Waitress – An Inspiring Musical Feast – June 12 to August 3 at the Arts Club Stanley Theatre

THE ARTS CLUB THEATRE COMPANY’S PRODUCTION OF 

WAITRESS  

AN INSPIRING MUSICAL FEAST

Book by Jessie Nelson

Music & Lyrics by Sara Bareilles

Based on the motion picture by Adrienne Shelly 

June 12 to August 3, 2025

The Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of Waitress is coming to the historic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Ashlie Corcoran directs this uplifting Broadway musical that runs from June 12 to August 3.

Small-town waitress and expert pie-maker Jenna (Rachel Drance) dreams of a new life outside of her tumultuous marriage. Facing an unexpected pregnancy that complicates her desires, Jenna sees winning the grand prize in a pie-baking contest as her lifeline. With pals from the diner and a new romance in her corner, will she find it within herself to take this gutsy leap of faith? Featuring a delectable score by Grammy Award–winning artist Sara Bareilles, this energetic and emotional musical is a treat for the ears and soul.

Based on the beloved 2007 indie film written and directed by Adrienne Shelly, Waitress the musical premiered on Broadway in April 2016 with a book by Jessie Nelson and music and lyrics by Bareilles. It marked the first time in Broadway history that a production team was led by women.

“Waitress was a huge hit on Broadway when it first premiered and I’m honoured to be directing this production,” said Ashlie Corcoran, Artistic Director of the Arts Club. “Sara Bareilles’ phenomenal score of charming and moving songs is paired with vivid characters and a profound story. Jenna’s not a typical musical protagonist; she doesn’t always make the best choices, but I feel we can all relate to how incredibly human she is.”

The Arts Club’s creative team also includes choreographer Shelley Stewart Hunt and Musical Director Caitlin Hayes. Rachel Drance will make her professional theatre debut as Jenna. Audiences may know Drance from television shows such as Virgin River and The Flash. The stage design, lighting, and soundscapes have been meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere that brings the diner to life.

Waitress is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

CAST

Sarah Cantuba (Dawn/Ensemble), Graham Coffeng (Ensemble/Understudy for Dr. Pomatter), Rachel Drance (Jenna), Ben Elliott (Cal/Ensemble/Understudy for Joe), Josh Epstein (Ogie), Victor Hunter (Minister/Ensemble/Understudy for Ogie & Cal), Ashanti J’Aria (Becky/Ensemble), Sofia Merola (Lulu), Jennie Neumann (Jenna’s Mom/Ensemble/Understudy for Jenna), Kamyar Pazandeh(Dr. Pomatter/Ensemble), Tom Pickett (Joe), Jyla Robinson (Nurse Norma/Ensemble/Understudy for Becky), Nova Scout (Lulu), Marco Walker-Ng (Jenna’s Father/Ensemble/Understudy for Earl), Ali Watson (Francine Pomatter/Ensemble/Understudy for Dawn), Jacob Woike (Earl/Ensemble)

MUSICIANS

Caitlin Hayes (Conductor/Keyboard 1), Clare Wyatt (Keyboard 2), Monica Sumulong Dumas(Bass), Peter Serravalle (Guitar), Colin Parker (Drums), Finn Manniche (Guitar/Cello)

CREATIVE TEAM

Ashlie Corcoran (Director), Shelley Stewart Hunt (Choreographer), Caitlin Hayes (Musical Director), Cory Sincennes (Set & Costume Designer), Michelle Ramsay (Lighting Designer), Kate De Lorme (Sound Designer), Harika Xu (Assistant Lighting Designer), Jonathan Hawley Purvis (Fight Director), Lisa Goebel (Intimacy Director), Adam Henderson (Dialect Coach), Michelle Harrison (Stage Manager), Liz King (Assistant Stage Manager), Finnley O’Brien (Apprentice Stage Manager), Rose Fulker (Child Supervisor)

ABOUT THE ARTS CLUB THEATRE COMPANY

The Arts Club Theatre Company is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, in particular the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations, We invite you to reflect on your relationship to these lands. The Arts Club is one of the largest not-for-profit theatre organizations in the country and is the principal gathering place for the theatrical arts in British Columbia. Comprising three unique venues across Vancouver, the Arts Club welcomes more than a quarter million guests annually, tours provincially and nationally, and engages students and artists alike through educational and professional programs.

Above all, the Arts Club is dedicated to the advancement of local artists telling stories from around the globe and, in particular, those of our region. From this, we believe that culture expands, an understanding of differences is nurtured, and art bursts forth. The Arts Club was founded in 1964 and is currently led by Artistic Director Ashlie Corcoran and Executive Director Peter Cathie White.

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Media release provided by Cynnamon Schreinert, Hartley PR. Image: Music Theatre International (MTI)