Michigan Stage’s ‘Waitress’ Bakes Up A Stellar Show!
What’s the recipe for the perfect musical? Start with a memorable story, mix in some catchy tunes, and add in a sprinkle of flashy dance numbers. Combine until smooth and bake at 450°F for about 2.5 hours. Then you’ll have a delicious experience, baked to perfection and ready to share with those you care about. If only it were that easy to throw together a stage show (Not that baking a pie is simple work); however, Michigan Stage has baked something special with their production of Waitress!
This musical, based on the 2007 film of the same name, features music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles and a story by Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam, Because I Said So). With four Tony nominations, Waitress is widely praised as a delight on nearly every front, so its professional premiere here in Michigan felt like a red carpet premiere. With direction and choreography from Michigan Stage’s creative director, Tim Paré, Waitress brings audiences up close and personal with a girl and her dreams, inspiring all who attend to take a slice out of life and hope for a better tomorrow.
[Warning: spoilers from Michigan Stage’s production of Waitress are below!]
Michigan Stage sweetly serves up Waitress
Jenna (Delaney Brown) has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Working as a waitress at a local diner, she’s struggling to make ends meet. Married to an abusive drunk, she’s doing whatever it takes to get through the day. Thriving is the farthest thing from her mind, as survival is barely obtainable. However, regardless of the situation, there’s a bit of magic in Jenna’s life in the form of her incredible pie-making abilities.
Channeling her mother, Jenna makes pies that are brimming with flavor and bursting with love. She puts her heart and soul into every crust and filling, refusing to allow her life circumstances to stop her from baking something beautiful. However, life is about to throw her a curveball in the form of a pregnancy.
She’s shocked by the news and unsure of what her next step should be. Remaining in her marriage with Earl (Mario Simone) seems impossible, especially with the appeal of a certain Dr. Pomatter (Dexter Conlin) who has just moved to town. With the help of her friends Becky (Jasmine Schmeck) and Dawn (Amelia Fei), anything is possible, and Jenna is ready to make a path for herself and the little bun in the oven. Can she find a soft place to land, or will she become trapped in a broken cycle?
A talented cast sweetens this production of Waitress
The foundation of Waitress is already so strong, with a story and music that is addictively engaging, which makes building an incredible production that much easier. With an astonishing diner set that allows for complete immersion, Waitress truly excels, thanks to a strong cast of actors who can effectively embody the characters within the story. It isn’t easy to slip into these characters, from vocally challenging songs to carrying an emotionally demanding story for almost three hours, and these actors shone brightly in this production.
Delaney Brown arguably has the most difficult role in the show for several reasons. Not only is her character in every single scene, spending the majority of the show in front of the audience, but her character also serves as the emotional crux of the show. Audiences follow Jenna’s journey from someone with a broken spirit to a woman who knows not only what she wants, but can also push forward towards those goals for once.
I couldn’t imagine slipping into such a heavy character, but Brown does so with such professionalism. She understands what makes this character so special and amplifies it through fantastic acting and vocal performances to match. She had the audience crying just as much as laughing, as she brought Jenna to the happy ending she deserved.
Where would Jenna be without her two best friends? Amelia Fei and Jasmine Schmenk as Dawn and Becky, respectively, are some of the highlights of the show. Traditionally, Dawn and Becky serve as comedic relief to the deep story of Waitress; however, Fei and Schmenk bring another layer to the characters. They aren’t just sidekicks; they are Jenna’s family.
With family, there are moments where you dislike the choices others are making, but it doesn’t change the love that you feel for each other. You feel the love infused in both Dawn and Becky, which is in huge part due to the work of Fei and Schmenk. They are an absolute delight in every scene they are in, and their chemistry with Brown is intoxicating.
The biggest show stealer to me was Dexter Conlin as Dr. Pomatter. The character itself blends dorky-awkwardness with charm and hilarity, which Conlin serves up in spades. He’s so unbelievably charming in a completely nerdy way. Dr. Pomatter is fast speaking and constantly tripping over his words, which is endearing from the moment he steps onto the stage. Even at times when you could easily hate the character for his decisions, you could feel the audience enamored by Conlin’s performance.
Michigan Stage delivers the perfect piece of theater pie
This local theater successfully captured the essence of Waitress, from the costumes to the stage, and, of course, the actors’ performances. I got the same feelings from watching this production that I did from the pro-shot; overwhelmingly filled with love and warmth. Watching Michigan Stage’s production of Waitress is exactly like eating a warm slice of grandma’s pie straight out of the oven. If you haven’t been to a show lately, then it’s time to fall back in love with theatre with a show that has so much heart in every bite.
Michigan Stage’s Waitress runs for one more weekend at the Robert Wagner Auditorium at Seaholm High School, so get your tickets now! Have you watched Waitress before? Plan on seeing this production of the Broadway musical? Let us know on social media @boxseatbabes!
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