The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Steady ‘Waitress’-ing gig
Actress can’t seem to leave behind Jenna Hunterson, as show comes to Hanna for extended run
When it comes to life, sometimes there’s just not enough of the pie to go around. ¶ That appeared to be the case for Broadway actress Stephanie Torns, who was an original Broadway cast member of “Waitress.” In addition to being in the ensemble, she was the understudy for the lead character, Jenna Hunterson. ¶ “My journey with the show was very lucky on Broadway in that I was given a month run on or two weeks here and there,” said Torns, calling from Charlotte, North Carolina. “So I had many performances under my belt. You just never know — sometimes understudies don’t get to go on that often.”
While not exactly always a bridesmaid, never a bride, Torns, whose other Broadway credits include playing the Elphaba standby in “Wicked,” seemingly waited in the “Waitress” wings for a chance to take over the lead role in the Tony Award-nominated production’s five-year run.
“We closed the original show in January 2020,” Torns said. “Then we were very lucky that we were doing a limited engagement when post-pandemic Broadway was reopening. I felt so lucky to be a part of that, which we closed that December of 2021.
“I once again thought that was the end of my ‘Waitress’ journey. Then got a call to be a part of this lovely, limited-engagement tour. So I feel very grateful that this story gets to still continue on. It’s been almost seven years for me. It’s nice to finally have the role be mine and able to find new things each time when I get to do it. That’s a blessing.”
That blessing is a mini two-city tour of “Waitress,” which comes from Charlotte to Northeast Ohio, the show appearing May 26 through June 26 at Playhouse Square’s Hanna Theatre.
The pie-centric musical, which features original music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning Sara Bareilles, is inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s cherished 2007 film starring Keri Russell.
The plot revolves around server Jenna, who is also an expert pie maker. She finds herself stuck in not only a small town but also a loveless marriage — with an unexpected baby on the way.
There’s a baking contest in a nearby county and new love interest, both of which may provide a new beginning, but in the end any change requires self-discovery and confidence.
Therein lies the true appeal of “Waitress,” which right before our eyes appears to becoming a musical-theater classic with audiences returning time and time again.
“It’s about human behavior,” Torns said. “People can come and see themselves in other characters or escape from life for a minute. The show is about friendship and dreams and holding onto that hope in life. That’s something we can all relate to.
“That’s why this show is something people continue to come back to and love because we can all relate to human behaviors, the ups and downs of life and trying to just make it through and find that happiness for ourselves.”
And in case you’re wondering, when it comes to pie does Torns prefer cherry or apple?
“Ohhh, I think apple and no ice cream,” Torns laughed. “Just the pie.”