Broadway-Bound WAITRESS Musical, Starring Jessie Mueller, Opens Tonight at A.R.T.

The world premiere, Broadway-bound musical Waitress, based on the motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly, with a book by Jessie Nelson, music & lyrics by Sara Bareilles, direction by Diane Paulus, and choreography by Chase Brock, officially opens tonight, August 20th, at American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University.

The complete cast includes Jessie Mueller as Jenna, Jeanna de Waal as Dawn, Drew Gehling as Dr. Pomatter, Dakin Matthews as Joe, Keala Settle as Becky, Eric Anderson as Cal, Jeremy Morse as Ogie, and Joe Tippett as Earl. Ensemble members are Charity Angel Dawson, David Jennings, Corey Mach, Ragan Pharris, Cullen R. Titmas, and Stephanie Torns.

Set design is by Scott Pask, costumes by Suttirat Larlarb, lighting by Ken Posner, and sound by Jonathan Deans. Casting by Telsey & Company.

Jenna, a Waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. When a baking contest in a nearby county offers her a chance at escape, Jenna must weigh her commitments against a rare shot at freedom and recognition. Her customers, co-workers, and the town's handsome new doctor all offer her conflicting recipes for happiness - but Jenna must ultimately decide for herself.

Featuring music and lyrics by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles ("Brave," "Love Song") and directed by Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland), this poignant and uplifting new musical celebrates talent hiding in the most unlikely places.

For more information and tickets to the A.R.T. run, visit americanrepertorytheater.org/waitress.

Photo Credit: Evgenia Eliseeva