"Waitress" - by Jessie Nelson and Sara Bareilles - North Shore Music Theatre (Beverly, MA.) - REVIEW
(Cover Photo: The CAST of the musical "WAITRESS" by Jessie Nelson and Sara Bareilles now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through June 15, 2025. Photo Credit: Paul Lyden)
By Kevin T. Baldwin
METRMAG Reviewer
# 774-242-6724
"I don't expect much, I don't give much, I don't get much I'm generally enjoy whatever comes up. That's my truth, summed up for your feminine judgment. I'm happy enough."
- ("Cal") / Jessie Nelson and Sara Bareilles
North Shore Music Theatre
Presents the Hit Broadway Musical
"WAITRESS"
Written by Jessie Nelson
Music and Lyrics by Sara Bareilles
Based upon the motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly
Directed by Kevin P. Hill
Music Director Milton Granger
Choreographer Ashley Chasteen
Cast Includes: Christine Dwyer* as “Jenna,” Arnold Harper Ii* As “Cal,” Maggie Elizabeth May* as “Dawn,” Brandi Chavonne Massey* as “Becky,” Keith Lee Grant* as “Joe,” Matt DeAngelis* as “Earl,” Alana Cauthen* as “Nurse Norma,” Brandon Kalm* as “Dr. Pomatter,” Courter Simmons* as “Ogie,” Kristin Greve as “Francine.”
Lulu/Young Jenna:
June 3, 5, 7 (8pm), 11 (7:30pm), 13 - Nora Ellen Andreoli; June 8, 14 (2pm), 15 - Daniela Soleil Durbin; June 4 (2pm), 7 (2pm), 11 (2pm) - Mackenzie Egan Deriggi; June 4 (7:30pm), 6, 10, 12, 14 (8pm)- Addison Mason.
Ensemble: Ben Broughton, Alana Cauthen*, Daniel Dipinto*, Nichole Forde*, Annalese Fusaro*, Kristin Greve, Joshua Griffin, Andrew Kotzen*, Alaina Mills*, Kristopher Stanley Ward*.
Understudies For: Jenna - Annalese Fusaro*; Cal & Earl - Daniel Dipinto*; Dawn - Alaina Mills*; Becky - Alana Cauthen*; Joe - Arnold Harper Ii*; Nurse Norma - Nichole Forde*; Dr. Pomatter - Kristopher Stanley Ward*; Ogie - Andrew Kotzen* (Note: Understudies are never substituted for listed performers unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance)
Additional Creative Team:
Scenic & Lighting Design - Jack Mehler; Costume Design - Rebecca Glick; Sound Design - Alex Berg; Wig & Hair Design - Rachel Padula-Shuflet; Projection Coordinator - Pamela Hersch; Chief Operating Officer - Karen Nascembeni; Associate Producer and Casting Director - Matthew Chappell; Company Manager and Casting Associate - Amanda Ostrow-Mason; Assistant Music Director and Rehearsal Pianist - Robert L. Rucinski;Production Stage Manager -Brian M. Robillard*; Assistant Stage Managers - Dakotah Wiley Horan*, Maria Papadopoulos*; Dance Captain - Nichole Forde*; Youth Actor Supervisor - Kam Dunn.
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Performances:
June 3, 2025 through June 15, 2025
(Contact Box Office for Exact Times)
TICKETS:
For tickets and information visit www.nsmt.org, call # 978-232-7200, or visit the North Shore Music Theatre box office in person at 54 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA. 01915
BUY TICKETS
COVID 19 PROTOCOLS
Contact Venue for Most Updated COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Information.
Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) 2024-2025 season continues in Beverly with its first musical "WAITRESS" which is a delightfully delicious dish.
The elevated NSMT direction and splendid performances are an unbeatable combination providing an overabundance of good times to be had by all.
“Sugar, butter, flour…”
The above ingredients are used in making a pie.
What ingredients are needed when trying to make life better for oneself?
While at times a bit “cheesy”, the book for "WAITRESS," written by Jessie Nelson, offers no simplified, wholesome romantic sit-com story or ending, nor does it truly give us any answer to the above question.
The musical, instead, is a straightforward “slice of life” presentation of a battered, married and pregnant woman trying to survive her working-class life…set to music.
What enhances the subject matter, making it more palatable (pun intended), is the vibrant, easygoing score provided by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles and the masterful performance of the show’s star, Christine Dwyer.
A charming, light-hearted, “feel-good/tastes great” show, "WAITRESS" is based upon the 2007 movie of the same name, written and directed by the late Adrienne Shelly.
