Waitress 2016 - Articles Page 1.8

Run Time:
Two hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission
Ages: 10+
Opened: April 24, 2016
Closing: January 05, 2020

Waitress - 2016 - Broadway History , Info & More

Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as "The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie" and "Betrayed By My Eggs Pie." When a baking contest in a nearby county - and a satisfying encounter with someone new - shows Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness.

Brought to life by a groundbreaking, all-female creative team, this Tony Award-nominated hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles ("Love Song," "Brave"), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland).

"Waitress is a little slice of heaven!" says Entertainment Weekly, and is "sweet, sassy and passionate," according to New York Magazine. Don't miss this uplifting and hilarious musical.


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PREVIEW Waitress - 2016 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Waitress

'Waitress' serves sweetness on Broadway
9 / 10

'Sugar,' 'butter' and 'flour' are the first words we hear in the new Broadway musicalWaitress (* * * ½ out of four) - simple ingredients that can produce scrumptious, and healing, results. That's certainly the case with this delightful adaptation of Adrienne Shelly's 2007 film, which followed a small-town gal trapped in an unhappy marriage but blessed with a prodigious talent for making pies. Arriving in a season that has brought Hamilton and now the majestically unsettling American Psycho, the new musical may initially strike you as - pardon the inescapable food metaphors - a modest confection.

‘Waitress’ Broadway Review: Sara Bareilles, Jessie Mueller Bake Up a Musical Storm
7 / 10

...something odd happens to this pie-crust thin story when Jenna, the resolute heroine, becomes Jenny, the singing doormat. Diane Paulus's direction and Jessie Nelson's book never let us forget that Jenna is victim, first and foremost. And so was her loving mother, who appears as a ghost, baking pies when she isn't being beaten up by her own thug of a husband....The result of all this marital and on-the-job abuse is that the men's behavior, past and present, overwhelms the show. The first act is well on its way to breaking out the razor blades when a very supporting character, played by Christopher Fitzgerald, lifts the show and proceeds to steal it....Fitzgerald is one of those great Broadway character actors who also has the acting chops and charisma to carry a show, but rarely gets the opportunity. (He dazzled in the lead role in the Ahmanson Theater's production of 'Minsky's,' which sadly never made it to Broadway.)

#TBT: Katherine McPhee Makes Her Broadway Debut in WAITRESS
by Linnae Medeiros - October 31, 2019


Katherine McPhee is heading back to the diner! As BroadwayWorld previously reported, the star is making her return to the role of Jenna in Waitress for the show's final weeks. To get ready for the return of this queen of kindness and goodness, we're looking back at our chat with her and co-star Drew Gehling just days before opening up in the show in April 2018. Check it out with this video!

Katharine McPhee Will Return to WAITRESS on Broadway for Final Weeks
by Nicole Rosky - October 31, 2019


The producers of the hit musical, Waitress, announced today that Katharine McPhee will lead the company as Jenna for the final weeks of the Broadway run. Katharine McPhee returns to Waitress, where she made her Broadway debut last year. She subsequently made her West End debut in March 2019, reprising the role of Jenna for the show's UK premiere. Since vaulting to fame as a captivating singer on a?oeAmerican Idol,a?? Season 5, she's become a successful recording artist, landing numerous songs and albums on Billboard's pop, jazz, holiday and adult-contemporary charts. Her latest album of timeless American standards a?oeI Fall in Love Too Easilya?? was released by BMG in 2017. As an acclaimed actress, she was the breakout star of the 2013 NBC-TV musical series, a?oeSmash,a?? Executive Produced by Steven Spielberg with music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) and starred in the hit CBS dramatic series a?oeScorpion.a??

Music Director Career Spotlight: Nadia DiGiallonardo Talks Leading The Band Of WAITRESS on Broadway
by Alan Henry - October 30, 2019


This week we're spotlighting Nadia DiGiallonardo is currently the music director for the Broadway production of Waitress at the Brooks Atkinson Theater, where she can be found playing and conducting Sara Bareilles' score most nights. She is also the music supervisor for the national tour and international companies of Waitress.

Original WAITRESS Star Drew Gehling Will Return This Fall
by Nicole Rosky - October 22, 2019


BroadwayWorld has just learned the original Dr. Pomatter, Drew Gehling, will make a return to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre this fall. Gehling will take over the role, currently played by  Mark Evans, beginning October 30, through the show's closing performance on January 5. 

Photo Coverage: WAITRESS Leading Ladies Look Pretty in Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
by Monroe George - October 16, 2019


For the third year in a row, the leading ladies of Waitress will change the iconic waitress uniforms from blue to pink for the month of October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Check out photos of Jordin Sparks, Caitlin Houlahan and NaTasha Yvette Williams as they pose in their pink ensembles!

