Seattle Culture
Fifth Avenue’s Waitress Delivers
The musical is uplifting, even whimsical at times
By Rob Smith March 19, 2025
I loved the movie Waitress when it came out almost two decades ago. I also loved The Fifth Avenue Theatre’s rendition of the musical of the same name.
An almost sold-out crowd last week was boisterous and raucous, with many booing the abusive husband (“Earl,” played by Dane Stokinger) and cheering the relationships between the lead character, Jenna (Kerstin Anderson) and her fellow waitresses (Tori Gresham as “Dawn” and Porscha Shaw as “Becky”). Another big crowd hit was Kennedy Kanagawa as Ogie, Dawn’s awkward but sincere love interest.
The musical and movie versions of Waitress share a similar premise but differ in execution. The film, released in 2007, focuses more on the personal struggles of a small-town waitress and her emotional journey through an abusive marriage and unexpected pregnancy. A key part of the plot involves her relationship with “Joe,” the Old Man who owns the diner (played by Andy Griffith in the movie and Allen Fitzpatrick in the musical). That relationship isn’t as developed in the play, though the storyline is consistent.
The musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2016, incorporates a more whimsical tone with catchy songs that express Jenna’s inner emotions and hopes. The musical’s vibrant numbers and more hopeful empowerment emphasize the importance of self-discovery.
Waitress plays at The Fifth Avenue Theatre through March 30.
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