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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Waitress
Jenna, a young woman from a small town, works as a waitress at a local diner, where she's also known for her talent in baking unique pies with combinations of unexpected ingredients. When she discovers she's pregnant, Jenna faces a difficult situation, as she's trapped in a controlling, demanding, and borderline abusive marriage. She confront the challenges in her life with comfort, support and guidance from her two close coworkers and her compassionate, though married, OB-GYN. The plot may be straightforward and fairly simple, and the musical follows the film plot fairly faithfully, but Sara Bareilles' score elevates Waitress with a blend of musical styles and empowering lyrics that beautifully capture both Jenna's journey and strength as well as the personal stories of her female coworkers. Known for her songs that celebrate resilience and independence, Bareilles has crafted melodies and lyrics that give depth and voice to the characters' emotions. Jessie Nelson's book, adapted from the late Adrienne Shelly's original screenplay, skillfully retains the charm and sense of female empowerment from the film while adding playful touches of humor that provide lighthearted moments throughout. Though some of the broader characters and comedic moments could have edged into caricature, director Chanel Bragg skillfully prevents this from happening, ensuring the characters remain authentic with a genuine range of emotions and an abundance of warmth while exhibiting unique, believable, and distinct personalities. The ensemble is seamlessly integrated into the production, aided by Michelle Chin's fast-paced, fun, and imaginative choreography, which is cleverly staged on Josafath Reynoso's dynamic set design that, along with the staging, evokes elements of the original Broadway production and national tour. The fluid scene transitions smoothly shift between just a few locations, from Joe's Diner, the heart of the show, to Jenna's home, her doctor's office, and a hospital room. The bright, character-appropriate costumes by Adriana Diaz and Amina Alexander's cheery lighting design, with its mix of deep blues and vibrant hues, effectively highlight the changes in time and mood, adding visual pops and depth to the production. The props by Sarah Harris and Alanna Maniscalco deserve a special nod for the authentic-looking finished pies and pie making ingredients; you can even buy a slice of pie in the lobby. Cassie Chilton delivers an outstanding performance as Jenna, capturing the character's full emotional spectrum with authenticity and grace. She brings a compelling mix of strength, warmth and charm to the role, while also embracing Jenna's vulnerability and her conflicted moments. Chilton's vocals are stunning, with a powerful belt that makes Jenna's showstopper, "She Used to Be Mine," truly soar. Her earthy tones add depth and nuance to Jenna's quieter, introspective songs, offering a deeper insight into the character's internal struggles. Overall, it's a remarkable portrayal of a complex and relatable woman. Chanel Edwards-Frederick and Bonnie Beus Romney are also impressive as Jenna's coworkers and close friends, Becky and Dawn. Romney is spunky and humorous as the quirky and slightly awkward Dawn, while Edwards-Frederick delivers a sharp and confident portrayal of the quick-witted, no-nonsense Becky. Both have bright, clear vocals that enhance their characters' personalities while delivering solid performances of their solo songs. Shonn Wiley shines as Dr. Pomatter, the man who enters Jenna's life and pushes her to confront difficult choices. His quirky charm, paired with his nerdy, endearing character, brings a fun energy to the role, and his singing voice is sweet and romantic, perfectly suited for his scenes with Jenna. Joseph Paul Cavazos brings a blend of gruffness and charm to Cal, the diner's short-tempered yet lovable cook, while Mike Lawler exudes warmth and wisdom as Joe, the firm but kindhearted owner of the restaurant. Teddy Ladley steals scenes as the eccentric Ogie, whose quirks and relentless pursuit of Dawn are endlessly entertaining. Caleb Reese adds some layers of complexity to Earl, Jenna's harsh and controlling husband, making him more than just a one-dimensional antagonist. All of the cast members, including the talented ensemble, contribute depth and realism to their roles, including T'Arica Crawford, who has a few fun moments as a nurse in Dr. Pomatter's office, and Meggie Siegrist, who brings a quiet sense of love and warmth as the image of Jenna's mom. Under Kevin Robert White's music direction, the cast deliver crisp vocals and rich harmonies with a full, warm sound from the seven-piece orchestra. Waitress features a heartfelt and authentic book paired with an upbeat, witty score. Combined with solid direction, authentic creative elements, and a talented cast, this production is a thoroughly enjoyable, charming, and winning show–much like the way Jenna's pies come together from a blend of ingredients to be something delicious. Waitress runs through November 24, 2024, at The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N Central Avenue in Phoenix AZ. For tickets and information, please visit phoenixtheatre.com or call 602- 254-2151. Music and Lyrics by Sara Bareilles Cast: *Members of ActorsÂ’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors & stage managers in the U.S. |
