Possible Jenna Replacements
Possible Jenna Replacements
Jjohansan
Understudy Joined: 6/25/14
#1Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 4:10am
Just wondering which actresses you think could possibly replace Jessie Mueller in "Waitress". It's such a great role, and I find myself dream casting it all the time. A few that come to mind would be Lindsay Mendez, Laura Osnes, and Carmen Cusack.
broadwayguy91
Broadway Star Joined: 12/23/15
dissimilate
Understudy Joined: 5/4/15
#3Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 4:34am
I'm not sure if Sara's acting skills are up to par with her singing, but she's be an interesting choice and I'd watch it.
Lindsay Mendez could definitely do it. Yes please. Laura Osnes would be going a little out of type -- but that's not a bad thing. This role would certainly stretch her. Haven't seen Carmen Cusack (didn't manage to catch Bright Star!) so who knows. She has a wonderful voice though.
I think Cynthia Erivo and Renee Elise Goldsberry could also play Jenna. Maybe even Annaleigh Ashford. And give Sydney Lucas a few more decades...
#4Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 5:18am
I think most of the actresses we'd all hope to go into this show wouldn't or couldn't afford to do replacement jobs, but I agree that Lindsay would be such a perfect choice, as well as Annaleigh, who isn't thought of for dramatic roles as she should be - she's quite a force in both comedy and drama. I think Megan Hilty could also do wonders as Jenna, as well as perhaps Jasmine Cephas Jones, though she would also be a VERY fun Dawn. Also, I'd love to see Bonnie Milligan replace as Becky.
They/them.
"Get up the nerve to be all you deserve to be."
broadwayboy223
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/2/14
#5Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 5:55am
Omg I'd die if Megan Hilty did Jenna. I doubt she would do it though.
pupscotch
Broadway Star Joined: 1/24/16
#6Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 6:39am
I would not have thought of this without this thread, but ANNALEIGH ASHFORD! She would be fantastic!
#7Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 7:08am
As soon as the grosses go down or Jessie's contract is up, Sara will be there.
#8Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 7:22am
Christine Dwyer.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
broadwayboy223
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/2/14
#9Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 8:09am
Does anyone know if Jessie and the original cast will still be in August ?
#10Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 8:23am
broadwayboy223 said: "Does anyone know if Jessie and the original cast will still be in August ?"
I assume Mueller signed a year contract. Even if she just signed a six month contract (which I doubt) she'd be there. The only cast member who might be out would be Kimiko, just depending on OITNB filming.
"Oh look at the time, three more intelligent plays just closed and THE ADDAMS FAMILY made another million dollars" -Jackie Hoffman, Broadway.com Audience Awards
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#11Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 8:27am
I'd be shocked if Mueller has anything short of a one one year. I would suspect most, if not all, of the leads do - that's pretty standard.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
neonlightsxo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
#12Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 8:59am
Not to be a jerk, but Carmen is a little old for the role...
broadwayboy223
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/2/14
#13Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 10:23am
Even though Carmen is older I think she would be beautiful Jenna. I'd pay good money to see that. We all know she can read younger
#14Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 10:41am
I'd love to see what Anika Noni Rose could do with the part, but given how rarely she chooses to do Broadway, I figure she wouldn't be a replacement in this show, and her pilot was also picked up recently.
My vote goes to Lauren Ambrose. But I'd also love to see Mandy Gonzalez and Megan Hilty.
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
OhHiii
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/30/16
#15Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 10:57am
Jennifer Nettles.
She's performed 'She Used To Be Mine' on her tour that she's been on. Not for nothing, she was actually very good in that Dolly Parton TV movie...even if the rest of it was...well...not.
neonlightsxo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
#17Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:16am
Of the suggestions mentioned, my favorites are:
Sara Bareilles
Carmen Cusack
Lindsay Mendes
The rest...I'm not so sure how I feel. I'm not a fan of Annaleigh Ashford, but I think she'd be a good fit for Dawn.
Here are some other possible people I'd like to see play Jenna:
Andrea Burns (probably too old, but I love the idea anyway)
Caissey Levy (actually, I think she'd be perfect)
Jennifer Damiano
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Daisey Eagan
Laura Michelle Kelly
Karen Olivo (I know she's stepped away from Bway, but I can dream!)
Krysta Rodriguez
Rachel Tucker (i'd LOVE this!)
#18Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:31am
MEGAN HILTY! It'd be great to see her in a "stripped down" role-- I feel like she usually plays sort of "glam" and it would be so cool to see her do something raw like this, and her voice on these songs would be incredible.
I agree that Carmen Cusack is a bit too old to play her (there's that one song where the doctor says Jenna reminds him of a woman who is now 42 and Jenna gets offended. That is basically how old Cusack is so it would be off). But as someone else said, it's not as if she can't play younger and I would find her totally believable as a 30 something. Of course, this is me selfishly wanting to hear her sing those songs, and knowing she would bring such complexity and sadness to the role.
broadwayguy91
Broadway Star Joined: 12/23/15
#19Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:34am
lmao, i'm such an idiot. thanks neonlights_xo lol
Updated On: 6/29/16 at 11:34 AM
neonlightsxo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
#20Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:35am
Andrea Burns doesn't have a strong voice????
broadwayguy91
Broadway Star Joined: 12/23/15
#21Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:36am
Call_me_jorge said: "Christine Dwyer.
"
surprised you didn't mention Alison Luff, who would be great as Jenna I think
Blabla3
Swing Joined: 10/13/14
#22Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:43am
YES to Megan Hilty!! Would be incredible to see her in a role like this!
Or Annaleigh Ashford, Lindsay Mendez, Rachel Tucker (though maybe she could open the West End production when it transfers?)
broadwayguy91
Broadway Star Joined: 12/23/15
#23Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:43am
neonlightsxo said: "Andrea Burns doesn't have a strong voice????
"
oh **** i actually had her confused wiith Andrea MARTIN. don't know what i was thinking, lmfao.
#24Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:43am
Why is Andrea Burns such a ridiculous suggestion? She is an excellent singer, and has played lots of leading roles.
EDIT: Never mind, just saw your post above
broadwayboy223
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/2/14
#25Possible Jenna Replacements
Posted: 6/29/16 at 11:48am
Side note: could we get Carmen in a Judy Garland musical? That would be f-nig incredible
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