It’s a sad fact but there aren’t too many women who have had musicals produced on Broadway. Jeanine Tesori, who composed the recent Soft Power and Nell Benjamin, who wrote the music and lyrics for Legally Blonde, are two of the rare exceptions. But finding a musical that was written by women and directed by a woman are exceedingly rare. That’s what makes the musical Waitress so appealing. With music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, a book by Jessie Nelson and direction by Diane Paulus, this is a very unique musical indeed. The touring production of Waitress starts performances at the Pantages Theatre on Tuesday and continues there through August 26th.
Waitress is based on the 2007 film of the same name that was written and directed by the late Adrienne Shelly. Both tell the story of Jenna, a waitress who is in an incredibly unhappy marriage. She gets pregnant and falls in love with her gynecologist. Jenna is also an expert baker, so a contest in a neighboring town might offer her a ticket out, if only she can muster up the courage to make the changes she wants.
Desi Oakley leads the cast as Jenna in the role originated on Broadway by Jessie Mueller. Director Paulus is best known for the revivals of Pippin and Hair.
Waitress will also play Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa in November.
Photo by Joan Marcus