Photographer Jenny Anderson (who shot our fabulous Classic New York Films and our current Broadway Replacement Stars series) brings BroadwayBox backstage for an exclusive series capturing Broadway companies getting ready to take the stage. Next, Jenny heads backstage at Broadway's Brooks Atkinson Theatre, home to Sara Bareilles' long-running hit musical adaptation of Waitress
. Scroll on to see this super-talented company prepare for their first shift on a two-show day. Cue "Opening Up"!
Nicolette Robinson makes her Broadway debut as Jenna. She is not only the first woman of color to play the role, but also the first real-life mom to play Jenna.
Stunning photo, but can we also that funko pop doll of her on the dressing table?!?
Drew Gehling is back as the adorkable Dr. Pomatter.
Drew told us the character’s name is a amalgamation of baseball players Jim Palmer and Derek Jeter.
Next, Alex Wyse stops by Drew’s dressing room for a chat. (Also Drew’s dressing room looks like something right out of HGTV. Just stunning!)
And a little hug good luck!
Then back in his own room, Alex recruits the help of dressing roommate Ben Thompson in order to get rainbow high. “Eyes, hair, mouth, figure.”
Ben Thompson (a standout singer and performer from Rent, American Idiot, Holler If Ya Hear Me, Carrie, and Matilda) plays Jenna’s no-good husband Earl.
Meanwhile, you only have until November 18 to catch Today Show Emmy winner Al Roker in his Broadway debut as Old Joe.
After his coffee, comes a little vocal warm up with dressing roommate Benny Elledge.
Benny Elledge makes his Broadway debut as the diner’s cook, Cal, and his scenes opposite NaTasha Yvette Williams’ Becky are absolutely BEYOND.
At this performance, fierce Be More Chill standout and former Nurse Norma, Tiffany Mann is on as Becky for NaTasha Yvette Williams.
Over in her part of the shared dressing room, Lenne Klingaman begins her new Dawn rising process to become the meek and lovable waitress.
After co-starring on the show’s tour, Lenne Klingaman joined the Broadway company and makes her debut as Dawn.
Next we are off to the shared ladies ensemble dressing room where they are readying for the matinee.
OBCer Molly Hager made her Broadway debut as Jenna’s mom in the show and has remained for over 1,000 performances.
The ladies sure know how to decorate. Gotta give it up for that!
Then a quick glance over in the boys’ dressing room pre-show.
Now, we jump back to Nicolette’s dressing room where her Jenna transformation is nearly complete.
For the month of October, the cast of Waitress switched the ladies diner uniforms from blue to pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
One last look before she heads down to the stage.
Moments before the show begins, the company comes together onstage.
Break a leg, Team Waitress!
Nicolette Robinson just extended her acclaimed run through December 9. Her Jenna is can’t-miss, so hurry over!
It’s time to open up for Joe’s Pie Diner and treat this matinee audience to the delicious and hardy musical Waitress. See the gang live at Broadway’s Brooks Atkinson Theatre.
