Waitress – A Theater Review by Cynthia Flores
Waitress is the new musical in town from Dallas Summer Musicals playing at the Music Hall at Fair Park. It’s charming, funny, touching and true to the source material of the beloved 2007 film of the same name created by the late Adrienne Shelly starring Keri Russell.
This musical was groundbreaking when it first came out on Broadway in 2016 because it was brought to life by an all-female creative team. Acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson wrote the book. The choreography was by Lorin Latarro with direction by Tony award-winner Diane Paulus. Also, the original music and lyrics were done by 6 time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles as her first time to work on Broadway. The musical was nominated for a 2016 Tony award for Best Musical losing only to the monster hit of that year Hamilton.
The musical Waitress tells the story of Jenna (Desi Oakley), a waitress and expert pie maker. She dreams of getting out of her small town and out of her loveless abusive marriage to Earl (Nick Bailey). The show starts off with Jenna finding out she’s pregnant and shocked by the news. Her fellow waitresses and best friends Becky (Charity Angel Dawson) a big, loud woman and Dawn (Lenne Klingman) a mousey fussy little woman surround her with love and support at the unwelcome news. It’s at her gynecologist appointment that Jenna meets gynecologist Dr. Pomatter (Bryan Fenkart), who’s new in town with his wife doing her residency at the nearby hospital. There is instant chemistry between Jenna and the good doctor. Entering into an affair with the doctor gives her the courage to save up tips behind Earl's back so she can go to a baking contest in a nearby county and with the winnings perhaps get a fresh start for her and her child.
Waitress has a great cast with wonderful songs and a stand out performance from the character of Ogie (Jeremy Morse) the man who falls in love with Dawn. He brought down the house with the song “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me.” He also stole any scene he was in when he was on stage.
Waitress is an empowering musical that’s uplifting as well as heartfelt. It only it will only run for 2 weeks so be sure you don’t miss getting a part of this sweet tasting pie! Get your tickets, grab a friend, and enjoy a great night at the theater with this surprisingly touching, still playing on Broadway, musical Waitress.
Dallas Summer Musicals Plays March 28th- April 8th
