Jenna (Dakota Mackey-McGee) is a hard-working waitress with a knack for creating delicious pies. Unexpectedly pregnant, she’s navigating a loveless marriage with her abusive husband, Earl. To make things more difficult, she falls into a torrid affair with her obstetrician, Dr. Pomatter (Christopher deProphetis).
In a nutshell, that’s the plot of “Waitress,” now on stage at Theatre by the Sea. With music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles – who played the title role on Broadway at some points – the show fared well on Broadway.
The Theatre by the Sea production features fun moments, mixed in with serious and poignant moments. Jenna’s fellow waitresses, Dawn (Emelie Latzer) and Becky (Anny Jules), are by her side when she finds she’s pregnant. Their song, “The Negative,” is funny and sad at the same time.
Meanwhile, they’re both looking for love. Jenna and Becky encourage the shy and reserved Dawn to create a dating app profile. Her song, “When He Sees Me,” is a lot of fun.
After landing a five-minute date, Ogie (Matt DaSilva) shows up, expressing his true love for Dawn. His song, “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me,” is hilarious and delightful. Even DaSilva’s exit earns applause.
Meanwhile, Becky starts a relationship with Cal (Billy Goldstein), the manager/cook at the diner. Once they’re caught, she sings “I Didn’t Plan It,” a powerful solo expressing no apologies.
Then there’s Old Joe (expertly played by Kevin B. McGlynn), the curmudgeonly owner of the diner, who comes in regularly with very specific dining orders and a boatload of life’s wisdom to share, which he does in his song, “Take It From an Old Man.”
There’s a fun montage of trysts, with Jenna and Doc Pomatter front and center, and Ogie and Dawn to one side with Becky and Cal to the other.
Mackey-McGee does a wonderful job with what could be considered the show’s signature song, “She Used to Be Mine.”
Overall, “Waitress” is a fast-moving good show.
One major drawback, however. The music is too loud. In most cases, it overpowers the singers, making it difficult to understand their lyrics. We heard several patrons comment about this on the way out of the theater.
Update: Since writing this, I have heard from the theater’s management that a technical issue occurred on Tuesday, which has since been resolved.
“Waitress” runs through July 19 at Theatre by the Sea in Matunuck. For tickets and further information, call the box office at (401) 782-8587 or visit their website at www.theatrebythesea.com.
