Broadway Legend Joined: 1/30/15
rkade21 said: "For a limited run, where theoretically money isn’t the main objective (how naive of me), and the show will likely sell regardless…. I’m pretty disappointed they’re opting for a stunt casting. I heard from an insider that they did *try* to get someone who would’ve pleased a lot of theater fans, but weren’t able."
I'm a theater fan and I would be thrilled if Jennifer Nettles is cast as Jenna. The worst thing you could say is that she's a little old for the part. But just casting a celebrity doesn't make it poor casting. This feels like Reba in Annie Get Your Gun. It makes so much sense and Jennifer has displayed an apparently genuine love of musical theater. And her voice is incredible. She's not going to struggle to sing the score.
Chorus Member Joined: 5/20/19
Guessing no one has heard anything remotely official, but do we know if (presumably) Nettles will be starting on 10/19? Or do we think it likely they will have a week in between Jennas where Steph Torns goes on like they have a few times in the past?
Stand-by Joined: 12/30/17
BroadwayNYC2 said: "It’s filming tonight. "
Where’d you see that?
Leading Actor Joined: 5/8/19
CPannullo said: "BroadwayNYC2 said: "It’s filming tonight. "
Where’d you see that?"
They were live on TikTok tonight for the opening number and there was a pre-show speech about how there were cameras in the theatre and how someone had acquired the live filming rights and he asked the audience to cheer a few times to "check mic levels"
Where’d you see that?"
Because I’m in the theatre :)
Broadway Star Joined: 12/28/15
It’s official! From Waitress’s Facebook: “Welcome to the diner Jennifer Nettles, Maiesha McQueen & Ashley Blanchet! Jennifer's first performance will be on October 19th! Maiesha and Ashley will be starting their shift on October 5th!”
Jennifer Nettles Will Join WAITRESS on Broadway as Jenna (broadwayworld.com)
10/19 - 11/24
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/25/20
Fabulous!! Hoping Jessie comes back in November for the final weeks to bookend this chapter of Waitress on Broadway!
TaffyDavenport said: "Jennifer Nettles Will Join WAITRESS on Broadway as Jenna (broadwayworld.com)
10/19 - 11/24"
INCREDIBLE casting. I doubted the rumors, but what do you know?! We know she can sing, now let's hope she can act! I'm excited.
Brilliant casting!
Swing Joined: 7/30/18
So everyone is going to stop complaining about Ben Platt being "too old" to play Evan now right?! lol
I was watching the 3rd hour of Today Show and with zero warning, Nettles walked onto the set carrying a pie and was like, "Baby's coming to Broadway!" and Hoda and Jenna were like "what???" It was v cute.
It was also exciting to catch a reveal in real-time in these days of having to seek out the info you want. lol
Color me very surprised! I never really though they'd get a star for such a short run, but that's fantastic for the show. Nettles was a fantastic Roxie - so there's that Barry and Fran connection - so I'm really happy for the team and audiences that'll get to enjoy her too.
wish i were here2 said: "Lunalaaaaaaaa said: "Kacey Musgraves would make a really great Jenna too."
I would love to see Kacey sing What Baking Can Do.
I always wondered howJennifer Nettles would be as Jenna."
Guess I no longer have to wonder how Jennifer Nettles would be as Jenna! Very excited! :)
Paigiemo21 said: "So everyone is going to stop complaining about Ben Platt being "too old" to play Evan now right?! lol"
No, lol. Theater and film are two very different mediums.
Sauja said: "TaffyDavenport said: "Jennifer Nettles Will Join WAITRESS on Broadway as Jenna (broadwayworld.com)
10/19 - 11/24"
INCREDIBLE casting. I doubted the rumors, but what do you know?! We know she can sing, now let's hope she can act! I'm excited."
She was impeccable in the Dolly Parton films as Avie Lee Parton. The woman can act like nobody's business. Also, anyone who can sell a song emotionally with the nuance she has can most definitely act.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/14/20
Paigiemo21 said: "So everyone is going to stop complaining about Ben Platt being "too old" to play Evan now right?! lol"
I was literally just thinking that haha.
but in all seriousness, I’m so excited for this casting!!
I’m so excited I took the chance and bought tickets at the box office yesterday! I’ve been say for years that Jennifer Nettles needs to play Jenna and I can’t believe I’m actually going to be able to see it!!
Now.. how is the rear mezz at the Barrymore? I’ve only been in the orchestra, but from pics it doesn’t seem too far away.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/2/10
BCfitasafiddle said: "Fabulous!! Hoping Jessie comes back in November for the final weeks to bookend this chapter of Waitress on Broadway!"
Personally just NO. I sincerely hope not. It should be Stephanie for all her talent AND dedication but if they had to bring a previous Jenna back, I can think of others I would totally prefer.
Paigiemo21 said: "So everyone is going to stop complaining about Ben Platt being "too old" to play Evan now right?! lol"
Is there anything in the script or lyrics that refers to Jenna's age? I mean irl Sara is 41 and Jennifer is 47. I'd say the slightly older will be even played up more for the surprise, but hardly a comparison to Ben.
Yeah there's nothing here that defines her age. She's a woman in a terrible relationship. Not someone trying to play a teenager in a drama.
Stand-by Joined: 7/16/19
everythingtaboo said: "Paigiemo21 said: "So everyone is going to stop complaining about Ben Platt being "too old" to play Evan now right?! lol"
Is there anything in the script or lyrics that refers to Jenna's age? I mean irlSara is 41 and Jennifer is 47. I'd say the slightly older will be even played up more for the surprise, but hardly a comparison to Ben."
There's a line in It Only Takes a Taste where Pomatter says .."you remind me of a girl I once knew.. by now she's in middle age, 41.. or 42.." Jenna reacts a bit offendedly though so she might actually be younger and assumes he thinks she looks older.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/2/10
RippedMan said: "Yeah there's nothing here that defines her age. She's a woman in a terrible relationship. Not someone trying to play a teenager in a drama."
The only thing that defines her age is that she’s pregnant. There’s a long span of time where someone could be pregnant…but don’t think you’d want to be much older than this.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/16/21
VintageSnarker said: "rkade21 said: "For a limited run, where theoretically money isn’t the main objective (how naive of me), and the show will likely sell regardless…. I’m pretty disappointed they’re opting for a stunt casting. I heard from an insider that they did *try* to get someone who would’ve pleased a lot of theater fans, but weren’t able."
I'm a theater fan and I would be thrilled if Jennifer Nettles is cast as Jenna. The worst thing you could say is that she's a little old for the part. But just casting a celebrity doesn't make it poor casting. This feels like Reba in Annie Get Your Gun. It makes so much sense and Jennifer has displayed an apparently genuine love of musical theater. And her voice is incredible. She's not going to struggle to sing the score.
"
You guys are like detectives!!! So glad for Jennifer but I am seriously hoping Jessie Mueller closes out the show.
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