Following the sold-out, world-premiere production at A.R.T in Cambridge, MA, Waitress will start Broadway previews March 25, 2016, and open April 24 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Mueller, who won the Tony as Best Lead Actress in a Musical for Beautiful, also starred in the A.R.T. production.
Christopher Fitzgerald, who earned Tony nominations for both Young Frankenstein and Finian’s Rainbow, recently joined the cast as Ogie. He joins fellow Tony nominee Keala Settle (Hands on a Hardbody), who will recreate the role of Becky that she originated in the show's earlier production at American Repertory Theater.
Waitress, according to press notes, concerns "Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, [who] is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. When a baking contest in a nearby county offers her a chance at escape, Jenna must weigh her commitments against a rare shot at freedom and recognition. Her customers, co-workers, and the town’s handsome new doctor all offer her conflicting recipes for happiness — but Jenna must ultimately decide for herself."
Also confirmed for the Broadway production: Eric Anderson (South Pacific, Kinky Boots, Rocky, The Last Ship) as Cal, Drew Gehling (Jersey Boys, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Dr. Pomatter, Kimiko Glenn (“Orange Is The New Black,” Spring Awakening, Love’s Labour’s Lost) as Dawn, Dakin Matthews (The Audience, Rocky, The Best Man) as Joe and ensemble members Charity Angél Dawson, Jeremy Morse and Stephanie Torns.
Tickets can be ordered at (877) 250-2929, online at Ticketmaster.com or via the show's Broadway website, Waitressonstage.com.
The opening date will make it one of the last shows to open this season before the Tony Awards cutoff date of April 26. The Atkinson is currently home to a revival of Spring Awakening, which is playing a limited engagement there.
"Exposed and Raw," Writing Waitress Moved Sara Bareilles to Tears
Directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus with choreography by Chase Brock, the A.R.T. cast was led by Mueller (Tony winner for Beautiful) as Jenna, Jeanna de Waal as Dawn, Drew Gehling as Dr. Pomatter, Dakin Matthews as Joe, Keala Settle as Becky, Eric Anderson as Cal, Jeremy Morse as Ogie and Joe Tippett as Earl.
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Based on the motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly, the new musical has a book by Jessie Nelson and music and lyrics by Grammy winner Bareilles. Waitress will be produced on Broadway by Barry and Fran Weissler and Norton and Elayne Herrick.
The creative team also includes set design by Scott Pask, costumes by Suttirat Larlarb, lighting by Ken Posner and sound by Jonathan Deans. Casting is by Telsey & Company.
A.R.T. posted a sizzle video from the production. It features Mueller, Settle and other cast members, plus director Diane Paulus, at rehearsals.
Titled "Waitress: A First Look," the video is currently available only on Facebook.
