Some people were born loving musical theater, some have had musical theater thrust upon them. Yeah, I’m the latter category, but I’m glad that I’m catching on. Having a dramatic kid in the house helps get guys like me out of their snobby shells!
Last Tuesday the troupe touring Waitress brought the show to the Washington Pavilion, playing to a sold-out-ish crowd. Waitress was a little film about a small town gal who bakes her feelings into award-winning pies at a small town diner. Sara Bareilles — she who won’t write you a love song — adapted the film into a musical back in 2015 and it’s had a great run.
Fantastic cast on this one, with Ms. Bailey McCall taking the lead role. Her voice alone could carry the show – really exceptional, earning a double round of applause on the big number “She Used To Be Mine.” Also: Live band. Canned music always sounds a little off at these things, a little overdone, a little out of step with what’s happening on stage. These guys nailed it.
The Pavilion’s been bringing more show like this to town, and you ought to give them a chance. Looking to get your feet wet? Next season they’ve got the Jimmy Buffett musical “Escape to Margaritaville” on the bill. How ’bout that for a gateway drug?