'Waitress the Musical' dishes out beautiful score, touching tale

Posted July 05, 2018 1:00 am

By Scott C. Morgan

Pie maker Jenna (Desi Oakley), center, gets support from her co-workers, Becky (Charity Angél Dawson), left, and Dawn (Lenne Klingaman) in the national tour of “Waitress the Musical” at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. Courtesy of Joan Marcus

"Waitress the Musical" - ★ ★ ★

The odds are heavily stacked against the heroine of "Waitress the Musical," the hit 2016 Broadway stage adaptation of the late Adrienne Shelly's 2007 film. Yet the musical, now making a solid Chicago touring premiere at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, ultimately soars as a touching and intimate tale of female empowerment.

That's thanks in large part to pop singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, who serves up a passionate Broadway debut score. Filled with tangy and twangy Americana flourishes and moments for powerhouse vocals, Bareilles' emotional songs provide great opportunities for the entire ensemble to shine.

"Waitress" revolves around Jenna (an appealing Desi Oakley), a small-town waitress and baker who is trapped in an abusive marriage to Earl (Nick Bailey as a hulking menace). When Jenna faces an unplanned pregnancy, she starts an affair with the town's new OB/GYN, Dr. Pomatter (Bryan Fenkart, as an expert in nice-guy awkwardness).

But Jenna also channels her life's frustrations in a more positive way - dreaming up delicious and creatively named pies that keep customers coming back for more.

Jenna's biggest fan is Joe (a fine Larry Marshall), the diner's persnickety, elderly owner. In addition, she's propped up by supportive co-workers Becky (an earthy Charity Angél Dawson) and Dawn (a cute and quirky Lenne Klingman), who face their own romantic challenges with the surly cook Cal (a gruff Ryan G. Dunkin) and Dawn's obsessive suitor Ogie (a delightfully over-the-top Jeremy Morse).

Despite wild tonal shifts between abusive domestic melodrama and exaggerated clownery, "Waitress" holds together under the assured direction of Diane Paulus ("Pippin," "Hair"). Scott Pask's sets evocatively imagine the show's unnamed small-town setting, and they glide seamlessly into place (including the bandstand that features a talented sextet led by conductor/pianist Nadia DiGiallonardo).

Playwright Jessie Nelson's stage adaptation occasionally feels hampered by hewing too closely to Shelly's original screenplay - though the inclusion of U.S. Colonial cosplay is an enjoyably bizarre addition. The second act in particular suffers from sudden character changes that too tidily wrap up the plot.

Though not perfect, "Waitress the Musical" is a tasty musical drama on challenges faced by working-class American women. Go for Bareilles' soaring score, plus all of the powerful performances.

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Location: Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago, (800) 775-2000 or broadwayinchicago.com

Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday (also July 8), 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday; through July 22

Running time: About 2 hours and 30 minutes with intermission

Tickets: $24-$107; $132-$157 premium seating

Parking: Paid lots nearby

Rating: For teenagers and older; contains relationship abuse, sexual situations and strong language

Nurse Norma (Maiesha McQueen), left, lets on that she knows about the affair going on between Jenna (Desi Oakley) and Dr. Pomatter (Bryan Fenkart) in the national tour of “Waitress the Musical” at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. Courtesy of Joan Marcus

Jenna (Desi Oakley) ponders how to get away from her abusive husband, Earl (Nick Bailey), in the national tour of “Waitress the Musical” at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. Courtesy of Joan Marcus

Ogie (Jeremy Morse), right, enthusiastically courts Dawn (Lenne Klingaman) in the national tour of “Waitress the Musical” at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. Courtesy of Joan Marcus

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