Tina Fey’s (30 Rock) upcoming comedy Girls5eva at Peacock just got a little bigger. The show announced the casting of Renée Elise Goldsberry (Waves) as the lead singer of a washed up 1990’s all girl rock band via The Hollywood Reporter.
Goldsberry is known for starring in the Broadway Musical Hamilton, where she originated the role of Angelica Schuyler. She went on to win the Tony Award for Best Actress Featured in a Musical, along with the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Goldsberry will not be the only Broadway veteran appearing in Fey’s newest comedy project. Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles (Little Voice) will also star. Bareilles wrote the music for and starred in the Broadway musical Waitress.
Girls5eva revolves around music, with it telling the story of a former all-girl rock band from the 90s who never quite made it. They got a brief 15 minutes of fame, but then faded away from the scene. Unsatisfied with where they are in present day, they decide to reunite and give fame one more shot, attempting to transform into pop stars.
Goldsberry will portray Wickie, the lead singer of the former band. In present day, she’s still trying to have a solo career but it’s not going great. With the prospect of the band reuniting, she believes this could be their chance at making it big.
In the wake of the casting announcement, The Hollywood Reporter picked up a statement made by Goldsberry: “This wickedly talented team is creating something brave and new…I’m grateful I get to be in the room with them. I honestly can’t think of a better way to transition out of this year and into the new one than laughing with strong and beautiful women.”
Meredith Scardino (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) created the show, and will executive produce alongside Fey, Robert Carlock (30 Rock), Jeff Richmond (Mean Girls,) David Miner (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), and Eric Gurian (Baby Mama).