Waitress at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium

The Waitress, a heartwarming musical with a dash of bittersweet reality, is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. Bareilles composed the music and lyrics, infusing them with her signature folk-pop melodies and relatable storytelling. Jessie Nelson, a renowned screenwriter, crafted the book, or script, bringing the characters and their struggles to life. The musical debuted at the American Repertory Theater in 2015 and then moved to Broadway in 2016, capturing hearts and stomachs along the way.

The story centers around Jenna, a talented pie baker stuck in a loveless marriage. Working at a local diner, she finds solace in creating delicious pies, each named after her emotions. When a new doctor arrives in town and a pie-baking contest ignites a spark of hope, Jenna must grapple with difficult choices. The musical explores themes of self-discovery, female empowerment, and finding comfort in unexpected places.

Authors

• Jessie Nelson
• Sara Bareilles

Tony Awards and Nominations for Waitress