DCPA NEWS CENTER
Enjoy the best stories and perspectives from the theatre world today.
Enjoy the best stories and perspectives from the theatre world today.
In the video above, ‘Waitress’ star Desi Oakley talks about show’s unique casting twist: The small role of 4-year-old Lulu is played by young girls from each home city. She is joined by Denver’s two Lulus: Molly Scotto of Denver and Hazel Thompson of Boulder. Our video, by DCPA Video Producer David Lenk, also gives you a live look at the opening-night curtain call in Denver on Dec. 19. ‘Waitress’ runs through Dec. 31 at the Buell Theatre.
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts announced today (Nov. 7) that young Molly Scotto and Hazel Thompson will perform the role of Lulu in Waitress for the duration of the hit Broadway musical’s upcoming Denver engagement. Each young actress will perform four shows per week through the show, which runs Dec. 19-31 at the Buell Theatre.
The character of Lulu is a sweet and carefree young girl aged 4 or 5 who appears in the production’s finale. The role will be cast locally in every city Waitress visits — and the auditions and casting decisions were conducted entirely by Waitress’ Broadway creative team. Local auditions were held Oct. 5.
Thompson, of Denver (pictured on the left), and Scotto, of Boulder (right), had the opportunity to step onto the Buell stage for the first time today at a press gathering to announce their selections. The young actors were presented with their very own “Congratulations Molly” and “Congratulations Hazel” pies from Centerplate to coincide with the unique names of the pies in the show.
Scotto is 4½ and has experience in yoga and ballet. She performed on the field for a University of Colorado football game through their Cheer Camp. She also plays soccer.
Thompson is 5 and has ballet and tap experience from the Dance Institute of Denver as well as participating in DCPA Education classes. She also does Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and speaks a little Japanese.
Waitress is the new Broadway musical inspired by Adrienne Shelly‘s 2007 motion picture. Brought to life by a groundbreaking, all-female creative team, Waitress features 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 (Hair, Finding Neverland). Paulus launched the national tour of Pippin in Denver. (Finding Neverland, Pippin, Hair).
Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who 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 as 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,” said the Chicago Tribune.
The national tour of Waitress premiered in Cleveland on Oct. 17. It visits Denver’s Buell Theatre from Dec. 19-31. Single tickets are on sale at denvercenter.org.
Video: How we found our Lulus for Denver
The video above includes scenes from the Denver auditions on Oct. 5, comments from ‘Waitress’ assistant director Susanna Wolk, the presentation of the winners on Nov. 7 and a backstage talk with the chosen girls and their families. Video by David Lenk and John Moore for the DCPA NewsCenter.
Complete photo gallery: Finding our Lulus for Denver
Photos from the Nov. 7 announcement of Molly Scotto, left, and Hazel Thompson as the the two young Denver actors who will perform the role of Lulu in ‘Waitress’ for the duration of the hit Broadway musical’s upcoming Denver engagement. To see more, click anywhere on the photo above. Photos by Emily Lozow and John Moore for the DCPA NewsCenter.
Waitress in Denver: Ticket information
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