Waitress The Musical delivers big performances, absurd humour and a whole lot of heart.
Based on Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 indie film, Waitress The Musical tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, a small-town waitress/piemaker (played by Rogue Traders frontwoman turned musical theatre star, Natalie Bassingthwaighte) who is trapped in a coercive marriage with Earl (Keanu Gonzalez).
Although he doesn’t get to show off his outstanding dance technique in this role, Gonzalez certainly flexes his acting and singing chops as Jenna’s abusive hubby and it’s difficult to drag your eyes away from him whenever he hits the stage.
After Jenna unexpectedly becomes pregnant with Earl’s child, she begins an affair with Jim Pomatter (Rob Mills), her married gynaecologist.
Waitress the Musical
- Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne
- When: Now until 12 July.
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Mills is perfectly cast as the bumbling, awkies Dr Pomatter, but cheering his character on as he actively pursues Jenna – his married, pregnant patient – is problematic in so many ways. However, the musical’s conclusion subverts our expectations and ultimately satisfies.
Throughout, Jenna dreams up new pie recipes as metaphors for her life – eg. Deep (Shit) Dish Blueberry Pie – while preparing for a major county piemaking contest. Eyeing the $20,000 cash prize, Jenna fantasizes about setting up a new life as a single mum away from Earl.
Waitress The Musical features music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. Special shout-out to Musical Director Geoffrey Castles – and the five-piece band on stage – for meticulously interpreting her score.
She Used To Be Mine, Jenna’s 11 o’clock number, wins Performance Of The Night. “She is messy, but she’s kind/ She is lonely most of the time…” – Bassingthwaighte pours her heart into this one, belting out those soaring, extended notes with aplomb. Here, Jenna mourns the loss of her former self while moving towards forgiveness and self-acceptance – lump in the throat, guaranteed.
Other crowning moments come courtesy of this production’s outstanding supporting cast. With his quirky presence and clogging moves to match, Gareth Isaac – in the role of love-bomber Ogie – brings the house down during his solo turn (Never Ever Getting Rid Of Me) and we find ourselves grinning from ear to ear.
Playing the object of Ogie’s affections, Mackenzie Dunn adds layers to the wildly neurotic Dawn character. Their duet number, I Love You Like a Table – which is riddled with absurd metaphors – is an absolute hoot.
Gabriyel Thomas brings a whole lotta sass to Becky, one of Jenna’s best friends and a fellow waitress at Joe’s Pie Diner. We feel relaxed listening to her pitch-perfect vocals, safe in the knowledge that she’s probably never hit a bum note in her life. Her solo song, I Didn’t Plan It, is showstopping.
Legendary star of stage and screen, John Waters, somehow manages to make diner owner Joe likeable even at his most annoying. His character’s growth arc is one of the musical’s most satisfying surprises.
In the minor role of Nurse Norma, Elandrah Tavares is major – talk about a masterclass in comic timing!
Waitress The Musical’s naturalistic costumes aren’t blinged-up in the slightest. Unlike so many contemporary musicals these days, the old-school set doesn’t rely on busy visuals and LED screens, which is refreshing.
Waitress The Musical’s beating heart is the unbreakable bond between Jenna, Dawn and Becky. They may get a bit judgy and hypocritical at times, but their spirited arguments always stem from a place of genuine care. And this secure “pie-mates” support system offers these women A Soft Place To Land.
Waitress The Musical plays at Her Majesty’s Theatre until July 12.
