.

[JBroadway]

Why is Andrea Burns such a ridiculous suggestion? She is an excellent singer, and has played lots of leading roles. 

 

EDIT: Never mind, just saw your post above

[broadwayboy223]

Side note: could we get Carmen in a Judy Garland musical? That would be f-nig incredible 

[TFMH18]

Side note: could we get Carmen in a Judy Garland musical? That would be f-nig incredible 

Meet Me in St. Louis!!!! Here for that.