‘Waitress’ to begin three-week run at Grand Theatre

A dash of Broadway magic will be on stage in London this April, CTV News got a sneak peek.

While living and working in New York City, Julia McLellan remembers sneaking into the theatre on Broadway to watch ‘Waitress.’

The Nova Scotia native is now on the poster for the play at the Grand Theatre in London, Ont.

“Waitress is an amazing musical based on the 2007 film of the same name,” said McLellan who plays the role of Jenna.

“It’s this wonderful pop musical written by Sara Bareilles, who we are all massive fans of, so it’s so exciting to get to sing her music as a fan even before Waitress. When Waitress was on Broadway and I used to sneak in and watch it as many times as I could, I fell in love with Jenna and in love with this show in the music.”

Making its southwestern Ontario debut, the play has been popular across Broadway and in the UK.

“It’s a story about a woman who is a pie baker in a small town, and her life is a little sad and unfulfilling,” said McLellan.

“She has a husband who’s not so nice to her. She uses her friendship, her imagination, and her creativity to kind of lift herself out of her circumstance and make herself a better life.”

The show which also features Canada’s Got Talent ‘Golden Buzzer’ recipient Stacey Kay runs from March 25 to April 12.

‘Much of this play is about joy," said Rachel Peake, artistic director.

“About friendship, finding your place, and finding your voice, but there are some dark themes. To me that’s theatre at its best - a journey of delight and fun, mixed with a deep emotional experience. I hope that cup of stagecraft and dash of humour all mixes into an experience at the theatre that tastes like something special.”

McLellan is thrilled to be making her Grand Theatre debut.

“I’ll say it over and over again, the Grand is one of the best theaters in the country,” said McLellan.

“I’m not just saying that because I’m here. Truly the team, the crew, the creative team, the cast they bring in, it is world class theatre here. I feel very, very fortunate to be able to come here and work here.”