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| the cast of the national tour of Waitress photo by Joan Marcus |
highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)
Click here for more information on this production that runs through October 7th.
"...the not exactly widely known 2007 independent film Waitress was...given the big Broadway musical treatment.. proves to be...an infectious dramatic and comical treat. With an assured musical score debut from rock and pop songwriter Sara Bareilles and a talented cast, the national tour of the Broadway production comes to Gammage for a weeklong run. It's a rich and rewarding production as warm and inviting as the delicious pies the main character is known for creating. Like the film, the plot of Waitress focuses on Jenna, a woman in a small town with a controlling, demanding and somewhat abusive husband who finds her life at a crossroads when she learns that she is pregnant. Jenna is also a waitress and baker who crafts delicious pies from a mixture of ingredients that at first don’t seem to go together and finds solace and guidance for the decisions she has to make in her life from the close friendships she has with her two fellow waitresses at the diner and the warm developing relationship she shares with her married OB-GYN.... Jessie Nelson’s book for the stage musical keeps most of the charm of (Adrienne) Shelly’s movie script and the film’s themes of female empowerment, along with plenty of added pops of comedy set amongst the show’s more serious moments. Singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles, best known for the pop anthem “Love Song,” makes for an inspired choice for a composer since many of her bestselling pop tunes feature lyrics that center on independence and strength, which work well to give voice to Jenna’s plight along with the other strong female characters in the show. ...Christine Dwyer, who just joined the tour last week, projects the perfect combination of strength and charm along with many conflicted and weaker feelings as Jenna. She has a bright and beautiful singing voice that provides plenty of introspective moments in her quieter songs as well as a pure sense of power and emotion in her big ballads. It’s a well-rounded performance full of nuance and realism....Just like the mixture of ingredients that make Jenna’s pies so delicious, the combination of a heartwarming book, infectious score, bright creative elements and gifted cast make for a most enjoyable musical." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
"..Scenes zip effectively from one set to another with a speed that can make you breathless. And while this current national touring production has cast all characters well, the one star you never see becomes the real stand out. Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles may not be on stage but her presence is felt throughout. Her pop/rock score with its upbeat, catchy hooks, all presented with a theatrical panache, elevates the show to a far more entertaining level than the film ever achieved....." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)
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