A Helping of Catchy Tunes with a Side of Relevant Themes

This winter, the Gompertz Theatre transforms into Joe’s Pie Diner for the Tony-nominated musical Waitress. Based on the 2007 film by Adrienne Shelly, Waitress follows Jenna, a pie aficionado and waitress, who finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage and entangled in a complicated love triangle. Jenna seeks hope through a baking contest and support from her friends and co-workers, Becky and Dawn, as she navigates challenges and chases her dreams.

With music by Grammy winning and Tony and Emmy Award-nominated Sara Bareilles and a book by Jessie Nelson, Waitress delivers a story about dreams and the courage required to pursue them. The musical features a diverse range of songs, from comedic patter tunes to soft lullabies and powerful duets.

While the soundtrack and entertaining characters are highlights, Waitress offers much more than just catchy tunes and creative pie names. The show blends music and narrative to address pertinent themes such as relationships, dreams, and the challenges that come when those things don’t line up.

Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins said, “[Waitress] speaks to the liberation of us all through the upbeat, sweeping songs of Sara Bareilles and a story that captures the heart of America in a simple little diner.”

In a 2023 interview with BroadwayWorld, Bareilles discussed the relevance of Waitress’s story and music. “I think what feels so present to me right now is that the world feels so dark in many ways. There are just so many things to feel hopeless about, and I am not a hopeless person. So, I love that Waitress is like a little bit of comfort food. I really think it feeds the soul. It does a beautiful job of carrying the darkness and light right next to each other. There's a lot to laugh at and a lot to love. There's a lot to touch into that feels resonant and emotional. I think it feels like a really warm place to spend a little bit of time,” she said.

As the series opener for the 24-25 Winter Mainstage Season, Waitress exemplifies FST’s mission to “present theatre that challenges with as much gusto as it entertains.” While challenging theatre is common, and entertaining theatre is even more prevalent, FST seeks productions that achieve a powerful balance of both.

Waitress transitions between intimate settings: a hometown diner, Jenna and Earl’s home, and a doctor's office. These unique spaces enhance the intimacy of the production and align with FST’s goal of creating engaging theatre. Within these close settings, audiences not only observe but deeply experience the characters’ hopes, despair, challenges, and dreams.

“Because this musical centers on people, especially Jenna the waitress, who find themselves in difficult circumstances but first recognize and face these situations, then find a way to overcome them, it is both inspirational and aspirational,” stated Hopkins.

Waitress offers a “soft place to land” for audiences seeking both an escape from life’s realities and a powerful story. As Jenna mixes sugar, butter, and flour to create the perfect pies, FST brings relevance, heart, and hope to the stage with this delightful production.