A woman works in a diner. The kind with refills, regulars, and fluorescent lights that never quite turn off. She’s married to a man who doesn’t deserve her. She bakes pies that are better than most people deserve. And she wants out.
That’s Waitress, more or less.
It opens this weekend at Virginia Repertory Theatre, runs through August 3, and is directed by Rick Hammerly. Music by Sara Bareilles, who knows a thing or two about heartbreak and melody.
It’s a musical, but don’t hold that against it.
Because this one’s different. It’s got the usual stuff—songs, jokes, romance—but under all that, there’s a story about survival. Real survival. The kind where you keep showing up to work when you’d rather run. The kind where you pour sugar into something just to make it bearable.
Jenna, the lead, does what a lot of people wish they could do: she tries to change her life. That sounds simple until you try it.
Time Out New York called the show “sweet and tart in just the right ratio,” which is exactly what you’d want from a pie—or a musical. They also noted how Waitress manages to be escapist and grounded at the same time. That’s not easy. Most stories pick a lane.
The cast is solid. Emelie Faith Thompson plays Jenna—she’s been here before in Mamma Mia! and Curious Incident. Miya Bass is Becky—tough, funny, and sings like she means it. Kylee Márquez-Downie is Dawn—quirky, a little lost, totally charming. Terence Sullivan plays Dr. Pomatter, the doctor with bad timing and good intentions. Greg Twomey is Earl, who you’ll probably dislike. Bear Manescalchi is Ogie, the comic relief that somehow works. William Vaughn plays Cal, who just wants everyone to stop being so weird and get back to work.
We’ll be there opening weekend. Expect a review from us next week.
But don’t wait for us. If you’ve ever worked a dead end job, ever stared at a wall wondering how you got so far from the version of you that used to dream, or if you just want two hours where someone else carries the emotional weight—Waitress is worth your time.
And anyway, it’s live theater. That rare thing where people say real words, in the same room as you, without a pause button or algorithm in sight.
And here’s something worth showing up for: Virginia Rep is hosting a special Pride Night on Friday, June 28 at 7 p.m. Mention “Pride Night” when purchasing your tickets, and 10% will be donated to the Pride Build through RVA Habitat for Humanity.
Tickets and info HERE
Photo by Ben White Photography
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