Successful Broadway Run
The musical Waitress has been enjoying a successful run since April 24, 2016, at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in New York.
Why has it lasted this long? The combination of a fun and often heartbreaking score by Sara Bareilles, a book filled with humor even during the darkest of times in the story, and a performance by a powerhouse actress in the lead role. All this keeps audiences cautiously blissful and happily gloomy at the same time.
WAITRESS Never Stops
Based on the 2007 film of the same name, the plot may seem simple: a woman stuck in an abusive marriage dreams of escape. Her only real obstacle is money - until she becomes pregnant. Now that she has more to worry about than just herself, she decides she is going to follow this dream by entering a baking contest in order to raise the funds necessary for her escape. Throughout this journey, she meets and falls in love with her doctor, is assisted by her supportive fellow waitresses, and finds solace in inventing new pie recipes as a means of working through her despair or expressing her euphoria.
With all this going on, under the direction of the brilliant Diane Paulus, the show never stops moving. Each scene and song moves the story along at a lively pace so the audience is never left with a moment to drift from the infectious spectacle in front of them. When you combine all of these elements along with the delicious aroma of pie emanating the theatre, you get a show that tackles serious topics yet somehow remains a “feel-good” experience.
Stellar Cast
Jessie Mueller’s performance as Jenna needs to be seen by anyone who has ever felt stuck in his/her life. Her heart-wrenching delivery of “She Used to Be Mine” will leave even the toughest audience member in tears or at least close to it. If you can’t find something in Sara Bareilles’ lyrics that reflects something in you, you simply aren’t paying attention.
Since the musical has been around for almost a year at this point, the cast album is available to hear prior to seeing the show. Context is what makes the score resonate, although the cast album itself is worth a listen even if you can’t make it to Broadway.
The supporting cast has absolutely no weak link. Christopher Fitzgerald steals the show as an awkward, yet unexpectedly confident suitor to fellow waitress, Dawn (currently played by Caitlin Houlahan with impeccable comedic timing).
Fortunately, the show will be taken to new audiences via a national tour that will begin on October 17, 2017, at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Top Pick For: Musical Comedy lovers
Not recommended for: Curmudgeons
Note: An excerpt of this review appears in Theatre in New York.
Tickets:
Tickets on sale now at:
Online at http://waitressthemusical.com/tickets.php
By Phone at : 877-250-2929
In Person at the Box Office at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre
When:
Open Run
Tuesdays at 7:30PM
Wednesdays at 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Thursdays at 7:30PM
Fridays at 8:00PM
Saturdays at 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays at 3:00PM
Where:
Brooks Atkinson Theatre
256 W. 47th Street, New York, New York
Ticket Prices:
$45 - $170+
For More Information:
Twitter: @waitressmusical
Instagram: @waitressmusical
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waitressmusical
