The Muny’s “Waitress” is a Recipe

For a New Lease on Life

                          by Pat Lindsey

The Muny’s production of “Waitress” is a slice of Fresh & Creamy Dreamy pie. It is the new show of this summer’s Muny season starring Jessica Vosk as Jenna. “Waitress” is based on a movie that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007. It was written by women for women. Sara Bareilles wrote the music and lyrics for 2015 Broadway opening of the musical version of the show.

The Muny’s production even has an all female creative team. Director Lili-Anne Brown, Choreographer Chloe O. Davis and Music Director Andra Velis Simon have given this show the heartfelt passion necessary to feel the characters’ pain and happiness.

Jenna (Vosk) works as a waitress at Joe’s Diner. She and her two best friends, Becky (Nicole Michelle Haskins) and Dawn (Lissa deGuzman), are just scraping by day to day. Jenna feels trapped in a loveless marriage with her abusive husband (Ben Crawford), who can’t keep a job. She feels even more despair when she is faced with an unwanted pregnancy. Becky (Haskins) loves her husband, even though she has to change his diapers three times a day. And Dawn (deGuzman) is cautiously looking for love online. Together, these women take care of old Joe‘s customers at the diner every day and dream of a better life.

Joe’s Diner serves 27 kinds of pies daily, all made by Jenna. Jenna loves to dream of new pie recipes and she jots them down on her pad of guest checks. When Jenna’s friends convince her to enter a pie contest, Jenna begins dreaming about the new life she could have with the $20,000 prize. Of course, nothing is easy for Jenna as she takes the audience on her nine month journey.

“Waitress” is sprinkled with comedy and filled with emotion as the cast members sing their way through one situation after another. Vosk possesses an impressive voice range that allows her to sing sweet, sad lyrics or belt out stirring ones. Becky (Haskins) has a big, beautiful voice that serves her well when she wants to make a point. Dawn (deGuzman) also has a lovely voice, but it’s not as apparent as she and her new boyfriend, Ogie (Troy Iwata), provide most of the comic relief. The manager and head chef of the diner, Cal (Jonah D. Winston), is also good for some laughs.

Life becomes more and more complicated for the three friends as Jenna’s pregnancy progresses. Jenna’s affair with her gynecologist Dr. Pomatter (Devin DeSantis) creates a whole new set of problems for her, but she’s not the only one having an affair. Through all of their trials and tribulations, the three women remain loyal friends and learn about empowerment.

“Waitress” is fresh, funny, happy and sad. The believable storyline and outstanding score will make “Waitress” an endearing and enduring musical for years to come.

 “Waitress” is playing on The Muny stage in Forest Park at 8:15 nightly now through Aug. 5. For tickets, go to Muny.ir or call 314-534-1111.