When you have the opportunity to see a filmed musical, it can go either way, but Waitress: The Musical is a fantastic example of how it should be done.
Many of you know that I am a Chicago theatre critic, so one of my day jobs (and life passions) is seeing a lot of theatre. I love all kinds of plays, but I tend to be partial to musicals and I see as many of them as possible. That said, Waitress has been on my list for years and I never got around to it. Man, am I glad that I did now.
Waitress: The Musical is the story of Jenna, a waitress and pie maker in a small town diner, who finds out that she is pregnant with her husband’s baby. They have a very unhealthy relationship, and she didn’t mean for this to happen, but it happened. With the support of her two diner friends, she starts having doctor’s appointments with a new OB/GYNE in town, and ends up having an affair with him.
This is a great show and an excellent way to view it. Waitress: The Musical is an intimate recording of the actual stage production when Sara Bareilles (who wrote the music and lyrics for the show) starred in it. Most visuals take you right up close to the actors’ faces and other shots give you the perspective of the entire stage. Some musicals I do not recommend seeing in (only) this way, but Waitress is different. There are usually only a few relevant characters on the stage, so the background – while creating ambiance – doesn’t really affect the narrative.
The voices in this production are amazing (some of these people can SANG), and while Sara Bareilles is the star and has a phenomenal voice, I was really taken with Drew Gehling, who plays Dr. Pomatter, the obstetrician. He has this beautifully pitched, sweet, jazzy, nerdy tone that I absolutely love. The harmonies (particularly in “Bad Ideas”) are spectacular.
All of the characters are endearing, from Jenna’s friends (who are respectively brashy and mousey, but the support system that everyone can use), to the old man who owns the restaurant and eats there daily, to the history-buff date that Jenna’s friend finds online. You like them, and by the end, you understand them too.
There are a few visuals that stand out as well. Jenna, an avid pie maker, creates new pies every single day. And throughout the play, different situations warrant a different pie with unique ingredients, each of which Jenna goes off into her own mind to create. Visually, though, the lights dim, everything becomes quiet around Jenna, and ensemble members have choreographed movements to bring each of these ingredients through her space. Sometimes it’s real sugar or flour, and sometimes it’s clothing or some other inedible selection.
Also, this show provides a really good example of a really bad relationship. Joe Tippett’s Earl (Jenna’s husband) is abusive, selfish, and incredibly manipulative. I found myself angrily talking to the screen the farther we got into the show – it became very challenging not to.
Overall, Waitress: The Musical is an excellent time. Based on the 2007 movie of the same name, this show is energetic, intimate, and has a narrative that I didn’t totally see coming. Highly recommended, whether you enjoy theatre or not. Give it a shot!
Runtime: 144 minutes (including an intermission where you can pause)
Motion Picture Rating: Not Rated (I’d say around PG-13 for some sexual content)
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes, definitely
Did I Cry? Yeah, I did
My Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Available: Free on Max, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
Many of you know that I am a Chicago theatre critic, so one of my day jobs (and life passions) is seeing a lot of theatre. I love all kinds of plays, but I tend to be partial to musicals and I see as many of them as possible. That said, Waitress has been on my list for years and I never got around to it. Man, am I glad that I did now.
