Two Minnesota Actresses Cast as 'Lulu' for WAITRESS at the Orpheum

WAITRESS, the Tony-nominated musical, which makes its Minnesota premiere at the Orpheum Theatre for a limited one-week engagement Nov. 21-26, 2017, has cast two Minnesota young actresses as "Lulu" for the Minneapolis engagement.

Prewitt Anderson, 5, of Bayport, and Estela Antivilo, 4, of Maple Grove, will alternate in the role of Lulu, the daughter of Jenna, the show's main character. Lulu is a sweet and carefree 4- to 5-year-old who appears in the production's finale scene. Auditions for the role took place in Minneapolis on Thursday, Oct. 12 at the State Theatre with nearly 40 young actresses.

Prewitt Anderson is excited to appear in her first role as Lulu in "Waitress!" She is an imaginative 5-year-old and takes acting classes at the Zephyr Theatre. When not in preschool, she joyfully creates costumes and imagines herself as her favorite people such as an astronaut, a princess, a rockstar or even Jane Goodall. Prewitt enjoys playing with her sisters, making friends and creating art projects to hang around the house.

Estela Antivilo has been singing since before her first birthday. She comes from a long line of performers and watching her mother perform has helped to develop her own love to perform. She lights up any room she goes in and loves to steal the show. This is her first musical and can't wait to start rehearsals.

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features 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 WAITRESS 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. Don't miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

Tickets are on sale now at the State Theatre Box Office (805 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis), by calling (800) 982-2787 or by clicking to HennepinTheatreTrust.org. For information and reservations for groups of 10 or more, call (612) 373-5665 or email MinneapolisGroups@broadwayacrossamerica.com. Ticket prices start at $39.00. All pricing includes a Building Restoration Fee of $4.00.

Performance dates are Tuesday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 26 at the Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis. Performance times are Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. The show will run during the week of Thanksgiving with a special matinee performance on Friday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. (no show on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 23).

HENNEPIN THEATRE TRUST is a nonprofit organization that creates positive change through the arts by bringing together people, businesses and organizations in WeDo, the West Downtown MPLS Cultural District. We serve the community through our historic theatres - the Orpheum, State and Pantages - and our unique arts, culture and education programs. Learn more at HennepinTheatreTrust.org.