Al Roker Will Return To WAITRESS and Jordin Sparks Extends Limited Engagement
by Stephi Wild - October 10, 2019


Al Roker will return to the cast of Waitress as a?oeJoea?? from November 1st through November 24th. Al Roker made his Broadway debut in the role last year. Jordin Sparks will also extend her run as Jenna through November 24th.

VIDEO: Miranda Sings Makes Her Broadway Debut in WAITRESS in Her Latest Video
by Linnae Medeiros - September 20, 2019


Sugar, butter, Miranda! Former Waitress star Colleen Ballinger's YouTube personality, Miranda Sings, recently headed to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre to sneak backstage and try to make her Broadway debut at the diner, no matter what it takes. Check out the full video to see all of Miranda's antics ensue!

VIDEO: Colleen Ballinger Vlogs At Her WAITRESS Final Performance
by Linnae Medeiros - September 18, 2019


Sugar, butter, Colleen! Waitress said goodbye to one of its stars, Colleen Ballinger, this past weekend as she took her final bow as Dawn. Colleen took her fans behind the scenes throughout the day of her last performance in her latest vlog, including a curtain call speech from director Diane Paulus. Check out the full video below!

VIDEO: Jordin Sparks Takes Her First Bow in WAITRESS
by Linnae Medeiros - September 17, 2019


Sugar, butter, Jordin! Waitress's newest Jenna, Jordin Sparks, just took her first bow at the diner, and we have a peek inside the curtain call. Check out the full video below!

Photo Coverage: Jordin Sparks Opens Up Her Run in WAITRESS! Check Out Photos From Her First Curtain Call
by Monroe George - September 17, 2019


Jordin Sparks has officially 'opened up' her run in Waitress! She began performances on Monday, September 16th for a limited engagement through October 27.

WAITRESS Welcomes Jordin Sparks Tonight, Christopher Fitzgerald, Natasha Yvette Williams, Caitlin Houlahan Return
by Julie Musbach - September 16, 2019


Jordin Sparks begins performances as Jenna in Waitress tonight, Monday, September 16th for a limited engagement through October 27. This will mark her Broadway return after making her debut in 2010 in Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights.

Christopher Fitzgerald, Natasha Yvette Williams, and Caitlin Houlahan Will Return to WAITRESS
by Stephi Wild - September 16, 2019


Jordin Sparks begins performances as Jenna in Waitress tonight, Monday, September 16th for a limited engagement through October 27. Waitress has also announced the return of three former cast members! Original cast member Christopher Fitzgerald and Natasha Yvette Williams start performances tonight as Ogie and Becky respectively. Caitlin Houlahan returns as Dawn on Thursday, September 19. Mark Evans will extend his run as Dr. Pomatter through October 27.

WAITRESS's Colleen Ballinger Brings Miranda Sings to the Broadway Stage!
by Linnae Medeiros - September 11, 2019


The diner was treated to a special guest last night as Waitress star Colleen Ballinger took to the stage as Miranda Sings during the production's post-show karaoke session to perform 'She Used to Be Mine'! Take a look at the show's current Dawn bringing her YouTube persona to the stage of the Brooks Atkinson Theatre!

TV: Jordin Sparks is Opening Up About Returning to Broadway in WAITRESS!
by Nicole Rosky - September 10, 2019


As BroadwayWorld previously reported, recording artist Jordin Sparks will join the company of Broadway's Waitress in the role of Jenna from September 16 - October 27. This will mark her Broadway return after making her debut in 2010 in Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights

Photo Coverage: Jordin Sparks Gets Ready to Return to Broadway in WAITRESS
by Jennifer Broski - September 10, 2019


As BroadwayWorld previously reported, recording artist Jordin Sparks will join the company of Broadway's Waitress in the role of Jenna from September 16 - October 27. This will mark her Broadway return after making her debut in 2010 in Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights.

VIDEO: Colleen Ballinger and Todrick Hall Perform Acoustic WAITRESS Duet
by Linnae Medeiros - September 5, 2019


We're heading to the diner for a look at a special duet backstage at the Broadway hit Waitress! Check out the video to see the show's Dawn Ogie, Colleen Ballinger and Todrick Hall performing a special acoustic duet rendition of 'I Love You Like a Table'!

