“Sugar, butter, flour” is the sweet lyrical start to Waitress; a soulful, folksy musical written by pop icon Sara Bareilles. With its roots in nostalgic Americana, Waitress transports the audience to a small-town pie shop and into the hard-working hands of protagonist Jenna, played flawlessly by Elizabeth Eckert.
Jenna is a gifted baker who uses her extraordinary pie recipes to express her emotions as she finds herself trapped in an abusive marriage with an unwanted pregnancy. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets her new and awkward gynecologist, Dr. Pomatter, played perfectly by Ryan Croke. Their connection sparks a forbidden romance that offers Jenna a taste of happiness and hope. Although Waitress explores the poignant themes of loss, empowerment and self-discovery, it is not without a heaping scoop of humor. Jenna gives her pies names such as: “I hate my husband pie” and “kick in the pants pie” and is supported by her two funny, diner gal-pals, Becky and Dawn. Becky is sassy and brassy while Dawn is neurotic and likely on the spectrum. Played and sung masterfully by Jasmine French and Rachel Larison respectively, these three strong, charming women are the heart of the show.
Director Lori Ann McCabe was immediately drawn to Waitress and knew she wanted to bring it to Springfield. “I was mesmerized by it. There’s true joy, grief, friends who lift you up and become your family – there’s something every single person can relate to in Jenna’s story,” said McCabe.
Jenna is a powerhouse role with complex songs and a lot of stage time. Eckert delivers a nuanced performance that naturally captures the character’s vulnerability and strength while soaring through power anthems with an unmatched vocal prowess. It’s been over a decade since Eckert has performed onstage, the last time being The Wonderettes, also at the Legacy. She said she was ready to return.
“I saw Waitress at The Fox Theatre and was sobbing by the end, so I knew this would be the perfect show to pour my heart into. It’s been the most lovely experience,” Eckert said. During her stage hiatus, Eckert started her own family and feels she can relate to Jenna through the shared experience of motherhood. “I promised myself I was going to come back to theater when my daughter could perform with me. She’s 5 years old now and gets to play my daughter onstage in this show,” said Eckert.
The Legacy’s production is a masterclass in atmosphere and tone, with soft, pretty lighting designed by Luke Becker and the band performing onstage as if they were diner patrons. The pacing is expertly handled, allowing emotional moments to breathe while keeping energy high during the comedic numbers. The set, wonderfully designed by Scott Richardson, is prop-intensive with impressive transitions, moving constantly and rhythmically by the supporting actors.
“Our ensemble is extremely talented and a huge part of this show,” McCabe said. “They tell the unsaid portions of the story through their movement and vocals, which are often haunting and beautiful.”
The backstage is just as inviting. The dizzying amount of faux and real pies mixes with the excited chatter of the cast. There are actors and crew running about in pie shop uniforms, practicing dance steps, pie tosses and flour throws. It feels less like a theater and more like a real diner. You almost expect to be handed a cup of coffee and told what the daily specials are.
The sense of camaraderie extends beyond the stage, as cast members watch each other perform from the wings, smiling and nodding in approval at each beautifully sung note. Everyone is eager to highlight the strengths of another staff or crew member. They’ve even managed to pipe the subtle scent of pie into the lobby, immersing theatregoers into a full sensory experience. It’s clear this production is a labor of love, and the audience will feel it, too. The Legacy’s Waitress is a heartwarming, impressive show that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. Do not miss it.
Waitress also stars Mark Wheeler, Keith Wilson, Broderick Elder, Tessa Poffenbarger, Jim Dahlquist, Karla Joell Butcher, Tony Nelson-Pisano, Lexi Haven, Isla Kohlrus, Emilie Heckenkamp, Marissa Hettel, Antonio Munoz and Parker Nichols.
Produced by Scott Richardson, Waitress continues its run at the Legacy Theatre Oct. 16-20 and 23-27. Performances start at 7 p.m. except Sunday, which is 2 p.m. Tickets are available at atthelegacy.com.
This article appears in Citizens want a voice in CWLP.
