In a world where musicals often lean on spectacle, Waitress finds its power in intimacy, honesty, a spoonful of sugar and a puff of flour. Based on the 2007 beloved film by Adrienne Shelly and book by Jessie Nelson, this heartfelt stage adaptation with orchestrations by Sara Bareilles & The Waitress Band continues to resonate deeply with audiences far and wide. Directed and choreographed by Theatre by the Sea’s Producing Artistic Director Kevin P. Hill, Waitress is woven with melodies both tender and triumphant, beautifully capturing small-town America while celebrating camaraderie, resilience and the pursuit of happiness.
“So many regional theaters have been vying for the rights to produce this wildly popular musical, and I’m so pleased to have been able to get the rights for both of my theaters,” says TBTS owner and Producer Bill Hanney. “The music by Sara Bareilles is just beautiful and her lyrics are quite clever. I love that she utilizes many different styles of music, which help to define the characters.”
Between misery and the prospect of new love, the show walks a delicate line between heartbreak and hope with remarkable grace. This musical tells the story of Jenna, a talented pie-maker working in a local diner, trapped in an abusive marriage and suddenly grappling with an unexpected pregnancy. With all this on her plate, she begins to dream of a better life, maybe even one that includes her own pie shop. Jenna is adept at creating new pies, and uses her feelings to bake the flavor of the day. Dakota Mackey-McGee’s incredible performance brings a grounded vulnerability with emotional depth and vocal warmth.
Jenna gets by with a little help from her friends. Becky, portrayed by Anny Jules, is a force. She’s blunt and sarcastic, living life on her terms, and is fully present while supporting Jenna in having the life she desires. Equally adroit at singing and making us laugh is Dawn, portrayed by Emelie Latzer. Nerds unite when Dawn is wooed by Ogie, the awkward man she meets from an online ad. Matt Silva takes on this schmaltzy role with a zest you can’t help but love.
Christopher DeProphetis as Dr. Pomatter is the awkward doctor who makes Jenna feel alive again, albeit via forbidden love. Kevin McGlynn portrays Joe, an elder who offers his own brand of awakening for Jenna with his worldly advice and in-your-face observations. All these performers have excellent vocals and comedic timing. Emmalyn June Brown as Young Jenna/Lulu is adorable without having to say a word. She shares the role with Tèa Migliazza on alternating nights, and is just as precious.
We’d like to see more of James Channing as Earl, who plays one mean bad boy with velvety vocals, but is in absentia during most of Jenna’s pregnancy. He eventually reappears, calling her out for concealing money, but we’re left with questions of how Jenna manages to pay all the bills, save up for baby items, and finance her non-working useless spouse to drink like the sponge he is. This is a faux pas of the writing though, not a reflection of TBTS’s production. The focus is entirely on Jenna, following her metamorphosis throughout, with a nice balance between humor and gravity.
The music is quintessential Bareilles—lyrical, melodic, and emotionally rich. The song “She Used to Be Mine” is a show-stopper with raw honesty and breathtaking shadow play, while ensemble numbers like “Opening Up” and “When He Sees Me” add levity and charm. The choreography and staging keep the action fluid and visually engaging, uniquely complementing the vernacular of the diner setting, guiding the ensemble through bustling kitchen scenes and emotional crescendos. Musical direction ensures each note resonates clearly, harmonizing elegantly with the rustic warmth of the venue. Sound, lighting and costumes are polished and efficient.
What truly elevates Waitress is its salute to female friendship and the resulting resilience. Jenna’s bond with her fellow waitresses provides both comic relief and emotional ballast. These relationships, along with the show’s nuanced portrayal of motherhood and self-discovery, make Waitress more than just a feel-good musical — it’s a quietly reformative ode to women finding their voices. If you think Act I is hot, hang onto your seats for Act II’s rising action!
Whether you’re drawn in by the music, the message, or the mouthwatering pie metaphors, Waitress is a theatrical treat. It leaves a lasting impression with a seamless flow that’s light and witty one moment, wrenchingly raw the next. Be prepared to laugh, cry, tap your foot, and maybe leave craving pie.
Theatre By The Sea presents Waitress through July 19. For more information, visit https://www.theatrebythesea.com/.
