Will Waitress turn out to be the best musical produced in the Chicago area this year? It’s too early to predict with certainty, but if there’s a better production waiting in the wings to wow local audiences, I’ll be very pleasantly surprised.
The first Chicago-area production of the Sara Bareilles-scored musical opened Friday night at the Paramount under the sparky direction and choreography of Katie Spelman and starring Michelle Lauto in a warm, funny, incandescent performance that made Aurora feel like Broadway. Lauto, an excellent singer who can carry emotional scenes with subtle grace, is worth the trip on her own.
As Jenna, a pie-shop baker/waitress dreaming of a better life even as a loutish husband and an unexpected pregnancy threaten to drag her down, Lauto is bolstered by a strong company of actors, most notably Teressa LaGamba and Kelly Felthous as fellow servers on their own romantic journeys and Ron E. Rains as the cafe owner in what may be his most emotionally nuanced performance.
Bareilles’ songs are strong and Lauto more than does them justice–including the 11 o’clock number, “She Used to Be Mine,” which sends shivers. But what I loved most about this show, especially with my teenage daughter in tow, is how it gives Jenna full agency throughout.
Jenna chooses to keep the baby, she chooses to pursue her dream of winning the big pie contest, she chooses to start and end an affair, and while holding her newborn for the first time, she firmly decides to end her marriage and pursue a happy life with her daughter. Amazing what an all-woman creative team can deliver (the original Broadway production had Diane Paulus as director and Lorin Latarro as choreographer with Jessie Nelson’s book, adapted from Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 film, paired with Bareilles’ score).
All of these tasty ingredients add up to a perfect showcase for Lauto’s considerable talents. After 10 years in Chicago, she recently moved back to New York. Let’s hope the move pays off in some choice Broadway roles. Because Michelle Lauto has what it takes to be a star. Waitress just may be her breakout role. Go see, and hear, for yourself.
Waitress runs through March 30 at the Paramount Theatre.
For a full roundup of reviews of this show, visit Theatre in Chicago.
Photo by Brett Beiner
