’Waitress’ Casts First Woman of Color, Nicolette Robinson, in Lead Role
Nicolette Robinson will make her Broadway debut in Waitress the Musical following American Idol alum and SMASH star Katharine McPhee’s run in the show.
Earlier this month, the show made an exciting casting announcement regarding who will be the next leading lady.
Nicolette Robinson, previously known for her role as Jane on Showtime series The Affair, becomes expert pie baker Jenna Hunterson beginning in early September.
This casting decision is a step in the right direction, as Robinson will be the first woman of color to star in the production. The actress first posted about her excitement to join the cast on Instagram. In a teary-eyed story, she relayed her connection to the show’s score while expecting a child with husband and Broadway star, Leslie Odom, Jr, back in 2017. She expressed her joy over landing the role, especially after feeling uncertain the show would cast a woman of color as its star.
It is reassuring to see Waitress, a show that has lacked major representation in recent months, make strides towards adding diversity to its cast.
Dedicated fans of the musical are especially excited to see Robinson bring the character to life:
every moment that passes is a moment closer to the first black woman playing jenna hunterson in waitress on broadway
— raya (@wewritelettrs) August 24, 2018
that’s MY jenna hunterson pic.twitter.com/X7cgBLt6ov
— diana ✧ (@dianarend) August 25, 2018
Nicolette Robinson begins her shift at the diner starting on September 4th. Original cast member Stephanie Torns is currently starring in the show. You can purchase tickets to Waitress at waitressthemusical.com.
