By Andy Dillehay
Waitress, Lincoln Community Playhouse, Friday, March 21st, 2025
Small-town dreams, a touch of romance, and the power of friendship took center stage at the Lincoln Community Playhouse’s production of Waitress. In his curtain speech, Executive Director Morrie Enders noted the uniqueness of this opportunity. Waitress is currently on break between national tours, and the creators agreed to license the show to a select group of theaters. The Lincoln Community Playhouse was one of just 100 theaters chosen to stage the show. This powerhouse production proves why the Lincoln Community Playhouse was selected, delivering an evening as warm and inviting as a freshly baked pie.
Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a gifted pie-maker trapped in a loveless marriage, and stifled by small-town life. Faced with an unexpected bun in the oven, she finds solace in baking, her co-workers, and the hope of a better future. From the moment the curtain rose, the production enveloped the audience in its cozy yet emotionally rich world. The opening was gentle and sweet, drawing the audience in like the scent of sugar and butter wafting through the air.
Director Jane Schiermeyer Hansen assembled a solid cast who executed her vision with heart. It’s clear that she fostered an atmosphere where actors felt safe to explore their characters fully, allowing for rich, genuine performances. Her guidance was evident in every nuanced moment, making this production not only entertaining, but profoundly moving.
Claire Wilkinson was a revelation as Jenna, bringing immense depth and authenticity to the role. With a voice that soared through Sara Bareilles’ heartfelt score, Wilkinson made the audience feel every ounce of Jenna’s longing, heartbreak, and resilience. Her portrayal was honest and completely captivating. She was supported beautifully by Ryan Leigh Seaton as Becky and Elizabeth Lipford as Dawn. The chemistry between the three women was palpable, perfectly capturing the deep camaraderie that can only be forged in the trenches of food service work. Seaton’s Becky was sassy, warm, and wise, while Lipford’s Dawn was an endearingly quirky delight.
The legendary Dave Landis as Joe was a show-stealer in his own right. With a gruff yet lovable demeanor, he added humor and gravitas to his every scene. With his rich vocals and immense empathy, Landis’ number, “ Take It From an Old Man,” served as an emotional anchor in the second act.
Sky Lindquist’s Dr. Pomatter was charmingly awkward and charismatic, bringing a Steve Martin-esque comedic flair to the role. Matthew A. Works, as the short-tempered cook Cal, landed many laughs with his physical comedy. Will Yindrick as Earl, Jenna’s slimy and controlling husband, was convincingly loathsome, providing a stark contrast to the warmth found elsewhere in the show.
The standout of the evening was undoubtedly Stuart Richey as Ogie. His performance of “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” transformed the show into The Ogie Hour. His commitment to the clogging, poetry-reciting, fanny pack-sporting, hopeless romantic, was hilarious, and the audience ate it up.
Music director Kristen Works led a stunning live orchestra, an absolute gift to both the cast and audience. The music was the heartbeat of the production, elevating poignant moments with lush instrumentation. While there was not a weak spot in the musical numbers, notable selections include the cheeky “The Negative,” the dreamy “A Soft Place to Land,” and the uproarious, “I Love You Like a Table.”
Jennifer Schultz’s choreography was modern and fluid, adding an organic grace to the movement on stage, whether in the diner or during more intimate moments. Lighting design by Cassi Crain was vibrant and skillfully balanced the line between reality and fantasy, enhancing both the warmth and emotional depth of the production. Special mention must be made of props designer Julie Enersen, whose beautifully crafted pies looked delicious enough to eat.
The scenic design by Sarah Harris beautifully captured the world of Joe’s Pie Diner, and seamlessly transitioned between locations. The actors themselves handled set changes with impressive choreography, keeping the momentum steady. Maralee Maldavs’ costumes encapsulated the essence of each character’s personality, from Jenna’s diner uniform to Ogie’s revolutionary ensemble.
With a heartwarming story, unforgettable performances, and a fantasy world where everyone is “happy enough” and has access to comprehensive healthcare, Waitress at the Lincoln Community Playhouse was a true treat. Much like Jenna’s famous pies, it was sweet, rich, and deeply satisfying.
*FOR MATURE AUDIENCES*
If you go: Waitress runs March 21st through March 30th, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM. Ticket information can be found at https://www.lincolnplayhouse.com
Andy Dillehay (he/him) is an artist from Lincoln, Nebraska. Through exploring a variety of mediums, Andy shares his love of storytelling.
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