Since its 2015 premiere at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts - a popular laboratory for some of Broadway's most recent smash hits -Waitress, with music and lyrics by the indomitably popular songstress Sara Bareilles and a book by Jessie Nelson, has made defying the theater community's wildest expectations look easy as pie. Somewhat quietly, Waitress has baked a more than 1100 performance run (and counting) on Broadway, spanning nearly three years, no small feat for a modern musical, particularly one that does not rely upon spectacular stage effects, grandiose chorus numbers, a well-known jukebox catalog or Disney source material. Adapted from Adrienne Shelly's 2007 film of the same name - which was by no means a box office juggernaut - the musical incarnation of Waitress has none of these things. What it does have, however, is a fantastic score, relatable and likeable (with one exception) characters, and a well-mixed blend of humor and heart.
Meet Riley and Harper, our two cute-as-pie Atlantans who were chosen to play the role of Lulu in Broadway's tour of WAITRESS for its Atlanta run at the Fox Theatre!
Ever since WAITRESS first premiered at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2015 and soon after on Broadway in 2016, audiences have fled to see this wonderful show. The original movie opened in 2007 and was written by the late Adrienne Shelly. It became widely successful and soon after a creative team was assembled in 2013. Sara Bareilles was a star in her own right by this time and she is responsible for the wonderful music and lyrics of this well-done musical. With Jesse Nelson writing the book, she wrote the story using unfinished scripts by Adrienne Shelly to bring Ms. Shelly's voice into the project.
Waitress is opening up in the West End! The cast, led by Katharine McPhee, began rehearsals yesterday. Check out the group shot, posted to the show's Twitter page, below!
As we welcome in 2019 in Southwest Florida, we also welcome in a very full theatre season! From many classic, much-loved Broadway shows to some newer, unique breakout productions, this season has something for everyone. Though there are many, many productions happening this season, check out 9 of the shows (listed by date so you can easily fill your calendar) I know I'm looking forward to in 2019 below.
As previously announced, beginning tonight, January 7, Sara Bareilles, will return to Waitress in the role of Jenna, joined by Tony Award-winner, Gavin Creel as Dr. Pomatter for a limited engagement through February 3, 2019.
As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Sara Bareilles, will return to Waitress in the role of Jenna, joined by Tony Award-winner, Gavin Creel as Dr. Pomatter for a limited engagement January 7 to February 3, 2019. The two are getting ready to take to the Brooks Atkinson stage and they met the press this week! Check out first photos of the pair together below!
Jacksonville announces WAITRESS will play Times-Union Center for a limited one-week engagement as part of the 2018-19 Broadway in Jacksonville season, March 12-17, 2019!
As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Sara Bareilles, will return to Waitress in the role of Jenna, joined by Tony Award-winner, Gavin Creel as Dr. Pomatter for a limited engagement January 7 to February 3, 2019. The two are getting ready to take to the Brooks Atkinson stage and telling us all about why they can't wait to star opposite each other. Watch below as they tell us all about it!
Waitress has finally made its way to Sacramento, bringing with it all the ingredients a pie should have-sugar, spice, fluff and substance-blended perfectly in a feel-good, empowering show. Nominated for 4 Tony Awards, Waitress is groundbreaking for boasting an all-female creative team: music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles (6-time Grammy nominee), book by screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waiting for Godot), and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin, Finding Neverland). Based off of the 2007 indie film of the same name written by Adrienne Shelly, the themes in Waitress take on an even deeper meaning because of Shelly's death by violence.
It is announced today that US film and television star Jack McBrayer will make his West End debut in the role of Ogie in Waitress, which will begin preview performances on 8 February ahead of its official opening night on 7 March at London's Adelphi Theatre.
Joey McIntyre will take over the role of Dr. Pomatter on February 5 and play through April 7, 2019. He was last seen on Broadway as Fiyero in Wicked. Producer Barry Weissler said, 'We love Joey as a New Kid on the Block and know that he has 'The Right Stuff' to be a brilliant Dr. Pomatter.'
Joe's Pie Diner will open up with Richard Kline in the role of 'Joe' when the tour is in Spokane, WA just prior to its Sacramento engagement. Waitress is the hit Broadway musical from Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles inspired by Adrienne Shelly's 2007 motion picture. The Broadway On Tour presentation of Waitress runs at Sacramento Community Center Theater from Dec. 27, 2018 through Jan. 5, 2019.
As previously announced, Sara Bareilles, will return to Waitress in the role of Jenna, joined by Tony Award-winner, Gavin Creel as Dr. Pomatter for a limited engagement January 7 to February 3, 2019. The pair got into character with a taste of pie (that's all it takes after all). Watch below!
Theatre lovers who have always dreamt of singing on the West End stage will soon be able to make their dream a reality. The first ever 'Cast Album Karaoke' nights will be held post-show on Tuesday 19 February and Monday 18 March 2019 at the London production of Sara Bareilles' Waitress. For the chance to sing one minute of any song from the show - live on stage and accompanied by the show's musical director Katharine Woolley - interested audience members just need to# sign up in the theatre before the performance.
The producers of the Broadway hit Waitress have announced that original cast member Stephanie Torns will put on the apron in the role of Jenna from December 11-January 6, 2019. Sara Bareilles will take over the role, joined by Gavin Creel, on January 7.
Joe's Pie Diner will be Opening Up with Richard Kline in the role of 'Joe' on December 14th when the tour is in Spokane, WA at First Interstate Center for the Arts. Waitress is the hit Broadway musical from Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles inspired by Adrienne Shelly's 2007 motion picture.
A pair of Broadway besties will share the stage in 2019!
Barry and Fran Weissler and Norton and Elayne Herrick announced today that the hit show's composer and lyricist, the multi-platinum-selling Grammy and twice Tony-nominated singer-songwriter and New York Times best-selling author Sara Bareilles, will return to Waitress in the role of Jenna, joined by Tony Award-winner, Gavin Creel as Dr. Pomatter for a limited engagement January 7 to February 3, 2019.
The producers of the Broadway hit Waitress have announced that on December 10, Tony Award nominee Christopher Fitzgerald will return to the hit Broadway musical in the role of Ogie, the role he originated and earned a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in 2016. Ogie is currently played by Alex Wyse, who will play his final performance on December 9.
Further casting has been announced for the original London company of Sara Bareilles' Tony Award-nominated musical Waitress. Marisha Wallace will play Becky alongside Laura Baldwin as Dawn, with Peter Hannah as Earl and David Hunter as Dr. Pomatter. The four new principals will join the previously announced Katharine McPhee who will make her West End debut starring as Jenna, having played the role on Broadway earlier this year.