Sara Bareilles Shines in Waitress: Nothing quite elicits the spine-tingling thrill of live theater, and “Waitress: The Musical” proudly joins the league of filmed musicals that manage to preserve their stage essence while granting viewers the best seat in the house. Sara Bareilles takes center stage in this adaptation, having crafted the enchanting songs that infuse the show with alternating notes of sweetness and silliness, touching moments, and a hint of raunchiness.
Originating from the 2007 movie starring Keri Russell, “Waitress” garnered a bountiful tray of Tony Award nominations in 2016, only to be overshadowed by the juggernaut that was “Hamilton.” Appropriately, the streaming wave of filmed musicals and plays, triggered by “Hamilton” on Disney+, has given rise to gems like Apple’s “Come From Away,” showcasing the richness of this captivating art form.
While the filmed version of “Waitress” doesn’t quite ascend to the heights of those illustrious predecessors, it comes remarkably close and achieves soaring moments. Bareilles, in particular, earns and rightfully deserves a mid-show standing ovation following her powerful rendition of “She Used to Be Mine,” a song that encapsulates the musical’s emotional core.
This emotional core finds its heartbeat in Bareilles’ character, Jenna, whose bond with her diner coworkers (portrayed by Charity Angél Dawson and Caitlin Houlahan) becomes her anchor amid an unhappy home life with her abusive husband (played by Joe Tippett).
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Jenna’s world is further shaken when she discovers she might be pregnant, the result of a drunken encounter. This unwelcome twist leads her to an awkward doctor (Drew Gehling), sparking an affair that adds another layer to her web of questionable choices, humorously addressed in the song “Bad Idea.”
Additionally, Jenna possesses a talent for pie-making inherited from her late mother. She harbors hopes of using this skill to win a contest and secure the prize money to escape her troubled life. If this seems like a slender thread on which to hang her dreams, it mirrors the desperation that infuses “Waitress” with its poignant charm.
Certain theatrical elements, like Christopher Fitzgerald’s eccentric suitor, may feel a bit too grand when magnified for the screen, designed originally for an in-person audience.
However, in a month that introduces movie musicals like “The Color Purple” and “Wonka,” “Waitress” makes a graceful transition, retaining most of its charms and, notably, Bareilles’ golden vocal prowess. While “Waitress” is undeniably a feast best savored live, akin to “Hamilton” and “Come From Away,” indulging in this cinematic presentation undeniably feels like a delectable idea.
Our Reader’s Queries
Who does Sara Bareilles play in Waitress?
The Broadway restaging of the hit musical features a star-studded cast, with several returning members taking center stage. Fans can look forward to seeing Bareilles as Jenna, Gehling as Dr. Pomatter, Tippett as Earl, Dawson as Becky, Houlahan as Dawn, Matthews as Joe, Fitzgerald as Ogie, and Anderson as Cal. With such a talented ensemble, this production is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What Broadway shows was Sara Bareilles in?
In August 2022, I took on the role of the Baker’s Wife in the production of “Into the Woods”. Prior to that, I played Jenna in the original production of “Waitress” which opened in September 2021. I also had the opportunity to step in as Jenna in the replacement production of “Waitress” which opened in April 2016. Overall, I have played 8 different roles in various productions.
Why did Sara Bareilles write Waitress?
I was in the mood to challenge myself with things that made me a little uneasy. Although I hadn’t seen the movie, which was both written and directed by Adrienne Shelley, I was intrigued by its heartfelt ambiance and its imperfections. Without hesitation, I decided to give it a shot.
Who did Jason Mraz play in Waitress?
Grammy award-winning artist, Jason Mraz, is set to make his Broadway debut in Waitress on November 3. Mraz, who previously appeared on composer Sara Bareilles’ concept album for the musical, will be taking on the role of Dr. Pomatter. This exciting news has been making waves in the Broadway community, and fans are eagerly anticipating Mraz’s performance. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to see the talented musician in action on the Broadway stage.