Waitress
Overture Center-Overture Hall 201 State St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703
http://www.desioakley.com/
Desi Oakley
If you’ve seen stats on the number of women writers and directors, you’ll be disappointed to learn that very little has changed in decades. Waitress is a notable recent exception. A groundbreaking all-female team created the bouncy Broadway hit, based on the heartwarming movie of the same name. Waitress is the story of Jenna (Desi Oakley, pictured), a young mom in an unhappy marriage who channels her emotions through baking. With music by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles, a book by screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by the impeccable Diane Paulus, this is a truly irresistible slice.
press release: Full casting has been announced for the upcoming National Touring Production of WAITRESS, the new Broadway musical from Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles inspired by Adrienne Shelley's 2007 motion picture, which will make its Madison debut at Overture Center Tuesday, July 24-Sunday, July 29, 2018.
The WAITRESS cast will be led by Desi Oakley (Les Miserables, Evita) as Jenna, and Lenne Klingaman as Dawn with Bryan Fenkhart (Memphis) as Dr. Pomatter, Nick Bailey (“Red Oaks”) as Earl and Ryan G. Dunkin (“Bull”) as Cal. They will be joined by current Broadway cast members Charity Angél Dawson (Waitress, Side Show) as Becky, Larry Marshall (Waitress, Smokey Joe’s Café) as Old Joe and Jeremy Morse (Waitress) as Ogie.
The ensemble includes Skyler Adams, Law Terrell Dunford, Patrick Dunn, James Hogan, David Hughey, Arica Jackson, Kyra Kennedy, Emily Koch, Maiesha McQueen, Gerianne Perez, Grace Stockdale.
Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 5-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles ("Brave," "Love Song"), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland). "It's an empowering musical of the highest order!" raves the Chicago Tribune. Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna - a waitress and expert pie maker, who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life. "WAITRESS is a little slice of heaven!" says Entertainment Weekly and "a monumental contribution to Broadway!" according to Marie Claire. Don't miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie. Meet the Artist* immediately following the Thursday evening performance. Community Partner: Rare Steakhouse