Jenna (Ruby Day) contemplates her future in San Francisco Playhouse’s "Waitress." Photo courtesy of Jessica Palopoli
G'day, friends – I'm getting out to see a lot of great new theater right now, so it's time I shared some of those finds with you, starting off with SF Playhouse's production of "Waitress."
Catch up quick: The musical, based on the indie film and featuring music from Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles, is a Broadway favorite.
It follows the story of a small-town diner waitress, Jenna, who is trapped in a loveless marriage and facing an unexpected pregnancy.
The vibe: Sweet and heartfelt with a great comedic kick. It's perfect for a date night or a theatre night out with friends.
Between the lines: Big Broadway shows aren't always easy to nail in a smaller theater, but "Waitress" is the kind of intimate production perfect for the Playhouse.
The SF cast put on a phenomenal performance — Jenna (Ruby Day) and her handsome gynecologist Dr. Pomatter (Zeke Edmonds) give performances that truly carry the show.
The supporting ensemble, including Jenna's waitress friends Dawn (Sharon Shao) and Becky (Tanika Baptiste), nails the comic timing. And Michael Parrott's Ogie is a comedic triumph.
My thought bubble: "Waitress" isn't my top musical, but the second act showstopper, "She Used to Be Mine," sung by Day, is worth the ticket price alone. I spent most of the song with my breath caught in my throat.
Stop by: The show is in its final weeks and finishes Jan. 18. Tickets at San Francisco Playhouse.
