I had the opportunity of seeing “Waitress” at The 5th Avenue Theatre on Thursday, March 27, and it was truly one the best live theatre experiences I have had in the Seattle area in a long time.
The musical, “Waitress,” with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles and book by Jessie Nelson, is based on the 2007 indie film of the same name. The story follows a young woman named Jenna who is working in a pie diner when she discovers that she is pregnant. Being in an abusive relationship, she fears for her future and the future of her newborn. Her devoted and hilarious best friends, Becky and Dawn, are determined to support her, and they additionally embark on personal journeys of self discovery of their own. Jenna struggles with her growing romantic feelings for her doctor, Dr. Pomatter, and has to make big decisions when it comes to what direction she wants her life to go in, all while baking delicious pies that mirror her current situations.
This show, on its own, is one that has grown in popularity for a reason. It was nominated for multiple Tony Awards including Best Musical, and Sara Bareilles’ involvement only made it more of a hot topic. The musical’s discussion of heavy topics while also having humorous and magical elements makes it a story that leaves an impact on even the hardest of hearts.
Everything that The 5th Avenue Theatre did with this show was extraordinary. The set design completely transported the audience to a variety of locations in the small town in the American South where “Waitress” takes place. The costumes transformed each and every actor on stage into unique and memorable characters with different stories that you are always rooting for. Every single performance was stunning and otherworldly, and I was wildly impressed. I laughed so hard that my stomach hurt and I truly felt the immense pain and truth behind Kerstin Anderson’s “She Used to Be Mine.”
If you have never had a chance to see a show at The 5th Avenue Theatre, buy a ticket right now to their next show of the season. The power of live theatre is so often overlooked and under appreciated, and more young people need to be in the audience. Theatre changes lives.
One of the great actors and acting coaches, Stella Adler, said, “Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one”, and that couldn’t be more true. “Waitress” at The 5th Avenue Theatre just proved it.
