Photos by Luis Escobar, Reflections Photography Studio
A waitress (and talented pie-maker) dreamt of a way out of her small town and her rocky marriage in not one but two hit movies: 2007’s Waitress and 2023’s Waitress: The Musical.
Now PCPA brings the musical version to the stage in the heartwarming story that is “baked with love, liberation, and the pursuit of dreams” April 24 through May 11 at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria, and June 19 through July 6 at Solvang Festival Theater.
In the show, the title character Jenna and her two loyal friends and fellow waitresses, Becky and Dawn (who also dream of a better life) embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
“Waitress is the kind of story I love and that PCPA excels in telling,” according to director Kitty Balay. “It’s filled with heart and humanity.
“We get to see ourselves in a cast of likable, imperfect characters who try their best but sometimes make terrible choices,” Balay says. “We get to laugh at their foolishness, cry at their pain, and rejoice when they overcome the odds—whether it’s ill-fated relationships, an unwanted pregnancy, or just plain old loneliness. And to make it even better, the story soars with a driving, melodic score, gorgeous harmonies, and luscious pie.”
The cast includes Molly Dobbs, Bethany Thomas, Natalie Mara, Alexander Pimentel, Cordell Cole, Erik Stein, George Walker, Andrew Philpot, Amelia Mello, Petra Van Wingerden, Juliette Crawford, and Jamie Collins.
Sharing the stage with the cast is a live band featuring musical director Jake Cannon on keyboard, Renee Ortega on guitar, Evan Goldman on drums, Christi Mariscal on bass, and Nancy Nagano, Ben Williams, and Gavin Koon on cello.
Tim Hogan took the lead on props for the show. “He and his team of extraordinary artists in the prop shop have hand-crafted pies that look delicious enough to eat,” Balay says. Other members of the creative team include Caroline Rein (costumes), Michael Palumbo (lighting), Jon Zielke (sound), and Jason Bolen (scenic design).
Tickets for Waitress are available online for both Santa Maria and Solvang.