The Engeman Serves Up a Big Slice of Happiness with "Waitress"

The Engeman Theater’s polished-to-perfection production of the 2016 Broadway musical "Waitress" captivates audiences with its recipe for living a fulfilling life. As soon as you step into the theater and see Kyle Dixon's colorful set depicting Joe's Pie Diner, you know you're in for a theatrical treat.

This show tackles challenging familial topics, such as infidelity, domestic abuse, and how frightening the prospect of motherhood can be. Still, the musical bursts with upbeat messages of salvation, such as believing in yourself, breaking free of toxic relationships, and getting by with a little help from your friends. Based on Adrienne Shelly's 2007 indie film, the book is by Jessie Nelson, and the music and lyrics are by Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, and pop star Sara Bareilles.

Marc Tumminelli, the brilliant director, said it best, "Our story centers around Jenna, a waitress in a roadside pie shop in a purposely unnamed southern town. I find her to be one of the most interesting characters that I have ever encountered in any musical. She is so astoundingly complicated. She is undeniably human. She makes mistakes, she does bad things, but you can't help but root for her."

Charismatic Broadway actor Chessa Metz was perfectly cast as Jenna, an unhappily married, hardworking waitress with an extraordinary culinary gift for baking heavenly pies. This demanding role requires a powerhouse singer to do justice to Bareilles’ show-stopping score. Metz fits the bill. Because Jenna appears in most scenes, the part calls for a high-voltage performer, and Metz is all that and more. After Jenna's abusive husband, Earl, takes the money she was hoping to use to win her freedom, Metz's heartrending delivery of the sentimental ballad, "She Used to Be Mine," was the high point of the show. It's no wonder the audience leaped to their feet when she walked onto the stage during the curtain call.

Trevor St. John-Gilbert's spot-on portrayal of Earl, Jenna's pathologically jealous, controlling, and money-grubbing husband, had the audience gasping aloud. When Jenna finally stood up to him, the audience broke into a spontaneous round of applause. St. John-Gilbert showcased his vocals during "You Will Still Be Mine."

Laraisha Dievelyn Dionne gave a standout performance as Becky, a waitress with a whole lot of soul who serves up a side dish of sarcasm with every meal. Dionne had some of the funniest lines in the show, and she delivered them with gusto. Becky possesses a wicked sense of humor, but when it comes to her BFF, Jenna, she also dispenses words of wisdom. Dionne held the audience spellbound with her riveting rendition of "I Didn't Plan It." Adam Du Plessis gave a memorable performance as Cal, the hot-headed, short-order cook. The easy banter between Becky and Cal offered much-needed comedic relief throughout the show.

Kaléa Leverette excelled in the role of Dawn, a high-strung, neurotic waitress with a heart of gold. She is there for Jenna every inch of the way. Leverette has strong pipes, and the audience loved her energetic rendition of "When He Sees Me." One of the funniest scenes in the musical happens when Dawn meets Ogie, the quirky asthmatic tax auditor and Revolutionary War reenactor. Matthew Dengler's over-the-top antics as Ogie, along with his hysterically funny delivery of "Never Getting Rid of Me," were unforgettable onstage moments.

Jack Cahill-Lemme gave an award-worthy performance as the nerdy, nervous OB-GYN Dr. Pomatter. Metz and Cahill-Lemme's electrifying onstage chemistry enhanced their duets, "It Only Takes a Taste" and "You Matter to Me."

A big shoutout goes to Gregory North for his outstanding performance as Joe, the curmudgeonly diner owner with a soft spot for Jenna. He delivered a moving rendition of the reflective ballad, "Take It From An Old Man." Another standout performer was T'Arica Crawford, the wisecracking, pie-loving nurse, Norma.

The show ended on a high note when the talented young actor Blair Travaglianti stepped on stage as Lulu, Jenna’s daughter. Evelyn Engelmann performs this role on alternate nights. The rest of the stellar ensemble included PJ Cirino, Daniel Fullerton, Ryan Hurley, Andrew Burton Kelley, Timmy Lewis, Meaghan Maher, Ashley Margaret Morton, Kelly Prendergast, and Ashlee Waldbauer.

Keep your eyes and ears open to catch the significance of Jenna's signature pies' names. My favorites were "Afternoon Delight," "Pursuit of Happiness Pie," "Lonely Chicago Pie," and "Marshmallow Mermaid Pie," to name but a few!

"Waitress" runs through April 27, 2025. For a complete show schedule and to purchase tickets, please call the Box Office at 631-261-2900, visit the box office at 250 Main Street, Northport, or visit their website at engemantheater.com.