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Waitress 2016

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' is an intimate Broadway musical of the highest order
8 / 10

Mueller's is a performance stripped of condescension, lived in the moment and rich in musical pleasures; surely there is no singing actress of Mueller's generation better able to play a woman of low power and self-esteem....In this show she immediately moves her lips whenever Jenna is asked a question - signaling to the audience that Jenna's main problem is that she worries so much about pleasing others that she never has learned how to put her own needs first. Jenna eventually grabs such an opportunity with her comely-but-married gynecologist (played by Drew Gehling), and it is here that the show stutters: Gehling's Dr. Pomatter feels like a sitcom doc rather than a serious love interest for a serious young woman, and thus you don't pull for them as you should. I had the same issue with Nick Cordero's Earl (Jenna's husband), played as a standard-issue man-spreader when the show would be better if you saw deeper into his anger and depression - especially since Bareilles has given him 'You Will Still Be Mine,' one of the most poignant songs in the show.

Ingredients of ‘Waitress’: Sara Bareilles, show tunes and syrup
8 / 10

It's surprising that 'Waitress's' director, the resourceful Diane Paulus, who staged recent Broadway revivals of 'Hair' and 'Pippin,' would not have required the softening of at least one of Earl's monstrous edges, because he's a villain so transparently designed to provoke a specific response that - no disrespect to the highly competent, physically imposing Cordero - the character comes across as an inane contrivance. Some other supporting parts fare far, far better, as with an eccentric suitor for Dawn named Ogie, played to the wonderfully kooky hilt by Christopher Fitzgerald. The number late in Act 1 in which Ogie introduces himself to us, 'Never Ever Getting Rid of Me,' jump-starts the proceedings with its effervescent spirit (and suggests that it might be fun if Ogie and Dawn got a spinoff musical of their own).

VIDEO: Willemijn Verkaik Sings 'She Used To Be Mine' Ahead Of WAITRESS Netherlands Premiere
by Alan Henry - January 22, 2020


BroadwayWorld previously reported Willemijn Verkaik will star in the role of Jenna for the upcoming international tour of the Netherlands which will visit the country's largest theatres from September 2020. Check out Verkaik singing 'She Used To Be Mine' in a new video below!

VIDEO: WAITRESS Takes Its Final Broadway Bow
by Linnae Medeiros - January 5, 2020


Sugar, butter, farewell! Broadway said happy trails to the smash-hit musical Waitress on Sunday January 5th. BroadwayWorld was on hand to capture the emotional goodbye speeches from the show's creative team, including director Diane Paulus and composer and lyricist Sara Bareilles. Head to the diner by checking out the video!

VIDEO: WAITRESS's Lulus Reunite At The Diner!
by Linnae Medeiros - January 3, 2020


We're heading to the diner for a look at the little Lulus of Broadway's hit musical Waitress reuniting ahead of the show's final performance at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 5th. Check out the video to hear the young stars talk about their Broadway debuts, favorite songs from the show, and more!

#TBT: Look Back At WAITRESS's Opening Night On Broadway!
by Linnae Medeiros - January 2, 2020


Sugar, butter, Waitress! As Broadway's smash hit musical Waitress gets ready to close up shop at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on Sunday January 5th, we're heading to the diner for a look back at the show's opening night! Check out the video to see the production's original stars Jessie Mueller, Drew Gehling, Keala Settle, and more celebrating the show's official first bow and giving us a taste of why Waitress is something special!

BWW Flashback: WAITRESS Is Closing Up Shop on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - January 5, 2020


After nearly four years of opening up, Waitress is closing down on Broadway. As BroadwayWorld previously reported, the musical will end its Broadway run at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre today, January 5, following 33 previews and 1544 regular performances.

BWW Exclusive: Watch WAITRESS Casts Unite to Sing the Best of Bareilles!
by Nicole Rosky - January 4, 2020


Following a sold-out concert in 2017, stars from Broadway and the National Tours of WAITRESS came together to perform WAITRESS SINGS BAREILLES: VOL. 2 at The Green Room 42, in a concert benefitting The Hysterical Womxn's Society.

VIDEO: Surprise Proposal at Final WAITRESS Cast Album Karaoke
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 19, 2019


It was a night of surprises at the final Waitress Cast Album Karaoke! The night was hosted by the composer and lyricist of Waitress, the multi-platinum-selling Grammy and twice Tony-nominated singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles.

