‘I hope I live up to the hype’
NEW YORK — When he was a teenager, Jason Mraz considered musical theatre as a career option but feared he’d end up frustrated and as a waiter. Now the singer-songwriter is ready to make that jump and he’s picked an appropriately titled show — Waitress.
The two-time Grammy Awardwinning troubadour whose hits include I’m Yours and I Won’t Give Up will make his Broadway debut in the hit musical starting Nov. 3.
“It’s classy, it’s classic, it’s whimsical, it’s kitsch, it’s funny, its scandalous — it’s got a little bit for everyone,” said Mraz. “I love that I get out of my routine and try on a new routine that requires me to show up in a different way.”
Waitress, the musical adaptation of the 2007 film with songs by pop star Sara Bareilles, tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and pie maker trapped in a small-town diner and a loveless marriage.
Mraz will play Dr. Pomatter, a gynecologist and Jenna’s love interest. He’ll have several duets with actress Betsy Wolfe, including the steamy Bad Idea, the adorable It Only Takes a Taste and the aching You Matter to Me. Mraz has already recorded Bad Idea and You Matter To Me with Bareilles on her Top 10 album What’s Inside: Songs From Waitress.
“I love Sara, I love the music, I love the story. I think Dr. Pomatter is a very likable guy even though he’s somewhat scandalous in the plot. He’s a likable character and his songs are so enjoyable,” said Mraz.
Bareilles reached out to Mraz to personally ask him to take the part. He took a day to think it over. “I think Jason’s personality just lends itself to this character,” she said. “He’s incredibly charismatic and incredibly sweet and soulful. He’s also really funny and really smart.”
Mraz joins other pop and rock stars who joined Broadway shows, including Brendon Urie (Kinky Boots), Josh Groban, (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812), Carly Rae Jepsen (Cinderella), and Bareilles, who has played Jenna.
“I hope I live up to the hype,” said Mraz.