During my travels in the theater district last week, I had occasion to walk past the marquee of a new show, Waitress. The ticket lines outside were long, the crowd seemed enthusiastic, and the posters were cute. I made a mental note to look into it further (and promptly forgot about it). Then yesterday, someone mentioned they got tickets to see the preview, and I finally remembered to look it up. Am I ever glad I did!
Waitress is the new Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles and starring Tony award winner Jessie Mueller (who originated the role of Carole King in Beautiful, the Carole King Musical). The music is bouncy and cheery and catchy as hell, and I think you’re going to like it!
It should also be mentioned that the show features an all-female creative team. In addition to the music by Bareilles, the lineup includes a story by Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam, Corina, Corina), direction by Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland), and choreography by Lorin Latarro (Curious Incident, Waiting for Godot). Based upon the movie written by Adrienne Shelly, the musical is produced by Fran Weissler and Elayne Herrick (along with their husbands).
The only video I could find of the cast are a few no-set, no costume previews, but they’re a great taste of what’s to come! Previews open on March 25, and I’m sure it’s going to be a success.
EPILOGUE: 5/5/16 We saw the show tonight, and it was so much fun! I strongly recommend it to anyone who can get there. Jessie Mueller’s voice is transcendent, and Sara Bareilles’s music is absolutely magnificent. All the performers were really top notch. A spectacular production all around!
Happily, the show’s website has a few recordings of Bareilles performing selections from Waitress, so we can still hear the score the way it’s meant to be performed (as opposed to in a church basement or wherever those videos above were recorded)!
March 16, 2016 at 5:20 pm
This looks SO GOOD! Thanks for the preview.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 16, 2016 at 5:50 pm
I think so, too! I hope it doesn’t get too expensive too quickly. I’d sure like to see it!
LikeLike
March 16, 2016 at 8:20 pm
I had wonderful plans for pi day this year. As a retired math teacher,the day appealed to me but I knew nothing about it ten years ago when I retired. My plan was to invite a dozen friends. Everyone was to bring a savoury or dessert pie and we were to eat a late lunch on March 14 at 1:59pm. I was planning a clever invitation about being irrational and looking for a game. Then my basement was flooded and my house is in disarray so I’ve put it off til next year.
The show looks good. There are advantages and disadvantages to living on a small island in the Atlantic. It would be nice to be able to visit New York every year.
LikeLike
March 16, 2016 at 8:59 pm
I’m sorry your Pi Day plans fell through. They sound great. I hope your basement recovers!
I’m intrigued by the small island in the Atlantic. It sounds dreamy!
LikeLike
March 16, 2016 at 9:53 pm
Northeast coast of Newfoundland
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 16, 2016 at 10:06 pm
You’re a Newfie! That’s fantastic. I’ve always wanted to see Newfoundland. I used to know someone from Gander, and her pictures and stories were amazing. What a great place to live!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 16, 2016 at 11:51 pm
I am 45 minutes from Gander. As they say ” It’s a small world”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 17, 2016 at 12:01 am
I really do hope to make it there sometime. Thanks for chatting with me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 17, 2016 at 7:08 am
Thanks for the heads up on the show. I’m sure it will be fun because, well, Sara Bareilles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 17, 2016 at 7:41 am
Exactly! And the rest of the team is known for their good ideas, too!
LikeLike
March 17, 2016 at 7:38 am
I would LOVE to see this! Pies are among my favorite things !!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 17, 2016 at 7:42 am
Mine, too, though I assume pie is not included.
LikeLike