Overview
Waitress: The Musical is a stage musical adaptation of the 2007 American comedy‑drama film Waitress, written and directed by Adrienne Shelly. The musical features a book by Jessie Nelson, music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, and a score that incorporates Bareilles’s pop‑rock style. The story follows Jenna, a pregnant waitress in the fictional town of ABQ, who discovers a unique talent for baking pies that serve as metaphors for her emotional life while navigating an abusive marriage and an unexpected romance.
Development and Production History
| Date | Event | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2013 | Musical workshop announced | – | Development began with a reading at The Public Theater in New York City. |
| August 2014 | World premiere (regional) | American Repertory Theater, Cambridge, Massachusetts | Directed by Diane Waters; opened May 14 2015, ran through July 2015. |
| August 2015 | Broadway transfer announced | – | Produced by Nash Metro Broadway and others. |
| April 3 2016 | Broadway preview | Hayes Theatre, New York City | Official opening April 24 2016. |
| 2021 | West End debut | The Other Palace, London | Opened May 19 2021 (post‑COVID reopening). |
| Various dates | International productions | Australia, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Canada, etc. | Rights licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI). |
Synopsis
Act I: Jenna (the protagonist) works as a waitress at the diner “Molly’s”, where she crafts elaborate pies while dreaming of escape from her husband, Earl. She meets Dr. Pomatter, a charismatic therapist, who offers emotional support and an invitation to an “ex‑traction” – a formal breakup ceremony.
Act II: Jenna decides to leave Earl, discovers a supportive community among her co‑workers, and ultimately decides to keep her baby. The musical concludes with her baking a celebratory “champagne” pie, symbolizing her newfound independence.
Key Creative Team (Broadway production)
- Book: Jessie Nelson
- Music & Lyrics: Sara Bareilles
- Director/Choreographer: Diane Waters (original), later productions have featured other directors such as Rob Mann (West End)
- Set Design: David Zinn
- Costume Design: Amy Gaynor
- Lighting Design: Kevin Katz
Principal Cast (Original Broadway)
- Jenna – Jessie Muñiz Pérez (originally played by Sara Bareilles in the regional production)
- Dr. Pomatter – Christopher Hawn
- Dawn – Kara Kaye
- Becky – Jhett Tolosa
- Earl – Bob Haroldson
Musical Numbers (selected)
- “Opening Up” – Jenna (Act I)
- “She Used to Be Mine” – Jenna (Act II) – Notable for its emotional weight and frequent inclusion in audition repertoires.
- “Bad Idea” – Jenna & Earl (Act I)
- “Everything Changes” – Dr. Pomatter (Act II)
Critical Reception
- The New York Times (April 2016) described the musical as “a warm, hopeful take on a familiar story, buoyed by Bareilles’s melodic craft.”
- Variety noted the “sharp book and resonant performances” while stating the show “offers both comic charm and poignant gravity.”
- The production received multiple Tony Award nominations (2016), including Best Musical, Best Original Score (Sara Bareilles), and Best Actress in a Musical (Jessie Muñiz Pérez). It did not win in any category.
Awards and Honors
- 2016 Drama Desk Award – Outstanding Lyrics (Sara Bareilles) – Winner
- 2016 Outer Critics Circle Award – Outstanding New Musical – Winner
- 2017 Grammy Awards – Best Musical Theater Album (Original Cast Recording) – Nominee
Licensing and Performance Rights
- The licensing rights for Waitress: The Musical are administered by Music Theatre International (MTI).
- MTI provides full scripts, scores, and production guidelines for professional and amateur productions, with the requirement that producers obtain appropriate performance rights and adhere to prescribed musical and staging standards.
Cultural Impact
- Waitress has become a popular choice for regional theatres and community groups, often highlighted for its strong female lead and themes of empowerment.
- The song “She Used to Be Mine” has entered the standard repertoire for musical theatre auditions and concert performances.
References
- Official website of Waitress: The Musical (waitressmusical.com)
- Playbill archives – Production announcements and reviews (playbill.com)
- BroadwayWorld – News articles and award listings (broadwayworld.com)
- Music Theatre International – Licensing information (mtitheater.org)
All presented information reflects verifiable, publicly available sources as of the knowledge cutoff date.
