Tony Award-winner (“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”) Jessie Mueller’s star continues to rise.
The Chicago actress (born and raised in Evanston) has landed the lead role in the American Repertory Theater’s world-premiere adaptation of the 2007 film “Waitress,” which starred Keri Russell. The musical will be directed Diane Paulus with music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles (“Brave” and “Love Song”). Performances are slated to start August 1 at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Mass., with rumored plans for Broadway at a later date. Mueller previously performed the role in a workshop of the musical.
Mueller is part of a Chicago acting dynasty, which includes her sister Abby (“Kinky Boots” on Broadway), brothers Matthew Mueller (a familiar face on Chicago’s stages) and Andrew Mueller (“Peter and the Starcatcher”on Broadway), and her parents, actors Jill and Roger Mueller.
Jessie Mueller will receive the actor of the year award from the Sarah Siddons Society at a gala event on April 21 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.
