Waitress, The Musical – Live on Broadway! Review

Introduction

Waitress, the Musical – Live on Broadway! premiered on Monday night at the Tribeca Film Festival, making history as the first film to premiere while also being broadcast in Times Square. Based on the beloved film of the same name, the musical adaptation was created with original music and lyrics by singer Sara Bareilles and captured audiences’ hearts during its run around the world.

Storyline

The musical follows the life of Jenna Hunterson (Sara Bareilles), a pie-maker and waitress stuck in an unfulfilling marriage in a small town. Jenna finds solace in baking and dreams of winning a baking contest in a nearby city to escape her mundane life. When Jenna becomes pregnant, she decides to take control of her life with the help of her co-workers and a new town doctor. She confronts her past, faces her fears, and makes life-changing choices.

The Reviews

The first reviews for the new live capture of the hit musical have been released. Here are some excerpts from these reviews:

Damon Wise, Deadline:

“Director Brett Sullivan records Paulus’s fluid staging in a way that suggests he may have studied Spike Lee’s 2020 concert movie American Utopia. Not that Lee reinvented the wheel in any spectacular way, but his filming of David Byrne’s concert show was clearly the work of a team player rather than a documentarist. Sullivan takes a similar approach, regarding the audience, the stage and the building itself as characters, consolidating the idea of live theater as something to participate in as much as be seen.”

Larry Fried, Geek Vibes Nation:

“Waitress does utilize a number of cinematic techniques to add new dimension to specific scenes: slow motion, superimposition, and even the occasional unbroken long take. Having both the language of cinema and theater coalesce in this way is a treat for fans of both mediums, but never distracts to the point that any person in one camp may be confused by the other.”

The Cast

The current Broadway cast includes Sara Bareilles as Jenna, Jennifer Nettles as Jenna (from October 19), Charity Angel Dawson as Becky, Caitlin Houlahan as Dawn, Eric Anderson as Cal, and Joe Tippett as Earl.

Running Time and Genre

Waitress is a roughly 2 hour and 30 minute long Broadway musical, including one intermission. It is a mix of realistic story and wish-fulfilling fable that captures the imagination of audiences.

Current Show Location

The current run of Waitress – Live on Broadway! opened at the Barrymore Theatre on Sept. 2, 2021, and will run until Jan. 9, 2022.

Personal Review

Waitress, The Musical – Live on Broadway! delivers a delightful blend of emotionally charged performances and catchy music. Sara Bareilles is outstanding as Jenna, and the storyline is relatable and provides an uplifting message of empowerment. The cast deserves praise for bringing real depth to their characters, making it easy to root for them. Overall, Waitress is a must-see for any musical theatre lover.

Conclusion

Waitress, The Musical – Live on Broadway! is a heartwarming story that keeps you engaged and entertained throughout. With a talented cast and catchy music, it’s no surprise that this adaptation has won the hearts of audiences worldwide. Don’t miss out on the chance to see it live in Broadway!

FAQs

1. Who wrote the music and lyrics for Waitress, The Musical – Live on Broadway!?

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles wrote the music and lyrics for Waitress.

2. What is the running time of Waitress, The Musical – Live on Broadway!?

Waitress is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes long, including one intermission.

3. What is the storyline of Waitress, The Musical – Live on Broadway!?

The musical follows the life of Jenna Hunterson, a pie-maker and waitress, who dreams of winning a baking contest to escape her mundane life. However, her dreams are threatened when she becomes pregnant and is stuck in an unfulfilling marriage. She takes control of her life with the help of her co-workers and a new town doctor, facing her past, fears, and making life-changing choices.

4. Where is Waitress, The Musical – Live on Broadway! playing?

The current run of Waitress is playing at the Barrymore Theatre in New York City until Jan. 9, 2022.

5. Who is in the current Broadway cast of Waitress?

The current Broadway cast includes Sara Bareilles, Jennifer Nettles, Charity Angel Dawson, Caitlin Houlahan, Eric Anderson, and Joe Tippett.