One of the shows I wanted to watch on Broadway but never got the chance to see was the hit musical Waitress based on the film by Adrienne Shelly. I loved the music and lyrics by Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles who also starred in the show on Broadway and the Book by Jessie Nelson was on fleek.
Well I didn’t have to go to New York to see it since Waitress made its international premiere last November 9 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati.
The first thing I will say is this show is so delicious, I want a second and a third and a fourth serving. Everything was on point, from the cast to the direction of Bobby Garcia, to the choreography of Cecile Martinez, to the set design by Tony Award winner David Gallo, to the lighting design by Aaron Porter, musical direction by Farley Ascuncion, costume design by Raven Ong and I can go on and on. It had all the right ingredients for a prize winning pie. I simply loved it!
Waitress tells the story of a pie maker named Jenna played by the incandescent Joanna Ampil. Her character finds comfort in the simple magic of baking to escape the mundane life she lives. With the help of her two friends Becky (Bituin Escalante) and Dawn (Marrone Cruz), Jenna dreams of a way out of her loveless marriage to Earl (George Schulze) and gains the courage to change her life for the better.
It was a delight seeing Joanna as Jenna who I last saw as Francesca in another Atlantis Theatrical Production The Bridges of Madison County. Joanna played the role using her strength as a performer (vocal prowess with raw emotions). From the moment she sung What’s Inside (Sugar, Butter, Flour) to the heart wrenching She Used To Be Mine, had me sitting up my seat the whole time savoring every single moment. Bravo my dear Jo!
Director Bobby Garcia was able to tell the story crystal clear with his direction and his ability to cast seasoned actors made the show even sweeter. Bituin Escalante as Becky, Marnne Cruz as Dawn, Dean Rosen as Cal and Steven Conde as Joe, Emeline Celis Guinidas Nurse Norma all had impeccable comic timing making every scene they were in a joy to watch especially Nino Alejandro in his scene stealing moments as Ogie. You have to see the show to know what I am talking about, all I can say is that he is hilarious.
A revelation for me was George Schultze as Earl, his performance was so riveting and convincing that I wanted kick his ass. He is definitely someone to watch out for in the world of theatre. Another actor who gave a breakthrough performance was Bibo Reyes as Dr. Pomatter, Jenna’s “love” interest in the story. He finally earned his rightful place as a leading man, which he truly deserves.
Kudos to the rest of the cast Luigi Quesada, Gerhard Krysstopher, Luis Marcelo, Teetin Villanueva, Sarah Facuri, and Jillian Ita-as for a job well done.
You have to watch this inspiring musical that showcases the strength of being a mother, the gift of friendship and the power of discovering self worth.
The international premiere of Waitress will run from November 9 to December 2 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For tickets, contact TicketWorld at (632) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.
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