Anyone that knows me knows I am a total Broadway nerd and fanatic. For reasons I do not know, this Georgia girl is in love with everything that happens in New York City.
About a year ago, a new musical called Waitress opened on Broadway. I had heard a couple of things about the show, but at the time I was totally into "Hamilton," and "Fiddler On The Roof," a show I was lucky enough to see with my dad this past December on Broadway. So in other words, I was not paying much attention to "Waitress." Boy, how times have changed. "Waitress" is my one and only love right now and I need to see it. Here is why:
1. I love Broadway.
Like I said, I am in love with most things Broadway. Getting the chance to see any show is a special experience. But being able to see a show that means so much to me right now, would mean everything to me.
2. The movie is great.
The musical is based off a movie that came out in 2007. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and has an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. If you have not seen this film, I suggest you check it out! It makes for a great movie night with friends.
3. I love baking.
What is better than combining two of my favorite things, baking and Broadway? I'm pretty sure it does not get any better than that.
4. Sara Bareilles wrote the music
Sara Bareilles really outdid herself by writing and composing such touching and inspiring songs. Bareilles recorded some songs from the musical and released her fifth studio album. Her album which contained songs from "Waitress," just so happened to be her fifth album and her fifth top ten album. Pretty neat.
5. The theater smells like pie
Let me let you in on a small secret. During the show, they have someone bake a pie in the lobby so the scent of the pie spreads throughout the theater. The main character, Jenna, is both a waitress and a pie baker. Hence the reason they bake a pie and not something like a cake or cupcakes. I have heard the smell of the pie combined with pretend baking on stage makes for an incredible experience.
6. The soundtrack
Since we have already established that Sara Bareilles is a musical genius, it should be pretty obvious that the soundtrack rocks. If it is not obvious, go give it a listen on Spotify or Youtube or iTunes, you will not be disappointed. I start and end my day everyday by listening to a couple of songs from the cast recording. I get ready to the upbeat songs like "Bad Idea," "Never Ever Getting Rid of Me" and "Opening Up." I fall asleep listening to songs like "A Soft Place to Land", "She Used to Be Mine" and "You Matter to Me".
7. Jessie Mueller
Where do I even begin? She is a Tony award winning singer and actress who plays Jenna. I think she is practically flawless. She also played Carole King in "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical." She is one of my biggest Broadway idols and has the voice of an angel. It would be an absolute dream and honor to see her perform live in this show.
If anyone wants to go see this show with me, I am so down for a road trip. It would make my life.