Photo by Brett Beiner
The mark of a great musical is its ability to weave songs into the story so seamlessly that their arrival feels natural. The audience thinks, “Yes, in real life, this moment would absolutely be best told through song.” Waitress is exactly that kind of musical, and Paramount Theatre’s production serves up a star-powered, visually delightful experience—the perfect cherry on top.
Waitress is based on the 2007 movie of the same name and was adapted for the stage by Jessie Nelson with music by Sara Bareilles. While normally the film to musical adaptation is not my cup of tea, Nelson and Bareilles’s musical storytelling captures the audience from the very beginning, hanging on every move of Jenna (Michelle Lauto), waitress and expert piemaker at Joe’s Diner and Pie Shop. Trapped in a small town, an abusive marriage, and an unwanted pregnancy, Jenna searches for a way out, supported by her best friends and fellow servers Becky (Teressa LaGamba) and Dawn (Kelly Felthous), her sensitive and caring OB-GYN Dr. Pomatter (David Moreland), and the diner’s cranky yet kind owner Joe (Ron E. Rains).
Photo by Brett Beiner
From the moment she steps on stage, the audience is instantly in love with Lauto’s Jenna and bittersweetly pulled on her journey as she navigates the real life questions she is forced to ask by her pregnancy, affair and desire for something bigger. Lauto brings Jenna to life with such authenticity that when she reaches the eleven o’clock number, She Used to Be Mine, all of her emotions—love, ambition, and self-worth—pour out in a breathtakingly poignant and deeply moving performance.There was not a dry eye in the theater as the audience erupted into one of the longest post song applauses I have been a part of. This song was one of the most powerfully sung numbers I have heard in live theatre and I felt lucky to experience it in the middle of the intimate Paramount.
The supporting cast of Waitress is equally as strong. LaGamba and Felthous bring an electric best friend energy while at the same time creatively showcasing their own struggles. LaGamba’s Becky is the wise, world-weary but still sarcastic friend who cares for her disabled husband while finding light in an unexpected relationship with diner manager Cal (Jonah D. Winston). Felthous’s quirky Dawn loves fiercely- both her friends and new and equally eccentric boyfriend Ogie (understudy, Logan Becker). Rains’ Joe is the gruff yet warm father figure Jenna never had, quietly loving and supporting her from afar. Moreland’s Dr. Pomatter, the awkward OB-GYN, seems to love Jenna for all of her inner beauty and it is hard to know if we are supposed to root for him or not. And then there’s Earl (Ian Paul Custer), Jenna’s abusive and dim-witted husband, who somehow manages to make us laugh even as we despise him.
The show is further elevated by Paramount’s signature technical excellence. Scott Davis transforms the large Paramount stage into an intimate space with a cleverly designed rotating set in a false frame that transports the audience to various locations—the warm, bustling Joe’s Diner, Jenna and Earl’s stark living room, and the strangely romantic gynecologist’s office.Despite the smaller than usual set, Davis still ensures that each location is rich with detail. Mieka van der Ploeg’s costumes, Eric Southern’s lights and ADam Rosenthal’s sound all mix together to help create this sweet production.
I must admit—I had never seen Waitress the movie or musical before this performance. I wasn’t sure what to expect, other than the anticipation of another great Paramount production. I was not disappointed. Like a good piece of “Melodious music, bittersweet story with a happy ending pie,” Waitress at the Paramount made me want to go back for another slice. Don’t miss your chance to savour this delicious production.
Waitress is now playing at the Paramount Theatre, 23 East Galena Blvd., Aurora, through March 30. Performance times vary; check the website at Paramount Theatre. Find more information about current plays on our Current Shows page and at theatreinchicago.com.