Willemijn Verkaik has been cast in the lead role of Jenna for the upcoming tour of Waitress The Musical in the Netherlands.
Willemijn is best known for playing Elphaba in the smash-hit musical Wicked on Broadway, the West End, Germany and in Holland. She is also the only person to have performed the role in more than one language.
An accomplished musical theatre star her credits include Bat Out Of Hell, Ghost The Musical, Disney’s Tarzan, Mamma Mia!, Aida, We Will Rock You, Annie and Woman On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown.
She also provided the singing voice of ‘Elsa’ in the Dutch and German language versions of Disney’s Academy® Award-winning film Frozen.
Willemijn Verkaik said: “I saw Waitress a couple of years ago on Broadway. I was immediately impressed by the musical and the amazing music written by Sara Bareilles.” She added “The role of Jenna is a role that challenges me, especially vocally and I am looking forward to introducing the Netherlands to this beautiful musical that has all the right ingredients.”
Iris van den Ende, Producer, said: “I am extremely proud that, after Broadway and West End, we received the trust of the American production company to bring this romantic comedy to the Netherlands. Waitress tells a story that a lot of women can identify with. It is full of humour and romance but it also has an edge. The music is beautiful, modern pop and I am confident that Willemijn, with her talent and international experience, is going to blow us away.”
Sara Bareilles, Composer, said: “It is a dream come true to see Waitress travel around the world! To see this beautiful show have a life like this is more than I ever could have imagined! We are so proud to share the story of Jenna with a whole new audience and welcome them into the world of Waitress with open arms and plenty of pie.”
Waitress made theatre history as the first Broadway and West End musical with an all-female lead creative team. It is led by composer Sara Bareilles, the singer-songwriter who achieved worldwide success in 2008 with the hit Love Song.
Show synopsis: “Jenna is a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness. “
The tour will open in September 2020 with venues and full casting to be announced.
Watch a video of Willemijn Verkaik perform ‘What Baking Can Do’ from Waitress.
