Review: Delightful 'Waitress' Gets a Joy-Filled Regional Theater Production

Theatre by the Sea continues its 92nd season with a production of the Sara Bareilles musical "Waitress," based on the beloved 2007 Keri Russell-starring movie.

Following the success of the indie film, written and directed by Adrienne Shelley, producers Barry and Fran Weissler acquired the stage rights to transform the work into a musical. Sara Bareilles wrote the music and lyrics and Jessie Nelson wrote the book. Premiering on Broadway in 2016, it starred Jessie Mueller ("Beautiful: The Carole King Musical") and was directed by Diane Paulus.

Getting a regional theatre treatment at Theatre by the Sea's historic barn, this joyful and fabulously entertaining show tells the story of Jenna (Dakota Mackey-McGee), who is stuck in a loveless, abusive marriage to Earl (James Channing). She escapes by making fantastic pies at a local bakery and small town diner run by Cal (Billy Goldstein). Her talent was acquired by her mom (Kat Moser-Priddy, who appears onstage as a memory of Jenna's), and she gets an idea from one of her fussiest customers, Joe (Kevin B. McGlynn) – who also owns the diner – to enter a pie baking contest. If she wins the $20,000 prize, she can escape her marriage... and, oh, did I mention she's pregnant after a drunken night with Earl?

Jenna formulates her plan at the urging of her co-workers Becky (Anny Jules) and Dawn (Emelie Latzer). After Earl loses his job, Jenna gives half of her earnings to him and hides the rest around their home in anticipation of the future contest. But things heat up for her when she discovers her OB/GYN has retired, replaced by handsome, yet neurotic, Dr. Pomatter (Christopher deProphetis). They start an affair despite both being married. It's here that "Waitress" evolves into pure romantic comedy, with Becky secretly schtupping Cal and Dawn going out on a blind date with Ogie (Matt DaSilva) and finding out they are very compatible.

The show is a delightful blend of drama and comedy, stopping short of devolving into a clichéd mess of ideas in which Jenna doesn't want the child, while Becky, also married, is taking care of her invalid husband. The drama isn't the focus; this show is about joy and finding happiness while in the midst of despair. Does it work? Absolutely!

Director Kevin P. Hill (Producing Artistic Director at TBTS) has assembled a perfect cast for this production. North Providence native DaSilva is a hilarious highlight as Ogie, Latzer's Dawn shines as his comedic match, and Jules' Becky gives a laugh-out-loud performance. Channing's Earl makes you want to hate him immediately, and Goldstein's Cal is a gruff but sentimental guy you want to love.

Both DeProphetis and Mackey-McGee have amazing chemistry, which makes the affair all the more fun to watch happen. Both have amazing voices, making numbers like "Bad Idea" and the showstopper "She Used to be Mine" both electric and heartbreaking. Mackey-McGee knows she's the heart of this show, and she's bringing all of her talent to the fore. Even McGlynn's Joe has a funny and charming turn, and the ensemble are along for this delightfully entertaining ride. Cassie McKnight's scenic design makes the most of the limited stage and works magic here, and Hill's choreography is a complement to these proceedings.

"Waitress" is a heartfelt, funny, and cheery escape, and this production is giving all of the emotions. If you're game, you'll be ecstatic to take the ride with them.

"Waitress" is running through July 19 at Theatre By The Sea, 245 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. For information or tickets call 401-782-8587 or visit www.theatrebythesea.com.