The Tony-nominated musical Waitress plays at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County’s Ziff Ballet Opera House, through March 3.
Waitress tells the story of “Jenna,” an expert pie baker working at a local diner and stuck in a loveless marriage. Her salvation comes in the form of her daughter, “Lulu.” “Jenna” 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.
Ivy Juliet Sanchez, 4, and Hailey Belle Malvin, 4, both from Miami will alternate the role of “Lulu,” the daughter of the production’s main character, “Jenna.”
Both girls were chosen via an audition process held at the Arsht Center. Nearly 20 girls participated in the auditions, which were presided over by a member 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 four-year-old girl chosen will perform in 4 performances each during the engagement.
Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit 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 (Finding Neverland, Pippin, Hair).
“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.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Steven Good, who plays the lead role of Dr. Pomatter for this exclusive Hotspots Interview:
At what age did you begin performing, and how did it happen?
I began in music in church choirs and I played Saxophone. All through high school I played with many bands, and my first play was in my senior year and it was, “Annie Get Your Gun.” That was my first real acting role. I went to school for music, and somehow I veered away from instruments and started singing. I got to perform in a lot of productions while I was studying.
What was your first professional/paid role?
I got paid to understudy in Prometheus Bound at the American Repertory Theater.
How did you get cast in this Broadway Across America production of Waitress?
I was performing in Escape to Margaretville on Broadway and auditioned for the Broadway version of Waitres. I didn’t get it, but when the tour came they called me into audition again and they cast me.
Other than this role, what has been your favorite to play?
I was in a television pilot a few years ago about kids who go to Yale and form a band. The ensemble and premise was phenomenal as we got to write and record original music. It didn’t end up getting picked up, but it was a lot of fun to do.
What is your fantasy role?
I really do feel like it hasn’t been written yet. There are many I like, but I don’t think there is one role that I must do.
What does the future hold for you?
I think more Broadway as I plan on being in New York for a t least a few more years. I have been married 6 years and kids are in the future. I would also like to have a film career.
What should our readers expect from this production of Waitress?
You should expect a full Broadway experience. Everything you want from a show, Waitress delivers. You will Laugh, you will cry, and find a new compassion towards others. It has gorgeous music and brilliant performances. Also, they sell pie at the end of the show.
For more information on Steven Good, you can follow him on Instagram or Twitter: @thestevengood.
Waitress is playing at the Arsht Center for a limited one week run, through March 3. Tickets to Waitress are available through the Arsht Center Box Office in person at 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132, by calling 305.949.6722, or online at arshtcenter.org. Ticket prices start at $34.
