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“Waitress” is the newest musical on the menu for a limited time at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The Southern California regional theatre premiere is cooked up by McCoy Rigby Entertainment. Book by Jessie Nelson. Music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Sara Bareilles. Based on the 2007 motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly. Musical direction by Jennifer Lin. Choreography by Cost n’ Mayor. Direction by Abbey O’Brien. Abbey has been with the initial Broadway production as an Associate Choreographer.
Jenna (Desi Oakley) is a skillful pie-maker who dreams of leaving her rocky marriage to an abusive Earl (Brian Krinsky) from a small American town in the South. Jenna works as a, you guessed it, waitress at the local diner along with her friends timid Dawn (Rianny Vasquez) and headstrong Becky (Dominique Kent). Unsuccessfully pushy Cal (Brian Cali) keeps the close-knit trio in line while in the steamy kitchen. Businessman and fussy owner Joe (Cleavant Derricks) is a frequent customer himself enjoying Jenna’s aptly named daily pie specials.
Jenna’s reflection of unappetizing life and heartful soul raises scrumptious concoctions of creatively crafty handmade pies. Pies are good enough to earn the prize-winning money from a nearby baking contest. An unexpected pregnancy pushes those plans even further. A spicy affair with charming obstetrician Doctor Pomatter (Ben Jacoby) becomes the secret ingredient neither of them knew they were hungry for.
“Waitress” cooks up a sweet menu of flavors you can’t get enough of. Desi Oakley, Rianny Vasquez, and Dominique Kent is the sugar, spice, and everything nice blend of harmonious voices that will make you crave than humble slices. The perfect trio who push and pull with humor and heart. To have Desi return to the role she originated in the first national tour in 2017 and in West End in 2020 is a special treat not to be underestimated. Her extensive expertise of the character and story stands out.
Brian Krinsky’s Earl showcases toxic hope turned rancid. Cleavant Derricks’s Joe displays the warm nature hidden behind the crusty exterior. Jared Gertner as adorable Ogie, Dawn’s love interest, and his bouncy serenade “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” was a delightful show-stopping number bringing contagious smiles and uncontrollable laughter. Dawn and Ogie’s robust romance as well as Becky’s willful antics draw parallels to Jenna’s predicament that complement their dynamic friendships.
“Waitress” substitutes the lavish Broadway style for a piece of the real American pie through quaint choreography and nourishing vocals. One part humble, two parts spiritual, three-part zest. And nothing but heart. I’d call this wholesome musical special the “Down to Earth” pie.
No more waiting. Order up on “Waitress”, now serving on select days September 20 to October 13, 2024. Cast talkbacks on September 26 and October 10. Open caption on October 5 at 2 pm show. Content advisory as the show contains mature content and language with implied domestic violence. For more information including ticket sales, visit https://lamiradatheatre.com/current_events/waitress/
