Sugar, Butter, Love 

Waitress the musical, adapted from Waitress by Adrienne Shelly, arrives on stage with warmth, humour and emotional honesty, capturing much of the charm that made the original film such a beloved favourite. Set in a small American town, the story follows Jenna, a gifted pie maker trapped in an unhappy marriage while searching for a way to reclaim her future. Beneath its sugary surface, the production explores themes of motherhood, resilience, friendship and the courage it takes to choose happiness.

Visually, the production creates an inviting and authentic world from the opening moments. Scott Pask’s scenic design transports audiences directly into the heart of Joe’s Pie Diner, complete with a striking semi-open diner set framed by endless Midwest highways and towering powerlines stretching across the horizon. The simplicity of the landscape reinforces the feeling of isolation and longing that sits at the centre of Jenna’s story. Complementing this beautifully are Ken Billington’s atmospheric lighting choices (despite the lu lus pies sign at the end of the show not working properly) which bathe the stage in warm sunrise tones and dusky sunsets, subtly reflecting the emotional highs and lows of the characters’ journeys. Meanwhile, Suttirat Anne Larlarb’s costumes ground the production in realism while still allowing each character’s personality to shine through.

At the centre of the musical is Natalie Bassingthwaighte as Jenna, delivering a heartfelt and emotionally vulnerable performance. She captures Jenna’s exhaustion, hope and quiet determination with sincerity, making the audience deeply invested in her search for a better life. Vocally, while there are moments that feel slightly uneven, particularly during some of the more demanding musical passages (and some may argue a younger Jenna should of been chosen) her emotional connection to the material ensures the character remains compelling throughout. Her chemistry with Rob Mills as Dr Pomatter brings tenderness and charm to the production, even if their duet “You Matter to Me” occasionally lacks the vocal polish expected of such an iconic number.

Mills brings an awkward sweetness to Dr Pomatter that makes the character instantly lovable. His performance balances humour with genuine vulnerability, creating a romantic lead who feels both sincere and refreshingly human. Together, Jenna and Dr Pomatter share moments of softness and escapism that provide relief from the harsher realities of Jenna’s life.

Among the standout performances is Gabriyel Thomas as Becky, whose sharp wit and commanding stage presence inject energy into every scene she enters. Becky’s sass and confidence are balanced with emotional depth, particularly in moments that reveal the struggles hidden beneath her humour. Mackenzie Dunn is equally memorable as Dawn, delivering a delightfully quirky and lovable portrayal filled with nervous energy and comedic precision. Dunn’s performance is wonderfully vibrant, giving Dawn both innocence and individuality while ensuring she never fades into the background.

The supporting cast consistently elevates the production. John Xintavelonis brings warmth and comic timing to the role of Cal, expertly balancing frustration and affection as the diner’s overworked cook trying to hold everything together. His interactions with Becky are especially entertaining, with the pair sharing natural chemistry and sharp comedic exchanges.

Perhaps the biggest crowd-pleaser of the night is Gareth Isaac as Ogie. His performance is wildly energetic, hilariously eccentric and impossible to ignore. Isaac completely commands the stage during “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me,” delivering a show-stopping moment filled with impeccable comedic timing, physical humour and vocal confidence that earns one of the loudest audience reactions of the evening. Ogie could easily become caricatured in lesser hands, but Isaac gives the character genuine charm beneath the absurdity.

The emotional tension of the story is heightened through Keanu Gonzalez’s portrayal of Earl, Jenna’s controlling husband. His performance effectively captures the volatility and manipulation that casts a shadow over Jenna’s life, creating a stark contrast against the warmth and comfort offered by the diner and its staff. In quieter moments, John Waters delivers touching sincerity as Joe, the diner owner whose wisdom and kindness provide Jenna with much-needed support and perspective.

What makes Waitress resonate so strongly is its ability to balance light-hearted comedy with deeply human struggles. The musical never loses sight of the realities facing its characters, yet it approaches difficult themes with compassion, humour and hope. Between witty dialogue, heartfelt friendships and a score filled with emotion, the production creates an experience that feels comforting and uplifting without becoming overly sentimental.

Ultimately, this production of Waitress succeeds because of its heart. While there may be occasional vocal inconsistencies, the strength of the performances, the warmth of the storytelling and the beautifully crafted staging ensure the show remains thoroughly engaging. Funny, tender and emotionally satisfying, Waitress serves up a heartfelt reminder that even in life’s messiest moments, there is always the possibility of finding joy, freedom and a fresh start.

Waitress is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne. For tickets and more information visit waitressthemusical.com.au 

X Steph

Photos by Jeff Busby