Bleecker Street, in collaboration with Fathom Events, has acquired the U.S. rights to the highly successful musical production, Waitress: The Musical. Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, this Broadway hit is set to be released nationwide on December 7, 2023, offering audiences the chance to experience the magic of the stage. Captured live in 2021 during its long run, Waitress: The Musical captivated audiences with its heartfelt story and phenomenal performances.
Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 indie feature film, Waitress: The Musical revolves around the life of Jenna Hunterson, expert pie maker and waitress, played by composer-lyricist Sara Bareilles. Trapped in a small town and trapped in a loveless marriage, Jenna’s life takes an unexpected turn when a baking contest in a neighboring county opens a door to escape her circumstances. With the support of her fellow waitresses and a newfound romance, Jenna discovers the courage to pursue her long-abandoned dreams.
The film adaptation of Waitress: The Musical was directed by Brett Sullivan under the guidance of Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus, who directed the Broadway show. Jessie Nelson served as the creative advisor for the stage production. In addition to Sara Bareilles, the cast includes talented actors such as Eric Anderson, Charity Angél Dawson, Christopher Fitzgerald, Drew Gehling, Caitlin Houlahan, Dakin Matthews, and Joe Tippett.
Waitress: The Musical boasts an impressive lineup of producers, including Michael Roiff, Barry and Fran Weissler, Sara Bareilles, Jessie Nelson, and Paul Morphos. Alecia Parker contributes to the film as an executive producer. The musical received widespread acclaim, with critics praising the heartfelt reimagining of Adrienne Shelly’s original film.
Debuting in April 2016, Waitress made history as the first Broadway musical to have four women in the top creative team spots. With a book by Jessie Nelson, music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, choreography by Lorin Latarro, and direction by Diane Paulus, the production broke barriers and set a new standard for inclusivity. The design team, featuring sets by Tony Award-winner Scott Pask, costumes by Suttirat Anne Larlarb, lighting by Tony Award-winner Ken Billington, and sound by Tony Award-nominee Jonathan Deans, created a visually stunning experience. Music supervision by Nadia DiGiallonardo added an extra layer of artistry to the production.
Waitress: The Musical was an unprecedented success story, running for over 1500 performances at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. The show’s impact was so significant that it made a triumphant return for a limited engagement at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre to celebrate Broadway’s reopening in the fall of 2021. Barry and Fran Weissler, along with Norton and Elayne Herrick, produced Waitress on Broadway, leaving a lasting legacy.
The acquisition of U.S. rights by Bleecker Street and Fathom Events marks a new era for Waitress: The Musical. Building on their successful partnership, which began with the release of Guy Nattiv’s Golda, Bleecker Street and Fathom Events are poised to bring this extraordinary production to a broader audience. Audiences across the nation will now have the opportunity to witness the power and grace of Waitress: The Musical firsthand, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.
Waitress: The Musical is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. With its captivating performances, inspiring narrative, and talented creative team, this production has solidified its place in Broadway history. The partnership between Bleecker Street, Fathom Events, and the acclaimed musical ensures that the magic of Waitress will touch the hearts of audiences far and wide. Prepare to be swept away into a world of love, redemption, and the pursuit of dreams as Waitress: The Musical takes center stage once again.