My husband and I had the pleasure of seeing Waitress last week at the National Theatre in DC. I went in with high expectations, having heard so many great reviews. Let me tell you, I was blown away! This cast delivers a delectable show full of emotion, humor, and amazing music! I absolutely love how this story was told. Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna – a waitress and expert pie maker – who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.
Brought to life by a groundbreaking, all-female creative team, WAITRESS features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (the film “I Am Sam”), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Waiting for Godot) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin, Finding Neverland). This is an amazing team of talented artists that really make this musical the hit it is. Some of my favorite moments are the times Jenna thinks of a new Pie, which usually resembles a moment happening in her life. The whole show pauses and you see into the mind of this woman. Some of the amazingly creative pies include…
My favorite is the Marshmallow Mermaid Pie…
Dr. Pomatter: “Did you make the marshmallow pie that you gave me?”
Jenna: “Yes I did. Mermaid Marshmallow. I invented it with my mama when I was 9 years old, in my mermaid phase.”
Dr. Pomatter: “That was probably the best pie that I’ve tasted in my entire life. No seriously. It was BIBLICALLY good. That’s how good it was. That pie would win contests, and ribbons… and things… It only takes a taste!”
I love the touring cast. Desi Oakley plays Jenna with such finesse and passion. Hearing her sing, “She used to be mine” brought tears to my eyes. That is what makes this show fantastic. There are many funny, silly moments. I think the entire crowd was crying laughing during Ogie’s profession of love to Dawn. There are also many serious, sad moments as well. Being stuck in a loveless marriage with a controlling husband made me want to jump across my seat and pull Jenna out of that terrible situation! There is a really great story line. The show made me want to cheer on the characters and root for their happiness. It is so well rounded and I love every second of it from beginning to end. Waitress is absolutely a slice of broadway heaven!
Before the show starts and during intermission you can purchase mini pies made by the cast! How fun is that? Waitress has a run time of 150 minutes, including one intermission. The show is recommended for ages 13 and up. I might even suggest 16 and up. There is a lot of innuendo. The show makes for a perfect date night or moms night out!
You can see Waitress at the National Theatre from May 15th through June 3rd. To see the full touring schedule, click here.
