Order Yourself a Huge Piece of Perfection Pie

Reviewed by Kim Kaitell

Note: Now closed at the Grand, London.  Coming soon to Theatre Aquarius, Hamilton. 

This might end up being a very short review as I’m afraid nothing I can say will do this fabulous musical justice.

Waitress, now playing at the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario just became my all-time favorite musical!

Directed by Rachel Peake, Musical Director Patrick Bowman with Choreography by Genny Sermonia, Waitress grabbed me the moment my eye caught the set, from the first line spoken on stage to the last note that was played in the closing act.

This piece was beautifully and intelligently written, spanning the human gamut of deep despair to the height of hilarity and all nuances in between. It had me laughing and crying, feeling deep warmth, compassion and longing with a big slice of revenge thrown in.

Every single role was perfectly cast and perfectly embodied. Flawless.

The set never disappoints at the Grand. The stage was pure diner experience, from floor to ceiling shelves of sugar and spice and all things nice to the red leather polished stools at the counter, and cozy booths on the floor. Joe’s Pie Diner is a place I want to experience.

If you don’t know the story, Waitress is based on the 2007 film written by Adrienne Shelly and adapted to the stage in 2015 with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles and book by Jessie Nelson.

In short, it is a story about a waitress and pie maker named Jenna who works at a diner, escaping through her creative passion for baking pies from her home front of domestic abuse.

It is also about friendship and Jenna’s hopes and dreams to better her life when she discovers she is unexpectedly pregnant, from the confines of a marriage she is desperate to leave.

Now don’t get me wrong, although the content sounds heavy and it can be at times, it is softened and uplifted by close friends, humour, laughter and a bit of sexy romance just to make things lively.

A true synopsis of human frailty, strength and resilience, wrapped up with great music and even greater performances.

It’s difficult to single out outstanding performances because as I said they all were. However, I will mention Jenna’s (Julia McLellan) solo performance of “She Used to be Mine” brought the house down. Heartfelt and powerful, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.

And also, special mention of Becky’s (Stacey Kay) performance of “I Didn’t Plan It” had the crowd cheering with its gritty, saucy, blues feel.

I mustn’t forget to mention the choreography. This definitely demanded a professional skill set with particularly lively footwork by Ogie (Tyler Pearse).

Oh, and one more thing, Earl. (Lawrence Libor). He realized his part of the abusive and petulant husband so well, that I could barely clap for him at the standing ovation. But that just means he was amazing!

I could go on and on, but I won’t because you are just going to have to experience this one for yourself. Even if you think you don’t like musicals, give this one a chance, you will fall in love with it!

I would see this again and again in a heartbeat. Same cast. Same venue.

Congratulations to the cast and crew. You are unforgettable!!

Waitress continues at the Grand Theatre in Co-production with Theatre Aquarius until April 12^th, 2025 with 7 shows a week at 471 Richmond St., London, ON. It moves to Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton, ON   from April 30 to May 17, 2025.

For tickets, in London, call 519-672-8800 or visit www.grandtheatre.com
In Hamilton, call 905-522-7529 or 1-800-465-7529 or visit https://theatreaquarius.org/

Photo:  Left to right: Stacey Kay as Becky, Julia McLellan as Jenna, Elysia Cruz as Dawn. Photo by Dahlia Katz

Waitress
Music and Lyrics by Sara Bareilles
Book by Jessie Nelson
Directed by Rachel Peake
Music Direction by Patrick Bowman
Choreography by Genny Sermonia
Performed by Scott Beaudin, Elysia Cruz, Megan Dallan, Stacey Kay, Lawrence Libor, Tyler Pearse, Julia McLellan, Peter Millard, Kamyar Pazandeh, Julius Sermonia, Lee Siegel, Ali Watson, Synthia Yusuf, Finley Campbell, Freya Rajani
Produced by the Grand Theatre and Theatre Aquarius
Grand Theatre, London, March 25, to April 12, 2025
Theatre Aquarius, Hamilton, April 30 to May 17, 2025
Reviewed by Kim Kaitell