WAITRESS West End Announces September Cast Album Karaoke
by A.A. Cristi - September 4, 2019


Waitress has announced its next Cast Album Karaoke Night will take place on 25 September offering audience members the chance to sing songs from the smash hit comedy musical, by 7-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles, live on the West End stage. The event will be hosted by Joe Sugg who takes over the role of Ogie from 9 September and Marisha Wallace who plays waitress Becky, in the production. Audience members who want to take part in the Cast Album Karaoke Night just need to sign up before that evening's show for the chance to sing one minute of any song from Waitress at the Adelphi and accompanied by the show's musical director Katharine Woolley.

VIDEO: WAITRESS's Colleen Ballinger and Alison Luff Perform 'You And I' Duet Backstage
by Linnae Medeiros - September 3, 2019


We're heading to the diner for a look at a special duet backstage at the Broadway hit Waitress! Check out the video to see the show's Jenna and Dawn, Alison Luff and Colleen Ballinger performing 'You And I' by Ingrid Michaelson as part of the show's 'Jenna's Jams' series!

VIDEO: Eric Anderson Performs Cut Song From WAITRESS
by Linnae Medeiros - August 29, 2019


Check out a new video of Eric Anderson, who originated the role of Cal in the Broadway hit Waitress, performing 'Happy Enough,' one of the songs included on 'What's Not Inside: The Lost Songs from Waitress.'

VIDEO: Colleen Ballinger Documents Her Broadway Debut in WAITRESS
by Linnae Medeiros - August 26, 2019


Colleen Ballinger has officially opened up in the hit musical Waitress, making her Broadway debut as Dawn! Get a peek inside the YouTube star's first performance with her vlog capturing the day of her debut!

VIDEO: Colleen Ballinger and Todrick Hall Take Their First Bows in WAITRESS
by Linnae Medeiros - August 21, 2019


Colleen Ballinger and Todrick Hall have officially opened up in the hit musical Waitress! Get a peek inside the duo's first performance with a look at their bows at the show's curtain call! Check out the full video!

Jordin Sparks Is WAITRESS On Broadway's New 'Jenna' Starting September 16
by A.A. Cristi - August 20, 2019


Recording artist Jordin Sparks will join the company of Broadway's Waitress in the role of Jenna from September 16 a?' October 27. This will mark her Broadway return after making her debut in 2010 in Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights.

TV: Shoshana Bean Performs Cut WAITRESS Song 'Door Number Three'
by A.A. Cristi - August 19, 2019


Check out a new video of Shoshana Bean performing a?oeDoor Number Three,a?? one of the songs included on a?oeWhat's Not Inside: The Lost Songs from Waitress.a??

TV: Todrick Hall & Colleen Ballinger Are Opening Up About Their New Roles in WAITRESS!
by Nicole Rosky - August 19, 2019


As BroadwayWorld previously reported, later this week Colleen Ballinger and Todrick Hall will join the cast of Waitress as Dawn and Ogie, respectively. The duo just met the press and we're taking you inside the special day below!

Photo Coverage: Meet the New Stars of WAITRESS- Colleen Ballinger and Todrick Hall!
by Jennifer Broski - August 19, 2019


As BroadwayWorld previously reported, later this week Colleen Ballinger and Todrick Hall will join the cast of Waitress as Dawn and Ogie, respectively. The duo just met the press and we're taking you inside the special day below!

Waitress FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the songs in Waitress and what's the order?
What's Inside
Opening Up
The Negative
What Baking Can Do
Club Knocked Up
Pomatter Pie
When He Sees Me
It Only Takes a Taste
You Will Still Be Mine
A Soft Place to Land
Never Ever Getting Rid of Me
Bad Idea
I Didn't Plan It
Bad Idea - Reprise
You Matter to Me
I Love You Like a Table
Take It From an Old Man
Dear Baby
She Used to Be Mine
Contraction Ballet
Everything Changes
Opening Up - Finale

Other Productions of Waitress

2015   Boston American Repertory Theater World Premiere Production
Boston
2016   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2017   US Tour First National Tour
US Tour
2019   West End Original West End Production
West End
2021   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2021   US Tour
US Tour

Waitress - 2016 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2016 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress in a Musical Jessie Mueller
2016 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Book of a Musical Jessie Nelson
2016 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Christopher Fitzgerald
2016 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lyrics Sara Bareilles
2016 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music Sara Bareilles
2016 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Musical Waitress
2016 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Jessie Meuller
2016 Drama League Awards Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical Waitress
2016 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Actress in a Musical Jessie Mueller
2016 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Christopher Fitzgerald
2016 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Broadway Musical Waitress
2016 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Score (Broadway or off-Broadway) Sara Bareilles
2016 Tony Awards Best Musical Waitress
2016 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Christopher Fitzgerald
2016 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Jessie Mueller

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