Two Local Young Actresses Cast As Lulu For The Austin Engagement of WAITRESS

The Tony nominated musical WAITRESS, playing January 22-27, 2019, has cast two young area actresses to take on the role of "Lulu" during the Austin engagement.

Four-year-old Penelope Hall (Ellie) of Cedar Park, and five-year-old Zoe Rutherford of Austin will alternate the role of "Lulu," the daughter of the production's main character, Jenna.

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 McCullough Theatre on the University of Texas campus on November 8. Sixty 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. Each girl cast will perform in 4 performances during the engagement.

Ellie is thrilled to be making her acting debut in "Waitress." This was her first ever audition and she loved every minute of it. Ellie is four years old, turning five on December 20. She lives with her parents, Susan and Jamie and big sister, Charlotte, in Cedar Park, Texas. She attends Spicewood Country preschool in Austin and loves playing soccer.

Zoe is five years old and is in kindergarten at Anderson Mill Elementary. She is very excited to make her theatrical debut as Lulu on the big stage at Bass Concert Hall. "When she grows up, she aspires to be a princess." As for now she enjoys playing soccer and dancing with her sister, Isabella.

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, WAITRESS is an irresistible new hit featuring original music and lyrics by 6-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. Tickets are available at BroadwayinAustin.com, texasperformingarts.org, the Bass Concert Hall ticket office, all Texas Box Office Outlets, by phone at (512) 477-6060. For groups of 10 or more, call (877) 275-3804 or email Austin.groups@broadwayacrossamerica.com.

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