Two Local Young Actresses Cast as 'Lulu' for WAITRESS in Milwaukee

The Tony nominated musical WAITRESS, which will make a stop at the Marcus Center for a one week only run on January 2-7, has cast two young area actresses to take on the role of "Lulu" during the Milwaukee engagement.

Margot Kabara, 4, of Oconomowoc, and Charlotte Rhodes, 5, of Nashotah will alternate the role of "Lulu," the daughter of the production's main character.

Both girls were chosen via an audition process held at the Marcus Center on November 9. Over 40 girls participated in the auditions, which were presided over by members of the WAITRESS company. Auditions will subsequently be held in cities across the country prior to the tour reaching them, so local girls will be cast in each tour stop.

Charlotte Rhodes is a kindergartner at Divine Redeemer Lutheran School in Hartland and this is her first acting experience. She loves to play house and school with her big sister, Natalie. She says, "I really hope they pick me to be Lulu. I love pie!"

Margot Kabara attends All God's Children Preschool in Delafield and this is also her first theatrical performance. She is a very sweet and carefree kid that loves gymnastics, dancing, and playing with her big sister and brother along with her dog, Cupcake. She says the whole audition process was "super fun" and her favorite part during the audition was dancing and playing with the other girls.

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 are now available for WAITRESS, which comes to the Marcus Center on January 2-7 as part of the Associated Bank Broadway at the Marcus Center and Broadway Across America-Milwaukee series. Show times are Tuesday at 8:00 PM, Wednesday - Thursday at 7:30 PM, Friday at 8:00 PM, Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00 PM, and Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 PM. Tickets for all performances are currently on sale, and may be purchased at the Marcus Center Box Office (929 North Water Street, downtown Milwaukee), online at marcuscenter.org or by calling 414-273-7206. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 414-273-7121 x210 or x213.

Established in 1969, the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts is the premier performing arts community gathering space in Southeastern Wisconsin. As the Marcus Center moves into its 48th year, it continues to build bridges between diverse members of our community through high-quality arts entertainment in the region and the state. The touring Broadway series, sponsored by Associated Bank, is recognized as bringing the best of Broadway entertainment to Milwaukee for the past 20 years and provides opportunities to educate, entertain and engage audiences. The Marcus Center is also the home to the Milwaukee Symphony, Milwaukee Ballet, Florentine Opera, First Stage plus a variety of other important community and family events throughout the year. For more information about events visit the Marcus Center website at www.MarcusCenter.org. The Marcus Center is a private non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation and is a dedicated veterans memorial in Milwaukee.

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