Waitress the Musical (2022)

Based on the 2007 film of the same name. Jenna is a pregnant, unhappily married waitress in the deep south. She meets a newcomer to her town and falls into an unlikely relationship as a last attempt at happiness. Waitress features a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award®-winner Diane Paulus (Jagged Little Pill, Pippin).

The original Broadway production of Waitress closed on January 5 2020, just two short months before the Broadway shutdown. During that time, the West End production of the show welcomed composer Sara Bareilles in the role of Jenna and Broadway star Gavin Creel and planned a pro-shot filming in London

Unfortunately due to the theaters shutdown, both case members returned to the US and the filming was ultimately put on hold. Filming plans were eventually cancelled, as the shutdown lasted many months.

On July 7, 2021 it was announced that Waitress would return for a limited Broadway engagement that will star most of its original Broadway cast. The show played the Ethel Barrymore Theatre with Sara Bareilles in the lead role of Jenna Hunterson.

The cast in the return engagement also included Christopher Fitzgerald in his Tony-nominated performance as Ogie, Drew Gehling as Dr. Pomatter, Charity Angél Dawson as Becky, Caitlin Houlahan as Dawn, Eric Anderson as Cal, Dakin Matthews as Joe, and Joe Tippett as Earl.

The show was filmed over three performances in late September 2021 with the complete Broadway return cast. A single 'live with audience' performance was shot with the audience not being told the purpose of the filming. The digital capture was produced by STEAM Motion and Sound (Aladdin, Kinky Boots, Newsies, Miss Saigon) for NAMCO, the production company of Barry and Fran Weissler. The producing couple is expected to shop around the film to streaming services in 2023.

Writing:

• Adrienne Shelly

Stars:

• Sara Bareilles
• Charity Angel Dawson
• Drew Gehling

Release Date: 2023-01-01

6.8/10

• Runtime: 108