Florida Studio Theatre Extends Waitress Through January 5

November 18, 2024 | Sarasota

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is pleased to announce the extension of its opening Winter Mainstage production, Waitress, which is now held over through Sunday, January 5, 2025, in FST’s Gompertz Theatre. With Book by Jessie Nelson and Music & Lyrics by Sara Bareilles, this heartwarming musical is a treat to the senses – and audiences want seconds! Tickets are on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or via phone at 941.366.9000.

Sarasota audiences and critics have fallen head over heels for Jenna, an expert pie baker navigating life in a loveless marriage. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune calls Waitress “a charming and well-cast musical” with a “delicious score” and “a production filled with good spirits.” Kaitlyn Davidson as Jenna is “engaging…who makes you fall for her from the moment she pours her first scoop of sugar,” breathing life into Sara Bareilles’ songs with her “sweet voice.” Broadway World adds, “It’s a performance you won’t want to miss!”

“Waitress is one of those great new shows with a catchy pop-folk score, lots of laughs, and characters you fall in love with,” says Ben Liebert, FST resident Director. “Jenna, our titular waitress, see her dreams slipping away, her home life falling apart, and a baby entering her life. She inspires us to make the tough choices and find the resilience in ourselves to keep on going, all in a musical that goes down as smooth as a chocolate cream pie.”

Leading the role of Jenna is Kaitlyn Davidson*. Kaitlyn is making her FST debut and has appeared on Broadway in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Nice Work If You Can Get It. She originated the title role in the first national tour of Cinderella and starred as Judy Haynes in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Recently, she launched the tour of Bright Star as Lucy Grant. Her regional credits include roles at Signature Theatre, Riverside Theatre, and Cape Playhouse. Kaitlyn is a graduate of The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Rounding out the cast are Galyana Castillo* as Becky (also a first-time performer at FST), Charity Farrell as Dawn (returning to FST after Rhinestone Cowgirls and Divas3), Quinn Corcoran* as Dr. Pomatter (FST debut), James Larson* as Earl (FST debut), Jason Pintar* as Cal (returning after Network and The Wanderers), Nick Cearley* as Ogie (FST debut), and Scott Wakefield* as Joe (returning after Troubadour). Ensemble members include Madeline Bartlett Fansler*, Jazz Madison, Madalyn Macko, Aathaven Tharmarajah and Ryan Hurley all of whom are making their first appearances at FST.

Liebert is joined by a talented creative team, including Darren Server (Music Director), Axis Studios Design (Scenic Design), Chelsea Allen and Jacob Denney (Costume Design), Ben Rawson (Lighting Design), and Thom Beaulieu (Sound Design). The stage management team includes Shira Lebovich* (AEA Stage Manager), Charlotte Perez (AEA Assistant Stage Manager), and stage management interns Amoreena Tillman and Colbee Dickson.

*Indicates members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Don’t miss Waitress at Florida Studio Theatre on stage now through January 5, 2025.

Waitress is part of a four-show subscription package. With its mission to make theatre accessible to as many people as possible, subscriptions to all four Mainstage productions for as little as $79. Also included in the Winter Mainstage subscription package is the touching comedy, The Heart Sellers about life for recently immigrated Americans, the thoughtful drama, The Cancellation of Lauren Fein, about systemic cancellation, and the jukebox musical, Jersey Boys, that tells the story of the rise of one of the biggest groups in the 20^th century, The Four Seasons. Subscriptions for all four Winter Mainstage shows can be purchased for as little as $79, and single tickets for Waitress range from $29-49. Visit floridastudiotheatre.org for a full performance schedule and to purchase tickets or call the Box Office at (941) 366-9000.