WAITRESS

Choose a theme that has some resonance with American life or culture and comment on the way this is explored in the musical version of Waitress. For example, you might write a blog post that critiques the musical in terms of its exploration of American middle-class apathy OR its critique of American capitalism. You are encouraged to explore a theme that has not been discussed in class.

I felt the musical Waitress had a heavy reference to the American Dream and critiqued the American life rather than endorsing it. The feminist fairy-tale was deeply an American musical that centres entirely around the whole notion of escapism, freedom and liberty.  This is a major aspect of Jenna’s character but also motivation for her wanting to leave her partner which is constantly referred to in the film and musical production. The musical highlight the feminist theme more than what the film expresses. Restrictions placed on women in society are challenged in this musical and eventually Jenna’s character breaks through the cycle of abuse with the parallel of the mother and daughter being presented at the conclusion of the production.  It is interesting to highlight how the affair is used as a form of empowerment, even though it isn’t morally accepted but, when compared to her abusive husband it is considered acceptable. As an audience member, I felt conflicted as did Jenna because you feel as though you want the protagonist to have a happy ending however you question whether her actions are the correct way she should go about it. Jenna’s confliction was demonstrated in the number ­­­­­­­­­­‘Bad Idea’. However; Becky’s song ­­­­­­­­“I Didn’t Plan it” expresses that we do not have the right to judge people and their circumstances. When Jenna is able to break through the violent relationship which depicts the strength of her character but offers strength to other women in today’s society who are going through the same struggle. It is a sign of empowerment for Jenna’s character but also an important theme which is aimed at the audience and aimed to metaphorically hit the audience with emotional power. Emotional power and manipulation was present within the musical however, the physical abuse that was so predominate in the film and such a large part of Jenna’s empowerment was lacking in the musical interpretation. This was due to the portrayal of Earl, this then jeopardising the interpretation of his character and I then found there was an aspect lacking in the abusive dynamic between himself and Jenna. I question whether this is due to the production and theatrical side that the musical offers or whether the directors felt it was not necessary to capture in the stage interpretation. However; the use of staging and set allowed the audience to look past the portrayal of Earl. Her confinement within the relationship with Earl is portrayed through set and more specifically when Jenna is at home the set is brought forward creating a confined and restricted space reflecting her feelings when with Earl. The set is almost like a prison and colours of black walls contrasts with the rest of the set. This makes the audience feel as though they too are confined and makes you gather a greater understanding of the battle Jenna was trapped in. At the back of the set there is a dry empty road that is seen through the windows of the diner. The only time we see the entire road is when she sings the song at the end of the musical in which the audience learns that she is in fact going to leave Earl and start a life of her own. This pivotal moment is conducted in the song “She used to be mine”.