Desi Oakley steps into London’s Waitress! - Page 2

[JBradshaw]

Posted: 1/14/20 at 5:18pm

I believe Merle Dandrige was flown in from the tour to fill in as Aida on broadway because the normal aida was sick as was the understudy and the standby was on vacation.

It’s happened a bunch of times at “Chicago” over the years.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 1/21/20 at 9:29am

Oakley is apparently still with the show. Lucie Jones was back on last night but was still sick and Oakley jumped in for Act 2. Jones' last day is this Saturday. Just hard to believe that both Jenna u/s are still out sick. At this point just let Oakley finish out the week as Bareilles takes over next week.

 

https://twitter.com/WestEndCovers/status/1219579437181755392

[ACL2006]

Posted: 1/21/20 at 7:26pm

Oakley was on again tonight.

[VotePeron]

Posted: 1/21/20 at 7:30pm

I am having an absolute ball following this adventure on social media. How cool that someone as lovely as Desi is experiencing this once in a lifetime event and sharing it? Idk why I find it so thrilling and special but I just think it’s so cool. Maybe a casting director or two will see her and it lead to more UK work?

[ACL2006]

Posted: 1/21/20 at 8:38pm

I do hope Jones is able to finish her last week.

[orph3us]

Posted: 1/21/20 at 9:16pm

VotePeron said: "I am having an absolute ball following this adventure on social media. How cool that someone as lovely as Desi is experiencing this once in a lifetime event and sharing it? Idk why I find it so thrilling and special but I just think it’s so cool. Maybe a casting director or two will see her and it lead to more UK work? "

Agree 100%. I turned my Instagram notifications on for her, something I've never done before because it's absolutely thrilling. It seems she was already good friends with the girl who plays Becky and them reuniting under this circumstance is so special. I saw her on tour and she was a delight and I'm glad more people get to experience her Jenna. 

 

[hamiltonstradition]

Posted: 1/22/20 at 9:45am

On again for both shows today! If she stays for the rest of the week, I'm sure Sara is going to come and give a speech at the Saturday evening performance.

[Funhouse2]

Posted: 1/22/20 at 11:19am

orph3us said: "VotePeron said: "I am having an absolute ball following this adventure on social media. How cool that someone as lovely as Desi is experiencing this once in a lifetime event and sharing it? Idk why I find it so thrilling and special but I just think it’s so cool. Maybe a casting director or two will see her and it lead to more UK work? "

Agree 100%. I turned my Instagram notifications on for her, something I've never done before because it's absolutely thrilling. It seems she was already good friends with the girl who plays Becky and them reuniting under this circumstance is so special. I saw her on tour and she was a delight and I'm glad more people get to experience her Jenna.

"

And Marisha Wallace (Becky) made her West End debut under similar circumstances! Dreamgirls was running low on Effies and Wallace had played the role regionally in the US so they flew her in last minute. She eventually became the lead after Amber Riley's contract ended! It would be great if this Waitress adventure gives a similar boost for Desi's career in the UK.

[WestEndGal]

Posted: 1/22/20 at 12:36pm

I think it’s a great story and a great adventure for Desi, she seems to be having the time of her life! I took the opportunity to get rush tickets to see her last week and I really enjoyed her Jenna - totally different to other Jennas I’ve seen, and it’s always nice to have a new take on a role. I wonder if she’ll end up doing the whole week now to let Lucie fully recover.

Sarah and Olivia (the understudies) are both well again, but Sarah’s in Japan rn. Not sure why Olivia isn’t replacing Lucie this week, but I guess they decided that because Desi’s in the U.K. still it makes sense to keep her on the show.

[orph3us]

Posted: 1/22/20 at 1:19pm

Maybe after Sara departs, Desi can return to the role.

[WestEndGal]

Posted: 1/22/20 at 1:50pm

orph3us said: "Maybe after Sara departs, Desi can return to the role."

Lucie’s coming back after Sara’s 6 week stint, although not sure if she’s continuing through to closing or not? Maybe Desi could close, although I imagine it’ll be Lucie unless maybe Kat comes back again. Can’t imagine them getting a newbie in. 

 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 1/25/20 at 7:37pm

Oakley performed the matinee today and Jones finished her run by returning for the evening show tonight. Bareilles starts on Monday. Jones is expected to return Feb. 9 and stay with the show through its closing on July 4.

[FlyHigh523]

Posted: 1/25/20 at 9:14pm

ACL2006 said: "Oakley performed the matinee today and Jones finished her run by returning for the evening show tonight. Bareilles starts on Monday. Jones is expected to return Feb. 9 and stay with the show through its closing on July 4."

Lucie did not go on tonight... Desi was on for both shows in London today...

Updated On: 1/25/20 at 09:14 PM

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 1/25/20 at 11:10pm

Didn’t realize the closing was so far in advance

[LarryD2]

Posted: 1/26/20 at 10:37am

delete

Updated On: 1/26/20 at 10:37 AM

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 1/26/20 at 12:30pm

ACL2006 said: "Oakley performed the matinee today and Jones finished her run by returning for the evening show tonight. Bareilles starts on Monday. Jones is expected to return Feb. 9 and stay with the show through its closing on July 4."

How could Jones return on February 9th?  Sara is still in the show. 

Updated On: 1/26/20 at 12:30 PM

[ACL2006]

Posted: 1/26/20 at 1:07pm

Sorry, meant to say Jones returns on March 9.