Waitress

Along with writer/director Adrienne Shelly, Andrew Hollander co-wrote "Baby Don't You Cry (The Pie Song)." for the original movie. Which in my opinion is a better song than any of the songs by Sara Bareilles in this Broadway musical version of the story. I was really surprised, and disappointed, that they didn't include it. The songs by Bareilles, like "Sugar,flour,butter" were fine as far as moving the story along, but most of them werent something that you would go home humming, much less singing. Like most musicals, if you took out the songs you would have a 30 minute drama or comedy. A lot of songs in musicals, no matter how well done, are mainly there to pad out a thin story. This story is entertaining and touching, but at nearly 2 and 1 half hours long, its stretched a little too thin by the music. If youre thrilled by repeatedly having people belting out songs at the top of their voices, maybe its not long enough. I enjoyed the original film more than this version. To me, without really great songs, musicals are redundant. I recognize the talent involved in the performances, but you need great songs to make a great musical.

Based on an overrated indie movie, Waitress tells the story of a waitress and baker with dreams, a terrible husband, and an unexpected problem. The songs, by star Sara Bareilles, are unusual for a Broadway musical, because they're pretty much Sara Bareilles pop songs, but she's an excellent songwriter and her songs work for both herself and others. This musical is beautifully staged. This is a filmed stage performance, and often those make you think, this would have been amazing in the theater, but this captures the staging so well that I'm not sure that it would have been better in a theater (probably not with the Broadways seats in my budget). It's funny, it's touching, the songs and choreography are terrific, the performers are terrific (virtually every significant character gets their own big number), and well, it's just really, really good. It's also apparently really, really obscure - there are only 6 user reviews as I write this - but it should be better known, so watch it if you have the chance.

One of the best movie versions of a Broadway musical that I've seen in a long time. This musical closely follows the original movie and the music is glorious. I've seen it on stage and seeing it as a movie is just as fabulous as in person. I'm so thankful that they made a movie so that I can watch it any time I feel like. The cast works well together, the ensemble is great, and the band is great. If you're looking for a fun, adult themed musical that keeps your toes tapping, your fingers snapping, and your mouth laughing, I say watch this - it's SO worth it! And after you watch it, try not to buy the original Broadway cast soundtrack!

I just finished watching the musical and I was blown away. I don't often say that. The last time was going to see 'Phantom of the Opera' and "Les Miserables' on stage. I watched this by myself in front of my big screen TV and my heaven, the talent, the emotions, the production. The music, the lyrics. I want to watch the show again for all that. Sara Bareilles is amazing and so natural a singer/actor, you feel every emotion she felt all through the story. The story of just trying to feel a bit of happiness, living with an abuser (they come in many guises) and friendship among disparate personalities comes together in this production. The sets are simple but perfect, the quick seamless changes of scene, too. I laughed and then cried at the end because I saw and felt that the sense of finding true happiness is within everyone's reach and it doesn't necessarily come with being swept away by a perfect love. I mean, you hope for it but it's not the be-all and end-all. And the surprise of someone in your life you never thought would be a big influence for change does reflect real life as I have lived it. Just wonderful. I executed my own standing ovation in the privacy of my living room. Couldn't help myself.