Jenna (Ruby Day) crafts the perfect pie in "Waitress," presented by San Francisco Playhouse November 21 – January 18. Photo Credit: Jessica Palopoli

“Waitress” is a Refreshing Holiday Play

San Francisco Playhouse is currently staging a Broadway staple, Waitress, directed by San Francisco Playhouse Producing Director and co-founder Susi Damilano.

Music direction is by Dave Dobrusky and choreography by Nicole Helfer.

Featuring a score by Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles and a new book by Jessie Nelson, this musical follows Jenna, a waitress for a small-town diner.

While she is married to a bum, she never considers abortion after discovering that she is pregnant.

Jenna copes by crafting perfect pies.

Not all Bay Area critics were convinced that her whirlwind romance with her doctor was effective.

A baking contest offers Jenna the hope to escape her unhappy life as she chases her dreams and rediscovers herself along the way.

Waitress will perform through January 18, 2025 at San Francisco Playhouse 450, Post Street.

For tickets ($35-$135) and more information, the public may visit sfplayhouse.org or call the box office at 415-677-9596.

Based on the Fox Searchlight Pictures film of the same name written by Adrienne Shelly, Waitress premiered at American Repertory Theater before opening on Broadway. It was nominated for four Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Original Score and ran for nearly four years followed by a limited return engagement. Time Out New York said, “the whole dish is love at first bite,” while The New York Times said the musical “rises to transporting heights and sweeps up your heart along with it.”

San Francisco Playhouse has assembled a cast of talented actors to bring the diner to life. Ruby Day makes her San Francisco Playhouse debut as Jenna, a waitress with a gift for baking.

Day has previously performed in Beach Blanket Babylon and in the national and international tours of Annie. Day has also performed at Presidio Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and with the San Francisco Symphony