Musical `Waitress' brings sugar, spice and everything nice to Civic Center
As sweet as a slice of French silk, as tart as a piece of lemon meringue and as funny as a cream pie to the face, “Waitress” cooks up an empowering story warmed through with an array of human emotions.
The Tony-nominated musical is adapted from one of my favorite films, an indelible drama written, directed and co-starring the late Adrienne Shelly. Playing the Civic Center through Sunday, the national tour of “Waitress” manages to maintain the intimacy of Shelly's film while dishing up songand-dance spectacle.
Christine Dwyer plays Jenna, a small-town waitress and baker renowned for channeling her emotional turmoil into innovative pastries like Betrayed by My Eggs Pie, a response to the news that she's pregnant by her abusive husband, Earl (Matt DeAngelis).
She gets plenty of support from her fellow waitresses Becky (Maiesha McQueen) and Dawn (Ephie Aardema), as well as her curmudgeonly boss Joe (Richard Kline). But Jenna's dreary life gets a needed dash of spice when she starts an affair with the town's new gynecologist, the adorkable Dr. Pomatter (Steven Good).
Directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus, “Waitress” is the rare Broadway show boasting an all-female creative team. Acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson's book whips up the humor and pathos of the film, while another theater newcomer, pop star Sara Bareilles, stirs up quite the menu of lively songs. Lorin Latarro's fresh choreography transforms the culinary arts into an intricate ballet.
“Waitress” isn't just a treat for the eyes and ears. The show's famous pie oven had the lobby deliciously scented with apple-cinnamon during Wednesday's intermission, as miniature jarred pies sold for $8 each.
For tickets and information, go to www. okcbroadway.com or call 594-8300.