“Sugar, Butter, Flour, Mother.” This mantra keeps small-town waitress and gifted pie-maker Jenna grounded as she navigates the challenges of life — making ends meet at a local diner while enduring an abusive marriage. When Jenna discovers she’s pregnant, she sets her sights on winning a pie-baking competition in a neighboring town, seeing it as her only chance for a fresh start.
But her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets the charming OBGYN, Dr. Pomatter. Sparks fly, and despite both being married, their undeniable chemistry draws them together in a romance that’s as complicated as it is compelling. As Jenna grapples with these emotional upheavals, her co-workers and friends, Becky and Dawn, stand firmly by her side, offering not only support but the encouragement she needs to pursue the contest—and her independence.
In her Arts Club Theatre debut, Rachel Drance brings warmth and authenticity to the role of Jenna in Waitress. Her vocal performances are both heartfelt and powerful, with “She Used to Be Mine” standing out as a deeply moving highlight. Most impressively, Drance captures the nuanced complexity of Jenna’s inner journey — from self-denial in her relationship with her husband, Earl, to self-discovery through her romantic bond with Dr. Pomatter, and ultimately, self-realization as she finds her purpose and embraces her own worth.
The casting of this production is superb, with each performer shining through their unique musical styles and memorable performances. Kamyar Pazandeh is perfectly cast as the charming Dr. Pomatter — smitten not only with Jenna, but also with her irresistible pies. Their scenes together strike a lovely balance between emotional tension and playful intimacy.
The supporting cast is equally strong. Ashanti J’Aria as Becky and Sarah Cantuba as Dawn bring sass, soul and impeccable comedic timing to their roles. Their trio harmonies with Drance are a vocal treat, and their individual solos leave a lasting impression.
Visually, the production is striking. Set designer Cory Sincennes masterfully transforms the stage—from the cozy diner to Jenna’s living room and the doctor’s office—with clever, seamless transitions. Particularly noteworthy are the kitchen scenes, where Jenna bakes her pies onstage using real eggs, flour, sugar, and butter, adding a sensory richness that makes the experience all the more immersive.
Waitress, like the perfect pie, combines all the right ingredients: Sugar – a heartwarming narrative, Butter – spot-on casting and Flour – memorable music and choreography. But what truly sets it apart is its secret ingredient: Mother. Though Jenna’s mother appears only briefly, her influence resonates throughout the musical, shaping Jenna’s outlook and instilling the strength she needs to pursue a better life. The story comes full circle when Jenna hears her baby’s heartbeat for the first time and realizes that she, too, is now a mother.
Based on the 2007 film by Adrienne Shelly, Waitress the musical features music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, with a book by Jessie Nelson. Directed by Ashlie Corcoran, this heartfelt production is now playing at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage through August 3, 2025. For more information and tickets, visit artsclub.com.
Photo Credits: Moonrider Production
