★★★★★
Melbourne, there’s a warm deliciousness that has drifted across our city and landed at Her Majesty’s Theatre, and it’s full of sugary delight and decadent lashings of whipped, creamy goodness. Waitress the Musical has hit the stage, with the Australian premiere filling the air in our hometown with a gorgeous appley-cinnamon toasting.
This musical sensation, directed by Diane Paulus, is sugar, butter, flour and all heart. It has the makings of every good pie: crisp in all the right parts, a wholesome filling, and full of flavour built out of love.
Based on the 2007 film, Waitress is set in a small southern town in the US and the story centres around Jenna (Natalie Bassingthwaighte) and her partners-in-pie Becky (Gabriyel Thomas) and Dawn (Mackenzie Dunn), who run the tables at Joe’s Pie Diner.
Each of the girls has a story to tell, mostly because of the men in their lives. Jenna, who has a baby on the way, must choose a pathway for happiness.
Mixed in with these ingredients are the unfortunate curdling mess of a volatile and controlling husband, Earl Hunterson (Keanu Gonzalez), a sudden mouth-watering romance with Doctor Pomatter (Rob Mills), and her comforting friendship with the deeply rich and wise owner of the diner, Joe (John Waters).
There are also a few unexpected lumpy pockets that surface when cook Cal (John Xintavelonis) tries to smooth things over and keep the diner running as usual. A love interest for Dawn also rises in Ogie (Gareth Isaac), adding another burst of flavour!
True to the human spirit, life’s battles and the daily grind to make ends meet, Waitress takes us on a journey of hope. Dusted with cheeky jokes and happy laughter, it focuses on the legacy of motherhood, choice and relationships, finding meaning in both action and consequence, and the wisdom that only time can teach us.
An outstanding collection of creatives that have put together this winning production, and it is every bit deserving of a champion title in a bake-off.
Playing Jenna, Natalie Bassingthwaighte is a key ingredient in what makes this musical such a success. She brings warmth and sweetness to Jenna’s kindness, while also delivering the spark and strength the role demands when courage takes centre stage.
Bassingthwaighte’s vocals bloom through the theatre with a rich, golden warmth. Her portrayal of Jenna will draw heartfelt tears that remind you just how powerful human connection can be. Most of all, though, she leaves behind the lingering comfort of Mermaid Marshmallow Pie.
Rob Mills brings an endearing awkwardness to Doctor Pomatter, making him impossible not to adore. He is the gentle, sugary dusting you can’t get enough of. All strawberries-and-chocolate sweetness, singing moments of magic, he embodies every bit of why we fall in love.
As Joe, John Waters grounds the production like the base of the pie dish. His steady hand and whole heart are brilliantly uplifted with seasoned experience. His portrayal is clever, memorable, and a favourite of the audience.
Gabriyel Thomas brings Becky to the stage with a bold, assured essence. She excels in this role in every way, with sublime energy and a tenderly glowing voice that completes the recipe beautifully.
As Dawn, Mackenzie Dunn is all zest and tang; everything you want to savour. She leaves you hoping for seconds in all that she does, shining under the spotlights.
John Xintavelonis as Cal is all the good bits of a pie combined. A special delight, he adds to the fun, turning up the heat and providing the stir.
Gareth Isaac as Ogie is the sprinkling of salt you didn’t know every pie needed. An indulgence you can’t resist, he excels in comedic timing, with intelligent articulation through every part of his performance.
Elandrah Tavares as Nurse Norma is hilarious. She is the doctor’s assistant who serves up the wit and one-liners, plating this pie with seasoned perfection.
By contrast, Keanu Gonzalez as Jenna’s husband Earl, is the butter knife that slices through all good pies. You will want to wash free of him because his performance comes with such strength, an emotionally abusive man who is constantly looking for selfish reassurance.
The world of Waitress is also carefully built behind the scenes, with a strong technical team bringing its warmth and texture to life. Scott Pask’s scenic design captures the comforting, small-town diner setting with inviting detail. Suttirat Anne Larlarb’s costume design adds personality and charm to each character’s journey.
Ken Billington’s lighting design gently shifts the emotional tone of the story, from soft intimacy to fuller, more expressive moments. Jonathan Deans’ sound design ensures every note, lyric and laugh lands with clarity and balance. Together, these elements quietly hold the production together like a perfectly baked crust.
Waitress The Musical is a rich and heartfelt theatrical experience, layered with humour, warmth and beautifully human storytelling. With outstanding performances and emotional sincerity baked into every moment, this Australian premiere will leave the audience uplifted, comforted and smiling all the way home.
Melbourne, you are in for a truly delicious treat!
Waitress the Musical runs to 8 July in Melbourne at Her Majesty’s Theatre. 219 Exhibition Street Melbourne Vic 3000.
It then runs in Sydney from 1 August 2026 at the Lyric Theatre.
Get tickets for Melbourne here and tickets for Sydney here.
Website: https://waitressthemusical.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/waitressau/
Photo credits: Jeff Busby
