Reviewed by Tony Annicone
Sugar, butter and flour are the ingredients needed by Jenna, the waitress who is the leading character in The American Repertory Theater’s “Waitress”, the musical which is part of the Broadway series at the historic Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA. This big hit musical is an adaptation of Adrienne Shelley’s 2007 movie about a small town girl trapped in an unhappy marriage but able to bake absolutely scrumptious pies. Jenna’s unhappy marriage is just like her mother’s marriage to her thuglike father who constantly abused her. Jenna’s mother took solace in baking pies which in turn is what her daughter does, too. The premise is reminiscent of “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” movie as well as the TV version “Alice” with Mel’s Diner in it. Diane Paulus is the director while Lorin Latarro is the choreographer. Jessie Nelson wrote the libretto for this show while pop singer, Sara Bareilles wrote the musical numbers. Her songs include country flavor for the most part and some Broadway pop style numbers thrown into the mix, too. Musical director Robert Cookman and his six piece orchestra are onstage with their incredible musical accompaniment. Both the storyline and musical numbers charm and entrance the audience from start to finish with some of the most unique working class characters ever written for a Broadway show. Their struggles and hoping for a brighter future hit home with contemporary audiences yearning for the same things.
The first act doesn’t come to life fully until the character of Ogie appears on the scene with his high energy number and the show is on a rollercoaster ride from then on. This musical displays Jenna’s female friendship with her fellow waitresses, the seen and done it all Becky and the blooming, blushing wallflower, Dawn. Jenna’s always worried about pleasing other people and not about herself so her exploits and relationships with other people especially elderly curmudgeon, Joe finally gives Jenna the courage to kick her jackass husband to the curb. Her first meeting with her doctor occurs when she brings him one of her pies in the duet “It Only Takes a Taste” which is very funny. The rousing duet between her doctor crush and herself is “Bad Idea” where they sing of all the reasons they shouldn’t be together while being together with a very hilarious end to Act 1. Leading the cast as Jenna is Christine Dwyer who brings pathos and angst to this role especially impressive is her 11 hour number “She Used to Be Mine.” Jenna finally takes control of her life and gets handed a surprise near the end of the show which the audience savors and enjoys.
The goofy yet endearing obstetrician, Dr. Pomatter is excellently played by tall, dark and handsome Steven Good. His strong tenor voice soars in his numbers with Dwyer. He gives a winning portrayal as the knight in shining armor who saves the damsel but bittersweetly doesn’t end up with her. Another terrific performer is Melody A. Betts who plays the sassy and feisty Becky who has a wisecrack for every occasion. One of her funny one liners is It has been quiet down there for so long, it has an echo” which left the crowd in stitches. Her powerful gospel voice stops the show with her “I Didn’t Plan It” where she sounds like a young Aretha Franklin. Massachusetts native Ephie Aardema shines as the nerdy Dawn who panics when she’s supposed to go on a blind date for 5 minutes in “When He Sees Me.” However they hit it off and get married in a laugh out loud wedding ceremony where her hubby sings “I Love You Like a Table.” Another comic moment is when the three couples are doing it with Dawn and her beau dressed as Betsy Ross and Paul Revere.
Her beloved, Ogie is Dawn’s tax accountant and early American history buff date whose entrance brings down the house in “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” which is hilarious and stops the show. Jeremy Morse is phenomenal as this comic character who is the biggest scene stealer I have seen in ages. He is adept at physical comedy and comic one liners delivered brilliantly. The villain of the piece is Earl who is well played by Jeremy Woodward. His terrific voice sells Earl’s poignant number “You Will Still Be Mine” about the jealousy of the baby taking Jenna away from him. Earl is a thorough cad who is finally kicked to the curb by Jenna for his loutish behavior and the audience cheered loudly when it happened. Other comic performers include Three’s Company TV show’s Richard Kline as the curmudgeon, Joe who has a sentimental number called “Take It from an Old Man”, Ryan Dunkin as the pie diner owner, Cal who is smitten with Becky and Rheaume Crenshaw as the all knowing and wise nurse who is wise to Dr. Pomatter and Jenna’s shenanigans. So for a contemporary musical that will resonate with you, entertain you and entrance you all night long, be sure to catch “Waitress” at the gorgeous Hanover Theater in Worcester before the show leaves town for good.
WAITRESS (22 to 26 May)
Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA
1(877)571-SHOW or www.thehanovertheatre.org
