Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartwarming musical promotes courage; some mature content.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Waitress: The Musical
What's the Story?
WAITRESS: THE MUSICAL follows Jenna (Sara Bareilles), a waitress who has a talent for pie-making but feels downtrodden because her marriage is full of dysfunction -- and, on top of that, she's pregnant. Her friends/coworkers Becky (Charity Dawson) and Dawn (Caitlin Houlahan) support her every step of the way, even when she makes the mistake of starting an affair with her OB-GYN, Dr. Pomatter (Drew Gehling).
Is It Any Good?
Despite it the fact that it deals with mature issues like domestic violence and existentialism, for the most part, this is a well-crafted, heartfelt, funny musical. It's the one that Bareilles cut her Broadway teeth on, and she shows just how much her character and the story means to her as she embodies Jenna from the inside out. Dawson and Houlahan are great counterparts as Becky and Dawn, and, overall, Waitress: The Musical makes you feel warm inside from seeing a woman rise above her less-than-ideal conditions. The end does feel a bit rushed (in order to cram in a happy conclusion), but ultimately, Waitress: The Musical proves why it has become so beloved among Broadway fans.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about courage. How does Waitress: The Musical address the fear that someone might have when embarking on something new? How can you develop the courage to live your dreams?
How does seeing mature material like domestic violence and sex in a stage-show context compare to seeing it in a movie? Which has more impact?
How does Jenna's talent at pie-making help her in her life? What roles do her relationships serve in her life?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 7, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : January 9, 2024
- Cast : Sara Bareilles , Cailtin Houlahan , Charity Dawson , Drew Gehling
- Directors : Diane Paulus , Brett Sullivan
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Fathom Events
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 144 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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