"WAITRESS" originally began with a tryout at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA. in 2015, before moving to Broadway in 2016.
By the time the production closed in January, 2020 (prior to the pandemic shutdown) "WAITRESS" had completed 33 previews and a whopping 1,544 regular performances.
Among its many accolades, the original 2016 run would receive nominations for four Outer Critics Circle Awards (winning one for Featured Actor Christopher Fitzgerald), six Drama Desk Awards (winning one again for Fitzgerald) and four Tony Awards.
(Photo: Christine Dwyer as “Jenna” listens to Keith Lee Grant as "Joe" in a scene from the musical "WAITRESS" by Jessie Nelson and Sara Bareilles now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through June 15, 2025. Photo Credit: Paul Lyden)
As the lyrics point out from the show’s opener:
“My whole life is in here, in this kitchen baking, what a mess I'm making.”
From the above, there is a clear indication that the “kitchen” is the world our protagonist, Jenna (Christine Dwyer), a waitress, lives in.
Jenna also bakes - and what she “bakes” in this story will either be her success or downfall.
There seems to be something missing from Jenna’s life, something that makes her feel less complete or, if you will allow, “half-baked.”
But is the missing ‘ingredient’ a man?
A “good” man?
If so, the “good man” clearly is not the man she married.
Her abusive husband, Earl (Matt DeAngelis), is furious over her pregnancy and can never seem to hold down a job or control his temper.
As is the case with any actor performing the role of “Earl,” DeAngelis gives an admirable performance but is given absolutely nothing to work with as Earl is a one-note redneck stereotype who (spoiler alert!) has no growth from the beginning of the story until the end.
The biggest clue to this being his name is “Earl” which will automatically get one to either recall the television redneck themed series “My Name is Earl” or the Chicks’ 90s hit song, “Goodbye Earl” also, quite coincidentally, about a redneck wife-beating loser.
(Photo: Brandi Chavonne Massey as “Becky,” sings as Christine Dwyer as “Jenna” looks on in a musical moment from "WAITRESS" by Jessie Nelson and Sara Bareilles now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through June 15, 2025. Photo Credit: Paul Lyden)
If Earl is not what Jenna (nor anybody) needs, then could she possibly find life fulfillment with the very charismatic (but very married) OB/GYN, Dr. Pomatter (Brandon Kalm), who has reciprocal feelings for her?
Not only charming, Kalm’s jumpy, quirky performance is also one of the comedic highlights of the NSMT show, offering up a feast of laughs virtually every moment he is on stage.
Among Kalm’s many hilarious scenes with Dwyer, the two vocalists blend their voices well during their duets “It Only Takes a Taste” and “Bad Idea.”
Perhaps, just perhaps, there is something, some ‘ingredient,’ within Jenna herself for which she has yet to discover and can bring her that sense of fulfillment she currently lacks.
The NSMT production of "WAITRESS" is supported by an incredibly versatile supporting cast and ensemble, and the NSMT orchestra led by Music Director Milton Granger never misses a beat.
Under the intensely clever stage direction of Kevin P. Hill, the production moves along quite seamlessly with not one wasted moment.
Presented “in-the-round” at NSMT the “diner” in which the engaging musical primarily takes place includes monitor-displayed menus along the sides.
Those menus occasionally transition to and from various recipes for Jenna’s fabulously baked pies.
(Photo: Christine Dwyer as “Jenna” embracing Brandon Kalm as “Dr. Pomatter” in a scene from the musical "WAITRESS" by Jessie Nelson and Sara Bareilles now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through June 15, 2025. Photo Credit: Paul Lyden)
Jenna’s co-workers are fellow waitresses Becky (Brandi Chavonne Massey) and Dawn (Maggie Elizabeth May) who, like Jenna, face similar sub-plot challenges.
With their amusing and engaging performances, the characters played by Massey and May emotionally (and vocally) support Dwyer’s Jenna. Massey and May each get a moment vocally to shine in "WAITRESS":
Massey with a powerhouse performance of the Act Two belter, “I Didn’t Plan It” and May with a delightfully (and intentionally awkward) performance of the more humorous and reflective, “When He Sees Me” in the first act.
Playing opposite May, but nearly stealing every scene he is in, is the overtly exuberant Courter Simmons as Dawn’s love interest Ogie.
Ogie first attempts to woo Dawn in the song, “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” and then, later, continues to profess his love to her in the hysterically funny, “I Love You Like a Table.”
