By Noah Sebourn
In recent years, the 5th Avenue Theatre has faced numerous challenges in maintaining the high-quality musicals it’s known for. Navigating through a global pandemic, staff and creative changes, and soaring production costs, the 5th Avenue has remained steadfast in its dedication to its craft, community, audience, and mission.
Once a hub for pre-Broadway shows featuring mega stars like Sutton Foster and Megan Mullally, the 5th Avenue earned a reputation for launching new works that would eventually take their place in Broadway history. However, some patrons and longtime theater lovers have pulled their support, citing a perceived decline in both quality and vision. As a regular attendee, I, too, have had mixed feelings about their recent productions—ranging from casting choices to directorial approaches. So, you can imagine my trepidation when I attended the March 14th performance of Waitress.
Waitress is a musical based on the 2007 film by Adrienne Shelly. It follows Jenna, a talented and creative pie maker trapped in an unhappy marriage with her abusive husband, Earl. Sounds like a downer, right? Wrong. With the help of her two friends, Dawn and Becky, Jenna navigates relationships, dreams, and an unexpected pregnancy. This relatable and human show hilariously explores themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and the importance of friendship, all within the confines of a small-town pie shop. With a witty book by Jessie Nelson and a beautiful score by Sara Bareilles, Waitress is both hilarious and deeply emotional.
This production hit the ground running, with electric, powerhouse vocal performances from the entire cast that hit every mark. The direction and choreography by Lisa Shriver seamlessly complemented the storytelling, allowing the show to flow effortlessly. The audience responded with thunderous applause and fits of laughter throughout the 2-hour and 30-minute musical, which felt like an hour due to the quick-change set design and well-thought-out lighting.
There were several standout performances that elevated the already strong material while adding fresh originality. The actors quickly earned the audience’s trust, pulling us into this emotional rollercoaster of a musical. Even in the uncomfortable moments when the characters shifted from humor to seriousness, the cast kept their fingers on the pulse, delivering a truly exceptional theatrical experience.
Among the many standout talents was Kennedy Kanagawa, whose crowd-pleasing portrayal of the kooky yet lovable Ogie stole the show, and Tori Gresham, whose vocal stamina and true commitment to the character of innocent Dawn served as a masterclass in character acting.
At the heart of Waitress is Kerstin Anderson, who plays Jenna, a flawed woman grappling with complex emotions. Anderson’s portrayal left nothing to be desired. Her top-notch vocal skills, impeccable comedic timing, and raw, authentic approach to the role made Jenna not just a character to root for, but a friend you genuinely care about. Her chemistry with the entire company made it clear that they came together to tell a story they believe in, supported by a creative team led by Shriver and the exceptional music direction of Matthew Antoni Perri.
Whether you enjoy comedy or drama, Waitress is a well-crafted musical filled with relatable characters. Much like the characters within the show, the 5th Avenue Theatre has gone on a journey—and it seems they’ve mounted a production that is not only brilliantly executed but also exactly what the modern theater going audience is looking for. This production just might prove that the 5th Avenue has found its groove again.
Waitress performs at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre continues through March 30. For Tickets and information, check out 5thavenue.org.
