Cape Playhouse Dishes Up Smash Hit With ‘Waitress’

Order up! The Cape Playhouse served a delicious slice of Broadway pie with the opening of the musical “Waitress” last week.

Based on the 2007 movie starring Kerri Russel, the story is originally based on the book by Jesse Nelson. “Waitress” became a celebrated Broadway hit earning multiple Tony nominations in 2016. The show features original songs and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning artist Sara Bareilles (who also stars in the movie-musical version). The story is inspiring and the songs are joyously uplifting, providing everything we hope for in a night out at the theater.

The story follows a humble waitress and master pie-maker, Jenna Hunterson (played by Stephanie Torns), in the deep South. She is trapped in a violent, tumultuous marriage to Earl (Robert Ariza) with a baby on the way and secrets to keep wrapped up. An affair involving her doctor, Dr. Pomatter (John Riddle), adds more trouble to Jenna’s life.

As she sifts flour, cracks eggs and pours love into every pie she crafts, Jenna dreams about a better life for herself and her baby day in and day out at the diner where she works. Jenna’s edgy but loveable boss Cal (Erik Lochtefeld) and two co-workers/best friends, quirky Dawn (played by Caitlin Houlahan and Cassie Donegan) and sassy and soulful Becky (Soara-Joye Ross) help her navigate her new reality.

When Dawn meets her new boyfriend, Ogie (played by hilarious Nick Cearley), it gives Jenna hope that one day she too may find happiness. The crabby owner of the diner, Joe (John Shuman), tries to convince Jenna to enter herself into a pie baking contest for a huge prize which could help her start a new life. In the end, we witness a sweet scene with Jenna’s new daughter, Lulu, which is a shared role between two young rising stars: Sylvie Lou Weimer and Carolynn James.

By the end of the show when “everything changes” for our leading lady, the audience gets a glimpse into how wonderful Jenna’s life has become and leaves us with hope that anything is possible.

Torns, with her masterful vocal range, was part of the first Broadway company when it was originally created at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge. She brings a lovely aura and palatable grit to the role. Her solo performance of “She Used to be Mine” will leave you teary-eyed and with chills. Torns is truly a master of her craft.

Playhouse Artistic Director Eric Rosen directs this production and describes “Waitress” as “one of the best contemporary musicals.” I could not agree with him more! The talented cast wows with every pie baked and song sung, proving that the Playhouse is undeniably the Cape’s most cherished summer theater.

“Waitress” contains every ingredient necessary for a perfect production: it is relatable, the songs are memorable and the entire cast is top notch. You’ll be playing the soundtrack the whole way home and dreaming of homemade pies. The echoing, longing sounds of “sugar, butter, flour” will leave audiences craving more “Waitress” long after the musical ends.