Waitress

Along with writer/director Adrienne Shelly, Andrew Hollander co-wrote "Baby Don't You Cry (The Pie Song)." for the original movie. Which in my opinion is a better song than any of the songs by Sara Bareilles in this Broadway musical version of the story. I was really surprised, and disappointed, that they didn't include it. The songs by Bareilles, like "Sugar,flour,butter" were fine as far as moving the story along, but most of them werent something that you would go home humming, much less singing. Like most musicals, if you took out the songs you would have a 30 minute drama or comedy. A lot of songs in musicals, no matter how well done, are mainly there to pad out a thin story. This story is entertaining and touching, but at nearly 2 and 1 half hours long, its stretched a little too thin by the music. If youre thrilled by repeatedly having people belting out songs at the top of their voices, maybe its not long enough. I enjoyed the original film more than this version. To me, without really great songs, musicals are redundant. I recognize the talent involved in the performances, but you need great songs to make a great musical.

Based on an overrated indie movie, Waitress tells the story of a waitress and baker with dreams, a terrible husband, and an unexpected problem. The songs, by star Sara Bareilles, are unusual for a Broadway musical, because they're pretty much Sara Bareilles pop songs, but she's an excellent songwriter and her songs work for both herself and others. This musical is beautifully staged. This is a filmed stage performance, and often those make you think, this would have been amazing in the theater, but this captures the staging so well that I'm not sure that it would have been better in a theater (probably not with the Broadways seats in my budget). It's funny, it's touching, the songs and choreography are terrific, the performers are terrific (virtually every significant character gets their own big number), and well, it's just really, really good. It's also apparently really, really obscure - there are only 6 user reviews as I write this - but it should be better known, so watch it if you have the chance.

One of the best movie versions of a Broadway musical that I've seen in a long time. This musical closely follows the original movie and the music is glorious. I've seen it on stage and seeing it as a movie is just as fabulous as in person. I'm so thankful that they made a movie so that I can watch it any time I feel like. The cast works well together, the ensemble is great, and the band is great. If you're looking for a fun, adult themed musical that keeps your toes tapping, your fingers snapping, and your mouth laughing, I say watch this - it's SO worth it! And after you watch it, try not to buy the original Broadway cast soundtrack!

I just finished watching the musical and I was blown away. I don't often say that. The last time was going to see 'Phantom of the Opera' and "Les Miserables' on stage. I watched this by myself in front of my big screen TV and my heaven, the talent, the emotions, the production. The music, the lyrics. I want to watch the show again for all that. Sara Bareilles is amazing and so natural a singer/actor, you feel every emotion she felt all through the story. The story of just trying to feel a bit of happiness, living with an abuser (they come in many guises) and friendship among disparate personalities comes together in this production. The sets are simple but perfect, the quick seamless changes of scene, too. I laughed and then cried at the end because I saw and felt that the sense of finding true happiness is within everyone's reach and it doesn't necessarily come with being swept away by a perfect love. I mean, you hope for it but it's not the be-all and end-all. And the surprise of someone in your life you never thought would be a big influence for change does reflect real life as I have lived it. Just wonderful. I executed my own standing ovation in the privacy of my living room. Couldn't help myself.

An absolute dream. This story is just life in all its beautiful messiness. We've all felt stuck, unworthy, or looking for something more but don't know how to get there. Having been a fan of the movie and the Broadway, to have a pro shot of the production is a dream come true. You feel the heart of the show beating strong during a difficult time when we are all attempting to heal. Every character is brought to life with such vibrancy. It's a story sweet as pie. We're all searching for something more and may we find it as these characters did. This is a tribute to Adrienne Shelly's film and her memory lives on.

source: Waitress

At some point, when they pull out her baking station on stage for the umpteeth time you can't help but roll your eyes and groan. Don't get me wrong, it's a cute musical. The characters are extremely stereotypical, but pleasant. It can be fun to watch them interact. However how many times can you stand watching the main character explain her feelings in baking terms, while baking? I know many great musicals resolve around a central theme. But it's on the nose. Very on the nose. We're supposed to root for the main character and her dream of escaping a difficult situation through bakery, however at some point her relentless baking and recipes with increasingly unhinged names and ingredients just starts becoming gratingly annoying. The music isn't particularly great either. It's fine. Nothing that I'd want to listen to on repeat. The biggest problem is that it all sounds like typical Sara Barailles fare, written for her, but sung by other people. Her typical vocal stylings are frequently imitated by other characters, because that's how the songs were written, but it all becomes very samey. Overall I'd say it's like a pie that's too sweet. The impression is delicious, but you soon realize it's too sweet. You try to persevere, but before long the pie becomes cloying and unpleasant.

Waitress: The Musical: The Movie Event I have not seen the movie that this was based on, so I went into this only knowing the "sugar, butter, flour" chanting would be going on. And what a way to start by showing a deeply damaged character that makes pies to express her feelings. A woman who witnessed domestic violence as a child, and experiences it as an adult, hides in the kitchen as her mother taught her. I find myself feeling sad that her need to escape her problems brings happiness to so many other people, but not herself. There are many comedic moments in this musical. I don't think I've laughed that hard at some of the over the top performances and the sexual innuendo, even with the pain hidden underneath the surface. Hiding from reality, hiding due to insecurity, hiding from pain. This musical really pushes for the audience to accept that hiding, while acknowledging that it's not healthy, is a common coping mechanism for a variety of reasons. I'm glad to see character growth as the women face their fears in a number of ways. She Used to Be Mine is the best song you'll ever hear when it comes to self awareness of feeling trapped even believing that it's a trap of your own making. For the most part, the ending was very satisfying to leave the viewer feeling good as they depart, but I was not a fan. It was very unrealistic to have sheer coincidence solve all your problems at just the right time. I understand that good fortune can arrive with spontaneity, but after 2 hours of gathering the strength to move forward, I don't want to see all dreams coming true in a 2 minute period. I would have liked to see a more realistic ending that showed promise and hope for the future and not have it handed to you like a slice of pie.

Unfortunately, the show tries to be very chipper and upbeat about some very serious subjects. These include domestic violence, extreme male chauvinism, and the outcome of marital infidelity. Since these serious subjects are a major part of the plot of this musical, it would have been much better if these serious social issues had been addressed more clearly and even forcefully. On the other hand, the music and dancing is very nice. The acting is good. The outstanding star of this show is Miss Sara Bareilles, who both wrote all of the music and lyrics, and is excellent in her acting role. She is truly to be commended.

Trailer—Waitress