Evelyn Hoskins Will Join WAITRESS; Marisha Wallace Will Return In January 2020
by Stephi Wild - December 18, 2019


Waitress the musical will welcome Evelyn Hoskins (Assassins, Spring Awakening) to the role of Dawn in the New Year while original London cast member Marisha Wallace (Dreamgirls, Aladdin) is also announced to return to the West End production. Evelyn Hoskins will join the smash hit musical comedy on 25 January following Hannah Tointon's final performance, and Marisha Wallace will resume the role of Becky on 6 January following Sandra Marvin's final performance. Monique Ashe-Palmer will also join in the ensemble from 9 January, taking on the role from Cindy Belliot.

Photo Flash: WAITRESS Celebrates the Lulus, the Youngest Stars on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 13, 2019


On Thursday, December 12, Waitress hosted a very special reunion of 12 adorable alumnae and current Lulus for a colorful sendoff for the hit Broadway show. The girls (and their parents) traveled to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre to catch up and say hello to the cast before the show closes up its Broadway run on January 5. One Lulu even traveled all the way from South Carolina!

WAITRESS to Hold Post-Show Q&A With Katharine McPhee, Drew Gehling and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 4, 2019


The producers of Waitress have announced a special Q&A event following the performance on Monday, December 9th. SiriusXM host Julie James will moderate the conversation with Katharine McPhee, currently starring as Jenna, and original Broadway cast members Drew Gehling, Christopher Fitzgerald, Molly Hager and Stephanie Torns. Audience members will also have the opportunity to ask their own questions of the cast.

Sara Bareilles Will Host the Final WAITRESS Cast Album Karaoke
by Stephi Wild - December 4, 2019


The composer and lyricist of Waitress, the multi-platinum-selling Grammy and twice Tony-nominated singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, will return to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre to host the final edition of the show's hugely popular a?oeCast Album Karaokea?? program following the 7 PM performance on Tuesday, December 17th. Interested audience members will be able to sign up before the performance for the chance to sing one minute of any song in the show accompanied by the onstage band led by musical director Nadia DiGiallonardo. Katharine McPhee currently stars as Jenna through January 5, 2020.

WAITRESS Will Celebrate 1500 Performances On Thanksgiving Day
by Stephi Wild - November 26, 2019


Broadway's Waitress will celebrate its 1500th performance on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 28, 2019.

Photo Coverage: Katharine McPhee Opens Up the Diner One Last Time in WAITRESS on Broadway
by Walter McBride - November 26, 2019


Katharine McPhee returned to Waitress, beginning last night, November 25. She will play the role of Jenna until the show closes in January.

TV: Katharine McPhee Returns! She's Opening Up About Being WAITRESS's Final Jenna
by Nicole Rosky - November 23, 2019


As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Katharine McPhee will return to Broadway as Jenna for the final weeks of Waitress' Broadway run. McPhee returns to Waitress, where she made her Broadway debut last year.

Photo Coverage: Katharine McPhee Gets Ready to Return to Broadway in WAITRESS
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - November 20, 2019


As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Katharine McPhee will return to Broadway as Jenna for the final weeks of Waitress' Broadway run. McPhee returns to Waitress, where she made her Broadway debut last year.

Katharine McPhee and Drew Gehling to Host WAITRESS Cast Album Karaoke on December 2
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 15, 2019


Katharine McPhee and Drew Gehling will host the show's hugely popular 'Cast Album Karaoke' program following the 7 PM performance on Monday, December 2nd at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street). Interested audience members will be able to sign up before the performance for the chance to sing one minute of any song in the show accompanied by the onstage band led by musical director Nadia DiGiallonardo.

BWW Review: Sugar, Butter, Vancouver! WAITRESS “Opens Up” at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre
by Alyson Eng - November 15, 2019


Delicious pies, love stories, and music written by Sara Bareilles are just a few things of many that make the musical: WAITRESS, a must-see this season. Playing at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre until November 17th, Broadway Across Canada's WAITRESS officially premiered in Vancouver, B.C. with a brand new National Tour cast on Tuesday. Led by the amazing Bailey McCall as the show's lead: Jenna Hunterson, this touring production did not fail to impress me with its emotion, music, and energy.

VIDEO: Willemijn Verkaik To Lead WAITRESS In The Netherlands; Performs 'What Baking Can Do'
by Alan Henry - November 14, 2019


Waitress has today announced Willemijn Verkaik in the leading role of Jenna for the upcoming international tour of the Netherlands which will visit the country's largest theatres from September 2020.  

#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!

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

Waitress History

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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