Chatham Child Makes Broadway Debut In 'Waitress'

CHATHAM, NJ - Four-year-old Chatham resident, Tess Nolan made her Broadway debut in the role of Lulu in the musical "Waitress" March 11. Nolan, who goes by the stage name Tess Murphy, is co-starring with former "Wicked" star Shoshana Bean and New Kids on the Block's Joey McIntyre.

Nolan has lived in Chatham for three of her four years on the Earth but only got involved in acting last fall. According to her mother, Mary Kate Doman, she got an agent with Zuri Talent and "Waitress" was only her second acting audition and first acting job that she booked.

"Her agent sent her to the audition with over 60 other girls and she nailed it," Doman said. "The casting agency, Telsey+Company, loved Tess and offered her the role. She did a week of rehearsals where she learned her lines, choreography, and song, and then made her debut on March 11."

According to Doman, her daughter is having the time of her young life.

"She is having so much fun and loves every minute of it," Doman said.

According to Doman, her daughter splits the role with another girl, Everleigh Rottuno, who lives in New York City and they each do four shows a week.

"Waitress" is a musical with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles and a book by Jessie Nelson. The musical is based on the 2007 film of the same name, written by Adrienne Shelly. It tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, a waitress in an abusive relationship with her husband Earl. The company includes Eddie Jemison as Ogie, reprising his role from the 2007 film the musical is based on, Charity Angél Dawson as Becky, Benny Elledge as Cal, Larry Marshall as Joe, Lenne Klingaman as Dawn, and Ben Thompson as Earl.

Despite the star power on the stage, Doman only has eyes for one performer.

"Seeing Tess on stage leaves me at a loss for words, I cry every single time. Her father and I are beyond proud of her work ethic, professionalism, and ability to put a smile on the face of everyone who sees her perform," she said. "It’s truly a exciting and surreal experience for us all."

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