The Pursuit of Happiness Pie

Baking is a transformative process in which flour becomes dough, eggs become custard, and sugar melts into caramel. This blending
of ingredients mirrors the journey of life itself. For Jenna, baking is not just a way to express herself but a lifeline in a small-town diner and an unhappy marriage. Her passion for baking serves as her sanctuary, allowing her to pour her heart into whimsical pies.

From the playful recipe "Betrayed by My Eggs Pie" to the romantic "Falling in Love Chocolate Mousse Pie," each serves as a metaphor for Jenna's life. Her pies are not merely desserts; they reflect her struggles, triumphs, hopes, and moments of joy, illustrating the depth of her emotional journey.

FST's Waitress will kickstart the Winter Mainstage Season. The story centers around Jenna, a talented pie maker caught in an unhappy marriage who yearns for a better life. When she finds comfort in a baking contest and develops a connection with the charming yet troubled Dr. Pomatter, Jenna finds herself choosing between her past and a hopeful new beginning.

"The more we explore the scenes and immerse ourselves in the heartwarming songs during rehearsals, the deeper the layers of humor and emotion we uncover in this exquisite show," shared director Ben Liebert. "Listening to Sara Bareilles' music daily is a joy in itself. Like pie-making, crafting a show is infinitely richer when you start with the best ingredients."

In her FST debut, Kaitlyn Davidson plays Jenna's role. Jenna is supported by her friends and coworkers, Becky and Dawn, portrayed by Galyana Castillo, and Charity Farrell. Together, this trio exemplifies the essence of friendship, as Becky and Dawn bolster Jenna's inner strength, guiding her to understand that she is shaped not by her past or her circumstances, but by the beliefs she holds dear. Their unwavering support illustrates the impact of friendship and highlights the importance of self-belief in overcoming life's challenges.

Composer Sara Bareilles has expressed that Waitress is a celebration of resilience, love, and self-discovery. "The show captures the essence of life's bittersweet moments while inspiring courage and self-belief."

From upbeat songs like "Opening Up" to emotional ballads such as "She Used to Be Mine," baking becomes a way to express the soul, conveying what words sometimes cannot.

As the Winter Mainstage Season unfolds, Waitress will bring a dash of hope, a pinch of strength, and the sweet aroma of possibility to all who experience it. The pursuit of happiness isn't merely a destination; it is a journey filled with courage, self-discovery, and love, proving that even the simplest ingredients can be turned into something extraordinary. Each slice of pie reminds us that life's greatest joys often come from unexpected places.

Did you know?

Waitress The Musical is actually based on a 2007 indie film. Here are some surprising facts about its origins and legacy:

• The original Waitress movie was written and directed by Adrienne Shelly, who also played a supporting role. Tragically, Shelly passed away before the film’s release, making the success of Waitress a tribute to her creative vision.

• Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, Waitress charmed audiences with its blend of humor and heart. Made on a small budget of just $1.5 million, it grossed over $23 million worldwide, proving its wide appeal.

• Inspired by the film’s success, Waitress was adapted into a Broadway musical in 2016, with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. The musical added a new dimension to Jenna’s story, bringing Shelly’s characters to life through song and keeping her legacy alive.