The script bursts with comedy, often with witty and downright silly dialogue. While the musical deals with intense topics such as abuse, poverty, and infidelity, it is by no means a downer. Such caring feminine friendships displayed onstage are refreshing and beautiful. The love that these women feel for one another is palpable as all three care for and share with one another. Dominique Kent and Gabriella Marzetta, playing Jenna’s closest friends, do wonderful character work with their solo moments, although my favorite is a simple song called “A Soft Place to Land” where the three weave complex harmonies around each other in a lullaby-esque style. Pomatter, has a lovely tenor voice that blends to perfection with Ayon’s. After her performances of “What Baking Can Do” and “She Used to Be Mine”, all I could do was whisper “Wow!” in awe of her abundant talent.Īyon is not the only musical powerhouse in this talented cast.

Ayon has yet to make her Broadway debut, but based on last night’s performance, I would not be surprised if this is in her near future. A clear standout in the cast was Jisel Soleil Ayon, who plays the lead role of Jenna. (Bareilles herself has even performed its lead role of Jenna on Broadway.) She would be proud of the cast’s stellar musical chopsand how they bring her music to life. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.Ī standout feature of Waitress: The Musical is its music and lyrics written by Grammy Award-winner Sara Bareilles. Both of their characters are married…to other people…in Waitress. Meet-cute: David Socolar and Jisel Soleil Ayon. The product left me breathless at the sheer emotion and talent on display. The magic in Waitress comes not from the latest in projection technology, glittering costumes, or magical sets, but instead from talented actors who bare their hearts and souls through the music. However, if you love musicals that aren’t afraid to touch on real-life issues, diving deep into the human experience with stunning music as the main event, then this show is just what the doctor ordered. If you’re looking for a musical with lots of sparkle and spectacle, with large dance numbers and a huge chorus, then this may not be for you. The touring cast took to the Music Theater – the Ordway’s main stage space – with gusto, enthralling the audience. Paul as part of their Broadway The Ordway programming. This Broadway hit opened last night at the Ordway in St.

If you have a sweet tooth for beautiful music, powerful stories, and a lot of sugar, then Waitress: The Musical is just the show for you. Jisel Soleil Ayon in the national touring production of Waitress: The Musical, now playing at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St.

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