Two Local Young Actresses Cast As Lulu For The New Orleans Engagement Of WAITRESS

The Tony-nominated musical WAITRESS, which will play at the Saenger Theatre June 12-17, 2018, has cast two young local actresses to take on the role of "Lulu" during the New Orleans engagement. Presented by the New Orleans Theatre Association, WAITRESS will close out the East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans 2017-2018 season.

Emma Jo of St. Bernard, and Kinley of Destrehan will alternate the role of "Lulu," the daughter of the production's main character, Jenna.

"I think it's great that WAITRESS gives local girls the opportunity to be involved in such a ground-breaking production," said Saenger Theatre General Manager David Skinner. "I'm excited for Emma Jo and Kinley to make their Broadway debut on the Saenger's stage."

WAITRESS tells the story of "Jenna", an expert pie baker working at a local diner and stuck in a loveless marriage. Her salvation comes in the form of her daughter, "Lulu."

Both girls were chosen via an audition process held at Mahalia Jackson Theater on April 3. Over 40 girls participated in the auditions, which were presided over by members of the WAITRESS company. The character of "Lulu" is cast locally in each tour market and two girls are chosen to share the role. The girls will perform in four performances each during the engagement.

"Our family is very excited and honored that Kinley got cast as 'Lulu' in the Broadway tour of WAITRESS," said Kinley's mom Kristy. "She can't wait and has even been wearing her hair in pigtails every day since she heard the news and calls it her signature 'do'. We are looking forward to meeting the cast and introducing them to a little crawfish pie." Kristy notes that Kinley enjoys volunteering at the local animal shelter, swimming, dancing and making movies with her older sister. WAITRESS will be Kinley's first acting experience.

Emma Jo's parents are also excited to see their daughter on stage. "She has been singing and dancing along to the soundtrack on daily car rides. We cannot wait to meet the cast and crew and we can't wait to show them some New Orleans love," said Emma Jo's mom Lindsey. Lindsey adds that Emma Jo can make friends with anyone she meets and she has a huge personality. She is great at lip syncing and performing and loves pizza and candy.

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, WAITRESS is an irresistible new hit featuring original music and lyrics by six-time GRAMMY nominee Sara Bareilles ("Brave," "Love Song"), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson ("I Am Sam") and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Finding Neverland, Pippin, Hair).

Inspired by Adrienne Shelley's beloved film, the musical tells the story of Jenna - a waitress and expert pie maker. Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

"It's an empowering musical of the highest order!" raves the Chicago Tribune. "WAITRESS is a little slice of heaven!" says Entertainment Weekly and "a monumental contribution to Broadway!" according to Marie Claire. Don't miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

Tickets start at $30.25 and are available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office (1111 Canal St., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70116), BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at (800) 982-2787. Group sales are offered for groups of 10 or more and will be available by calling (504) 287-0372.