A Pie A Day Keeps the Doctor Nice and Close: A Review of Waitress

Waitress, featuring music & lyrics by Sara Bareilles has come to London, and boy is it sweet!

The fifth show of the Grand Theatre’s 2024/25 season, Waitress does not disappoint. The show follows Jenna, played by Julia McLellan in her Grand debut, as she navigates love, life, and pie. The show opens in Joe’s Pie Diner with “What’s Inside”, a slow introduction to Jenna and her life as a baker and waitress. We soon learn that Jenna is pregnant, much to her dismay. “What Baking Can Do” introduces us to the more somber side of the show, revealing that Jenna’s husband is abusive, and, like her mother, baking represents a safe space away from the troubles of life.

Each character in Waitress is messy and makes questionable decisions throughout the show. While played for comedy, the weight of the complex decisions is still felt by the audience. I found myself really questioning what the right thing to do would be, surprising myself with the answers.

The central theme of the musical is the question of happiness, and what it takes for us to feel content. Is “happy enough” what we should be striving for, or is there something beyond that, a total and supreme happiness? Waitress opens up these existential questions but doesn’t get too deep into what they mean for the supporting characters. While it was disappointing to not get a look into what these immensely interesting characters were thinking and feeling, it reminds audiences of the importance of Jenna’s story, and her experience with love and abuse.

After the show, I got the chance to sit on the Grand Theatre’s Student Club talkback with three of the cast members while they discussed the making of the play and what led them to where they are now. Members of the Student Club get discounted tickets for each show of the season, as well as a post-show talkback (with pizza!) after the Thursday night previews. For young theatre lovers, this is an excellent investment, and I’d highly recommend it for anyone who wants to see more shows without such a heavy financial investment.

Highlight: the set design! The stage lined with floor to ceiling shelves stocked with food products, plus the orchestra behind the actors on stage, and the flexible diner layout was absolutely phenomenal. the set changes were simple, yet effective, and when paired with the lighting design, brought a really special look to the show.

Did you know? Every night at midnight, Student Rush tickets become available for that day’s show at the Grand. Tickets are $29.99 for students, so if you want to save big, I’d recommend taking advantage! Visit the Grand’s “Ways to Save” page to learn more.

See Waitress at the Grand Theatre until April 12th.