Waitress set for Olney Theatre Center
Jan 29, 2025

The Olney Theatre Center is serving up a sweet treat for theater audiences with its regional premiere of "Waitress," running February 13 through March 30, 2025. The beloved musical, featuring music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Sara Bareilles, brings together an exciting reunion of talent, with MALINDA returning to the Olney stage in the lead role of Jenna, directed by Tony-nominated director/choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge.
Waitress at Olney Theatre Center
The heartwarming story follows Jenna, a talented pie baker trapped in an unhappy marriage, who finds hope for a fresh start through an unexpected romance and a pie-baking contest. Through her journey, supported by her fellow waitresses and a colorful cast of characters, Jenna discovers her own recipe for happiness has been within her grasp all along.MALINDA, who won a Helen Hayes Award for her performance in Olney's 2019 production of "Once," makes her triumphant return to musical theater after focusing on her successful music career. Since her last appearance at Olney, she has built an impressive following of 2.7 million on TikTok, released multiple chart-topping folk EPs, and completed a national headline tour supporting her debut album "It's All True."
The production features David Socolar as Dr. Pomatter, fresh from the national tours of both "Company" and "Waitress." The strong supporting cast includes Allison Blackwell as Becky, Ashley Nguyen as Dawn, and veteran performer Bobby Smith as Joe.
Artistic Director Jason Loewith shares, "I've been eagerly looking forward to mounting the DMV-region professional premiere of Sara Bareilles' amazing musical. Reuniting director Marcia Milgrom Dodge with the amazing MALINDA - the pair who elevated our production of Once to award-winning levels - gives this production a real opportunity to shine. Waitress is special to all of us: it's yet another way we're centering stories of strong women this season, sharing bonds of sisterhood in ways that inspire and delight."
Director Marcia Milgrom Dodge, known for her acclaimed reimagining of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" at Olney, leads a creative team including Music Director Christopher Youstra, Scenic Designer Chen-Wei Liao, and Costume Designer Sarah Cubbage.
"Waitress" will be performed at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd, with shows Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets range from 35-110, making this serving of theatrical excellence accessible to a wide audience.
Based on the 2007 film by Adrienne Shelly, "Waitress" premiered on Broadway in 2016 and has since enjoyed successful runs in London's West End and numerous international productions. The Olney Theatre's production promises to continue this tradition of excellence while bringing fresh ingredients to this beloved recipe.