Examining the San Francisco Playhouse’s ‘Waitress’
Overview of the Production
Currently being showcased at the San Francisco Playhouse, the musical Waitress features a book by Jessie Nelson and music by Sara Bareilles. The production, directed by Susi Damilano, runs through January 18 and offers a unique glimpse into the lives of its characters set against the backdrop of a small-town diner.
Character Dynamics
The central character, Jenna, portrayed by Ruby Day, embodies kindness and goodness, often highlighted by her co-worker who refers to her as the “queen of kindness.” In stark contrast, her husband Earl, played by Ben Euphrat, is depicted as selfish and abusive, to the point that Jenna’s colleagues refuse to engage with him. Despite the surrounding negativity, Jenna channels her turmoil into creative pie-making, crafting whimsical recipes like “mermaid marshmallow pie” and “jumping without a net bottomless pie.”
Thematic Elements
While the production introduces two polarizing characters in Jenna and Earl, it invites audiences to navigate complex feelings surrounding manipulative relationships. This contrast resonates with real-life dynamics, where empathetic individuals often find themselves entangled with less virtuous partners. However, a one-dimensional portrayal can detract from the narrative depth, drawing parallels to clichéd storytelling conventions.
Unique Portrayal of Life
Waitress excels in its rich characterizations, particularly in showcasing the lives of the diner’s employees. Notable is the character Dawn, played by Sharon Shao, who is filled with quirky enthusiasm, representing a style of uncoolness that is charmingly embraced. The musical further delves into typically feminine aspects of life, addressing themes like the emotional weight of pregnancy tests and familial legacies of recipes and trauma.
Musical Composition
Sara Bareilles’ score introduces an atmospheric soundscape, blending surf guitar influences with harmonious melodies. The result is a unique auditory experience that evokes sensations akin to indulging in a lemon meringue pie—delightful but with occasional sour notes.
Production Strengths and Weaknesses
Directed with compassion and creativity by Susi Damilano, the production features lively visual elements, including imaginative choreography involving the pies and inventive staging. However, the chemistry between Jenna and her obstetrician, Dr. Pomatter, played by Zeke Edmonds, falls short. Their interactions seem forced, lacking the desired romantic tension, leading to the impression that their love songs merely serve as plot transitions rather than expressions of deep connection.
Supporting Cast and Characterization
While the main romantic storyline struggles, Tanika Baptiste as Becky consistently delivers memorable performances with sharp humor. Day’s portrayal of Jenna captures a range of emotions, showcasing her character’s internal struggle with her circumstances and layering complexity beneath her exterior of sweetness.
Conclusion
Waitress is a blend of sweetness and reality, steering clear of a straightforward fairy tale ending. The narrative acknowledges the messiness of love and relationships, with characters often juggling past partnerships alongside present ones, showcasing the intricate and sometimes chaotic nature of human connections.
