Cast
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Sara Bareilles
as Jenna Hunterson
Charity Angél Dawson
as Becky
Caitlin Houlahan
as Dawn Louise Pinkett
Drew Gehling
as Dr. Jim Pomatter
Dakin Matthews
as Joe
Eric Anderson
as Cal
Joe Tippett
as Earl Hunterson
Christopher Fitzgerald
as Ogie (Oklahoma) Anhorn
Anastacia McCleskey
as Nurse Norma
Molly Jobe
as Mother
Stephanie Torns
as Francine
Nora Winer
as Lulu
Matt Deangelis
as Ensemble
Henry Gottfried
as Ensemble
Max Kumangai
as Ensemble
Crew
Director
- Brett Sullivan
Writer
- Jessie Nelson
Producer
- Barry Weissler
- Jessie Nelson
- Sara Bareilles
- Paul Morphos
- Fran Weissler
- Michael Roiff
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Waitress: The Musical examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Brett Sullivan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Waitress: The Musical took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 144 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 188 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1309 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 483 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Waitress: The Musical shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike American Dreamz, which focuses more on action than character development, Waitress: The Musical offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Look Who's Talking Too and Prem Nagar explore similar territory, Waitress: The Musical stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 7, 2023
- Runtime: 2h 24m
Where to Watch
