I was never a huge fan of the movie Waitress. Keri Russell is charming and all, but I found the film a bit boring. Luckily, that is not the case with the stage production. Of course, the score by Sara Bareilles has a lot to do with that.
The musical is currently playing at the ZACH Theatre in Austin and they are offering a very unique experience. ZACH has transformed the stage into Joe’s Pie Diner and audience members are seated in the diner on stage! Not only do you get to be up close and personal with the cast but you’re also treated to pie, courtesy of sponsor H-E-B.
This kind of experience is rare, but it’s not the first time ZACH has done something like this. In 2022, they offered on stage seating for The Sound of Music. Here’s what that was like.
Besides the pie, highlights of the show include lead actress Leslie McDonel who plays Jenna and Nyla Watson who plays her co-worker/ friend Becky. You may recognize McDonel from other ZACH productions like Beautiful and A Night With Janis Joplin. Watson was a part of the Broadway cast of Waitress as well as broadway touring productions Wicked, The Color Purple and Hadestown.
ZACH is one of the first regional theaters to produce Waitress and due to popular demand the show has been already extended. It now runs through July 27, 2025. Get your tickets here!
Photo credit: AxelB Photography.
