Ogunquit Playhouse, Maine
In 2024, rights to Waitress the Musical were released for regional non-replica premieres across the United States.
The first of these took place at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine, commencing on 9 May 2024.
Desi Oakley, who originated the role of Jenna on the First National Tour, and stepped in to cover cast illness on the West End, reprised the role in this new production. Many other cast members, such as Maiesha McQueen, Matt DeAngelis, Andrew Burton Kelley, Gabriella Marzetta and Julia Rippon have also starred in different productions of the show before.
The show features the original staging by Scott Pask, and costumes by Suttirat Anne Larlarb, with wigs designed by Roxanne De Luna. However, as a non-replica production, it has been reimagined by director, Abbey O’Brien, who has previously worked on the show’s tours, alongside new choreographers, Cost n’ Mayor. Many of the creative team and cast have also previously been involved in the Waitress the Musical family, such as Ryan Cantwell.
For the first time in an English-language production, Sara Bareilles’ loop of ‘sugar, butter, flour’ which is used to open the show was replaced with a newly-recorded version by Desi Oakley.
The Ogunquit Playhouse launched a limited edition cocktail to celebrate, entitles Jenna’s Gin Spritz (Hardshore original gin, peach, lemon, Aperol and simple syrup) and also sold homemade apple and blueberry hand pies. Merch on sale included a dark blue apron, with the Waitress logo.
Cast
- Jenna – Desi Oakley
- Dr. Pomatter – Ben Jacoby
- Becky – Maiesha McQueen
- Dawn – Gizel Jiménez
- Cal – Jimmy Ray Bennett
- Ogie – Kennedy Kanagawa
- Earl – Matt DeAngelis
- Joe – Cleavant Derricks
- Ensemble – Matt Curiano, Daniela Durbin, Sam Hartley, Renee Jackson, Chelsea Williams, Evelyn Woodman, Thabitha Moruthane, Andrew Burton Kelley, Gabriella Marzetta, Aché Richardson
- Swings – Jake Urban, Julia Rippon
- Lulu – Asha Iranpour, Evelyn Woodman
- Music Supervisor – Ryan Cantwell
- Choreographers – Cost n’ Mayor
| Theatre | Ogunquit Playhouse, Maine |
| Opening | 9 May 2024 |
| Closed | 8 June 2024 |