Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller

Fresh off Broadway, the musical Waitress has come to Seattle’s Paramount Theatre for a few short days.  This pie shop tale encompasses characters embroiled in friendships, adversaries, loneliness, infidelity, and, as expected, a plethora of mouthwatering pies. (Mini-pies for your palate are sold in the lobby both during pre-show and intermission.)

Above all else, you will want to experience Jeremy Morse’s fun-loving and awesome acrobatic hijinks, as Ogie. Morse’s exuberant antics in the number “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” were the absolute highlight of this production. Desi Oakley, as pie baker Jenna, emanates power and wows the audience with her rendition of “She Used to Be Mine” just in time to save the day. Accolades to all the dynamic backup musicians for their electrifying orchestration, contributing tremendously to the success of this performance.

While Waitress entertains the adult audience with its irresistible songs, dance routines, and racy scenes, I highly recommend you leave your children at home for this particular pie adventure.

As Waitress is in town for only a short run, now through September 16th, you’ll want to snag your tickets today.  

Photos by Joan Marcus

More about the show (from Broadway at the Paramount’s website):

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland). “It’s an empowering musical of the highest order!” raves the Chicago Tribune.

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, Waitress tells the story of Jenna – a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

“Waitress is a little slice of heaven!” says Entertainment Weekly and “a monumental contribution to Broadway!” according to Marie Claire. Don’t miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie. Waitress contains mature content.