Waitress

If pies could tell stories, the world of Waitress would be a delightful tapestry of charm, heart, and humor—each slice revealing a tale of resilience, love, and laughter. At San Francisco Playhouse, this production serves up those stories with warmth and flair, offering a mix of wit, poignancy, and Sara Bareilles’ captivating music. Directed by Susi Damilano, the show is a feast of humor, heartbreak, and hope, baked to perfection. It’s fun, thoughtful, and just a bit bawdy—like a good night at the diner, with plenty of sass on the side.

Jenna: The Picasso of Pies
Jenna, played with extraordinary depth by Ruby Day, isn’t just a waitress—she’s an artist in the kitchen. Each day’s events filter through her emotions and emerge as one of Today’s Pies. A bitter fight becomes “Burnt Bridge Blackberry,” a spark of hope turns into “Second Chances Strawberry.” Jenna’s pies aren’t just desserts; they’re edible diary entries—part Picasso, part Betty Crocker. Ruby Day captures Jenna’s quiet strength and vulnerability, making her journey utterly compelling.

A Cast Full of Flavor
The cast brings Jenna’s world to life with remarkable energy and heart:

• Ruby Day (Jenna) embodies her character with grace, humor, and heartfelt emotion, anchoring the story with a powerful performance.
• Tanika Baptiste (Becky) is brash and bold, delivering hilarious one-liners while showing glimpses of deep loyalty and wisdom.
• Sharon Shao (Dawn) is charmingly quirky, bringing a lovable awkwardness that makes her scenes a joy to watch.
• Zeke Edmonds (Dr. Pomatter) finds the perfect balance of humor and humanity as the charmingly awkward doctor with a heart of gold.
• Michael Parrott (Ogie) is the comedic highlight, turning “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” into an unforgettable show-stopper.
• Louis Parnell (Joe) adds gravitas and warmth as the diner owner, whose gruff exterior hides surprising depth.

Even the ensemble shines, rounding out a cast that feels as real and relatable as the characters they portray.

Photo Credit: Jessica Palopoli

Songs That Stir the Soul
Sara Bareilles’ music is the beating heart of Waitress, offering songs that range from gut-wrenching ballads to toe-tapping anthems. Here’s the full list of musical numbers:Act 1:

• “What’s Inside” – Jenna and Company
• “Opening Up” – Jenna, Becky, Dawn, Cal, and Company
• “The Negative” – Becky, Dawn, and Jenna
• “What Baking Can Do” – Jenna and Company
• “Club Knocked Up” – Nurse Norma and Pregnant Patients
• “Pomatter Pie” – Band
• “When He Sees Me” – Dawn and Company
• “It Only Takes a Taste” – Dr. Pomatter and Jenna
• “You Will Still Be Mine” – Earl and Jenna
• “A Soft Place to Land” – Jenna, Becky, and Dawn
• “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” – Ogie, Dawn, and Company
• “Bad Idea” – Jenna, Dr. Pomatter, and Company

Act 2:

• “I Didn’t Plan It” – Becky
• “Bad Idea (Reprise)” – Jenna, Dr. Pomatter, Becky, Cal, Dawn, and Ogie
• “You Matter to Me” – Dr. Pomatter and Jenna
• “I Love You Like a Table” – Ogie, Dawn, and Company
• “Take It from an Old Man” – Joe and Company
• “Dear Baby” – Jenna
• “She Used to Be Mine” – Jenna
• “Contraction Ballet” – Jenna and Company
• “Everything Changes” – Jenna, Becky, Dawn, and Company
• “Opening Up (Finale)” – Company

From the emotional ballad “She Used to Be Mine” to the upbeat “Opening Up” and the quirky “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me”, the score blends humor and heart with Bareilles’ signature warmth, leaving the audience humming as they head home.The World of the Diner
Jackie Scott’s set design transforms the stage into a cozy, nostalgic diner, making it feel like a character in its own right. Kathleen Qiu’s costumes bring authenticity and flair, while Michael Palumbo’s lighting design creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Nicole Helfer’s choreography adds movement and energy, keeping the pace lively and engaging.A Must-See Treat
Waitress is more than a musical; it’s a reminder that life’s messiness can be turned into something beautiful and meaningful. It’s funny, touching, and full of heart, with a cast and creative team that clearly love the material as much as the audience does.Performances run through January 18, 2025, at San Francisco Playhouse (450 Post Street, San Francisco). Tickets are $35-$135. Visit sfplayhouse.org or call 415-677-9596 for tickets.