Two Young Local Actresses Cast In Waitress at National Theatre

WAITRESS, the Tony Award-nominated musical making its Washington, D.C. premiere at the National Theatre from May 15 thru June 3, 2018, has cast two young area actresses to take on the role of "Lulu" during the national tour's three-week engagement.

Alexa Lueck, age 4 of Alexandria, VA, and Eva Pieja, age 5 of Nokesville, VA, will alternate in the role of "Lulu," the sweet, carefree young daughter of the production's main character, Jenna - a Waitress who's stuck in a loveless marriage and finds salvation in the form of her child.

Tickets for Waitress may be purchased at TheNationalDC.com, in person at the National Theatre box office (Monday thru Friday from Noon to 6pm), or by calling 800-514-3849. The National Theatre is located at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW in downtown Washington, D.C.

Alexa and Eva were both chosen via an audition process held at the National Theatre on April 9, 2018. Over 50 young girls from the around the D.C. metro area participated in the auditions, which were presided over by members of the Waitress company. The character of "Lulu" is cast locally in each tour market and two girls are chosen to share the role. Each of the chosen girls will appear in four performances each week during the tour's D.C. run.

Alexa Lueck is 4 years old, lives in Alexandria, VA., and attends Lee District Preschool in Franconia, VA. She studies tap, jazz, ballet, and musical theater at Strictly Rhythm Dance Center in Alexandria, VA. Alexa is a member of their award-winning competitive dance team that competes in regional and national dance competitions. She loves being on stage and performing for an audience, and she is excited to make her acting debut.

Alexa, after hearing about being cast as Lulu in Waitress exclaimed, "Wait, are you saying I get to do my audition on stage every night?!?" Her mother, Cheryl Lueck, added, "We are thrilled that Alexa's acting debut is in this ground-breaking musical and that she will be performing at the historic National Theatre!"

Eva Pieja is 5 years old, lives in Nokesville, VA, and attends preschool at Chesterbrook Academy in Gainesville, VA. She has performed on stage as a jellyfish in Allegro Community Theater's production of The Little Mermaid and appeared on TV in an episode of the "The Real Story with Maria Elena Salinas" for ID Discovery. She loves dancing and has been taking ballet for 3 years at the Lasley Center for the Performing Arts.

When learning that she had been cast as Lulu, Eva exclaimed that she is "excited and 100% happy! My aunt's name is Lulu so she is excited too!" Her mother Melissa Pieja added, "The whole family is excited for Eva, including her big brothers. My love for theater began with watching old Shirley Temple movies with my grandmother, which sparked a passion for singing and performing. Eva shares that love of performing. My hope for her is that the theater brings her as much joy as it has brought me."

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, Waitress is an irresistible new Broadway hit featuring 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, the musical 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, while 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!" raves the Chicago Tribune. "WAITRESS is a little slice of heaven!" says Entertainment Weekly and "a monumental contribution to Broadway!" according to Marie Claire.

Don't miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

Tickets may be purchased online at TheNationalDC.com, by calling 800-514-3849, or in person at the National Theatre box office (Monday thru Friday, Noon to 6:00pm).

On show days, including weekends, the box office is open 2 hours prior to the performance start time, and closes 30 minutes after the show begins.

GROUPS OF 10+

Groups of 10 or more should contact Ashley Birdsell in the group sales department at (202) 628-6166 or groupsales@thenationaldc.com

TICKET LOTTERY

Two hours prior to every performance show time, individuals may submit their names to be drawn to purchase up to two tickets at $25 per ticket (inclusive of all fees). 20 Lottery seats will be available for each "Broadway at the National" performance of Waitress. Names will be announced thirty minutes after the entry period (90 minutes prior to the show). Individuals must be present, with cash, to redeem the offer.

MILITARY DISCOUNT

As a thank you to our service men and women, the National offers a special 15% discount for individual performances of all Broadway shows at the National Theatre. These specially priced tickets are available in person at the National Theatre box office only and proper military ID is required. (Limit of 2 tickets per order. Discount not available on previously purchased tickets. Some restrictions may apply.)

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

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