Waitress
by Zach Theatre

Jun. 11 - Jul. 13
Wednesdays-Sundays

Jenna, a waitress and skilled pie maker, grapples with a loveless marriage and a small-town life. When an unexpected pregnancy challenges her dreams, a baking contest and a charming new doctor offer her a chance at happiness. With the support of her quirky colleagues and loyal customers, Jenna discovers the courage she needs to pursue her dreams. Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's film, Waitress offers a heartwarming recipe for finding joy in unexpected places. 

“Sara Bareilles’ terrific score is one of the best from the last decade and it possesses so much heart,” said Dave Steakley, Producing Artistic Director of ZACH. “Performed in the round with prime seating in Joe’s Diner, we look forward to sharing Jenna’s journey in this intimate setting with Austin audiences.” 

The casting includes Leslie McDonel as Jenna; Nyla Watson as Becky; Jillian Juliet Sainz as Dawn; Gabriel Bernal as Dr. Pomatter; Leland Burnett as Earl; Charlie Turneras Ogie; Curt Denham as Joe; Roderick Sanford as Cal; and Asia-Lige Arnold as Norma/Francine. Kelly Whitlow, Brian Sanchez, and Jacob Canderozzi will complete the cast as swings.

The role of Lulu will be announced later this spring.

“Waitress is an incredibly moving musical that uses whimsy to shine a light on issues that we as a culture don’t talk about. Through the music, Sara Bareilles is brilliant at one minute making you laugh with her comedy and satire, and the next minute knocking the wind out of you,” said Abate. “I am excited for this amazing cast, led by the incomparable Leslie McDonel, to bring this story to life in an intimate and immersive 360 experience.  And of course, there will be pie!”

Waitress is directed and choreographed by Cassie Abate with musical direction by Aimee Radics. The additional production team includes assistant director Betty Marie Muessig; assistant musical director Hailey Truong; scenic design by Robin Vest; costume design byChristina Montgomery; lighting design by Marie Yokohama; sound design by JoshMillican; properties design by Brady Flock; hair and makeup design by Anna Fugate; AEA production stage manager Devon Muko; AEA assistant stage manager Leigh’Ann Andrews; and assistant stage manager Gloria Labatut Davies. 

Nominated for four Tony Awards including Best Musical, Waitress is based on the 2007 indie film of the same name. Called “A little slice of heaven!" by Entertainment Weekly, Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage.

Premiering on Broadway in April 2016 to rave reviews with a national tour running from 2017 to 2019, Waitress became a cultural phenomenon. With music and lyrics from Grammy Award®-winner Sara Bareilles, currently a select group of regional theatres across the United States have access to this heartwarming musical with ZACH being one of the first to bring Waitress to life regionally. 

Featuring original music by Sara Bareilles (“Brave”, “Love Song”) is the hit musical that is “a little slice of heaven” (Entertainment Weekly). 

Directed by Cassie Abate

Age Recommendation: Ages 13 and up 

 

Waitress
by Sara Bareilles, Jesse Nelson
Zach Theatre

Wednesdays-Sundays,
June 11 - July 13, 2025
Kleberg Stage, Zach Theatre
South Lamar Blvd at Riverside Drive
Austin, TX, 78704

June 11 – July 13, 2025 | The Topfer at ZACH Theatre

Wednesdays - Sundays

Special events in celebration of Waitress:

 
Book Tickets