Peace Center Announces Two Local Girls Cast As Lulu In WAITRESS

The Tony nominated musical Waitress, which plays the Peace Center May 8-13, has cast two young Upstate actresses to take on the role of Lulu during the Greenville engagement.

Charlotte Bates, 5, of Honea Path, and Regan Ciccarelli, 4, of Clemson, will alternate the role of Lulu, the daughter of the production's main character, Jenna.

Waitress tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie baker working at a local diner who is stuck in a loveless marriage. Her salvation comes in the form of her daughter, Lulu, who is described as sweet and carefree.

Both girls were chosen via an audition process held at the Peace Center on March 28. More than 60 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 girl will perform in four performances during the engagement.

Bates will perform on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and both performances on Sunday. She previously played the baby elephant bird in Seussical the Musical with CYT Theater in Anderson, and she made a guest appearance in a dance performance at Anderson University. She enjoys singing, dancing, acting and drawing.

Ciccarelli will perform on Thursday and Friday evenings and both performances on Saturday. She attends Clemson Montessori School, where she performed in a play at Christmas. She also dances with Cheryl's Dance Studio in Central. This was her first audition and will be her first speaking role. She likes to paint, ride her scooter, ride horses and play with her toys.

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).

Inspired by Adrienne Shelley's beloved film, Waitress tells the story of Jenna - a Waitress and expert pie maker. 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.

"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.

Waitress will play the Peace Center May 8-13 as part of the 2017-2018 Broadway season. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased by calling 864.467.3000 or 800.888.7768, in person at the Peace Center Box Office or online at www.peacecenter.org.

For more information about the Peace Center and its upcoming events, visit www.peacecenter.org.

Events, dates, times, prices and performers are subject to change without notice.