Simmons brings a consistently manic…no, “frenzied”…energy to the role of Ogie.
Keith Lee Grant gives a measured performance as the acerbic elder “Joe” who connects with Jenna as both mentor and friend, later tenderly regaling her in song with “Take It From An Old Man.”
(Photo: The CAST of the musical "WAITRESS" by Jessie Nelson and Sara Bareilles now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through June 15, 2025. Photo Credit: Paul Lyden)
It cannot be overstated how critical the NSMT ensemble is to every moment in the "WAITRESS" production.
They do not serve just as incidental background characters. They serve as Greek Chorus, stage crew, and as an internal reflection of each supporting and principal character externalized on stage.
Every single staged movement by Hill and choreographer Ashley Chasteen utilizes perfectly the entire NSMT space.
Also, do yourself a favor and keep a watchful eye on some of the action occasionally taking place on either side of the stage as these moments will either move you to tears or have you laughing yourself right out of your seat!
Ultimately, though, "WAITRESS" is about the personal dilemma of Jenna, and throughout the story, both musically and emotionally, Dwyer delivers an extraordinarily sensitive portrayal of Jenna as she contends with her struggles.
Among the many highlights for Jenna are the musical numbers “What Baking Can Do” and the show’s stirring climactic 11th hour number (and fan favorite), “She Used to Be Mine.”
(Photo: Christine Dwyer as “Jenna” in an emotionally charged moment from the musical "WAITRESS" by Jessie Nelson and Sara Bareilles now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through June 15, 2025. Photo Credit: Paul Lyden)
Prior to the June 4th "WAITRESS" performance, Bill Hanney not only reminded the audience of the remaining NSMT line-up of shows - he also had a surprise announcement.
Hanney advised that, since the show was in its “tech week,” "WAITRESS" director, Kevin Hill, was unable to attend and accept in person his well-deserved Elliot Norton Award presented by the Boston Theater Critics Association for his direction of last year’s production of the NSMT musical “TITANIC” which also won for Outstanding Ensemble.
Both awards were presented to Hill and NSMT, making the evening all the more special.
"WAITRESS" continues in Beverly, MA. until June 15th, 2025 and this is one North Shore Music Theatre recipe that is simply the tastiest musical treat on the menu.
Coming up next at North Shore Music Theatre will be the immortal classic "THE WIZARD OF OZ" beginning July 8th, 2025.
For tickets and information visit www.nsmt.org, call # 978-232-7200, or visit the North Shore Music Theatre box office in person at 54 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA. 01915
BUY TICKETS
Approximately two hours, 35 minutes with one intermission.
Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
@MetrmagReviews
@Theatre_Critics
ABOUT THE SHOW
If life were only as simple as pie…
Composed by Grammy® Award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles (“Love Song,” “Brave”), "WAITRESS" is a heartfelt musical adaptation of the beloved film by Adrienne Shelly.
The musical follows Jenna, a talented pie-maker trapped in a troubled marriage, grappling with an unexpected pregnancy while working at a small-town diner.
Dreaming of a fresh start and her own pie shop, Jenna fears she may have to bake her aspirations away.
Filled with friendship and the thrill of a new romance, Bareilles’ score features modern classics like “She Used To Be Mine,” “What Baking Can Do” and “Opening Up.”
"WAITRESS" is a smash hit musical, baked from the heart, that celebrates resilience and the pursuit of happiness.
Approximately 2h 35m (includes intermission)
CONTENT ADVISORY: This production contains mature themes and language. Recommended for teen and adult audiences. We do encourage you to use your judgment based on your own research of the show, your own sensibilities, and a child's age and maturity level.
No children under the age of 4 will be permitted in the theatre including babes in arms.
ABOUT BILL HANNEY'S NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE
Since opening in 1955, NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE (NSMT) has become one of the most attended theatres in New England, with approximately 250,000 patrons annually. With a national and regional reputation for artistic achievement, NSMT has received numerous industry awards including Elliot Norton Awards, IRNE Awards, the Rosetta Le Noire Award from Actors' Equity, and the Moss Hart Award. NSMT produced the World Premiere of "Memphis" in 2003, the show went on to win four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Under the new ownership of Bill Hanney since 2010, NSMT continues to annually produce a musical subscription series and an annual production of "A Christmas Carol" along with celebrity concerts, children's programming and year-round education classes for children and adults.
54 Dunham Road
Beverly, MA. 01915
Phone # 978-232-7200
Fax # 978-232-9999
northshoremusictheatre@nsmt.org
