The Bushnell, Hartford, CT
through June 23, 2019
by R.E. Smith
It would be easy to lump Waitress
in with the plethora of current musicals whose origins are in the movies, but
like the titular character herself, this show defies expectations and delights
in its differences.
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| Photo by Daniel Lippitt |
To start, the original film was not a blockbuster, but
rather a small independent production, written and directed by the late actress
Adrienne Shelly. With a predominantly female production team, the message of sisterhood
and empowerment is, yes, baked into the show. Waitress is really a small character study that nonetheless fills
the stage beautifully. The story centers on imaginative Jenna, a talented
pie-making waitress with a loveless marriage, unexpected pregnancy, and the surprising
attention of a handsome doctor.
The charming Christine Dwyer, as Jenna, is on stage for
almost the entire show and the audience is on her side throughout every endearing,
sometimes “messy” moment. Her marvelously expressive voice and impressive range
serve every song well and her generous performance finally gets a solo
spotlight with “She Used To Be Mine.” Without ever breaking the fourth wall,
she is able to connect with the audience through Jenna’s very relatable
attempts to make sense of her often awkward life. Her cohorts are the quirky
but caring Dawn, played by Ephie Aardema, and sassy, no-nonsense Becky, played by
Melody A Betts, who each delight the audience with vastly different, but
equally supporting personalities.
The music is by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles, a popular singer and
songwriter, who has crafted some charming, homey, and diverse pieces, often
relying solely on the blended voices of the 3 lead characters. The four-piece band
is on stage much of the time, hiding amongst the other diner patrons. Befitting
the Southern setting, it features cello and upright bass, giving the scores a
unique sound for a Broadway show. While there are no big production numbers
with dozens of dancers, there are definitely songs with huge emotional heart. There
are brisk toe-tapping numbers like “Opening Up”, the oddly wishing for “The
Negative” and the driving “Bad Idea”, contrasting with the intimate “A Soft
Place to Land” and “You Matter to Me”.
Waitress is a delightful, funny, cozy, affirming, and endearing
evening of musical theater, populated with playful and poignant songs and characters
that quickly become like old friends, flaws and all.
P.S. Breathe deeply when you enter the lobby. . .you’ll be
in for a scene-setting surprise!
