Waitress The Musical Brings Broadway-sized dreams to Peoria 

By the time Jenna finishes making her latest pie, she may have mixed together a little heartbreak, a dash of frustration and a generous helping of hope.  That is the recipe at the heart of Waitress, the hit Broadway musical coming to Peoria this October.   The national touring production of Waitress will make two stops at the Peoria Civic Center Theater as part of the American Theatre Guild’s 2026-27 Broadway in Peoria season.

For local theater fans, it is an opportunity to see a contemporary Broadway musical without making the trip to Chicago. And while the show’s setting may be a small-town diner, its themes – love, friendship, difficult choices and the desire for a fresh start – are anything but small.

A Story Served with a Side of Humor

Based on the 2007 movie, Waitress follows Jenna, a waitress who has an extraordinary talent for baking pies but feels trapped in an unhappy marriage and an increasingly unsatisfying life. Her pies provide an escape – and a way to say things she can’t always express out loud.

When a nearby baking contest offers the possibility of a substantial prize and a chance to change her circumstances, Jenna begins imagining what life might look like if she were able to make her own choices.  Things become even more complicated when a new relationship enters the picture.

That combination of romance, comedy and serious personal struggles is a big part of what has made Waitress resonate with audiences. It isn’t simply a story about a woman trying to win a baking contest. It is a story about someone trying to figure out what she wants her life to be.

The show’s supporting characters add plenty of humor along the way. Jenna’s fellow waitresses, Dawn and Becky, provide friendship and comic relief, while the diner becomes a kind of extended family for the people who work there.

And Then There Are the Pies

It wouldn’t be Waitress without the pies.  Throughout the musical, Jenna’s creations become reflections of what’s happening in her life. Some are sweet, some are funny and some have names that reveal exactly how she’s feeling.

Among the pies featured in the production are creations with names such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.”   The pies aren’t merely a gimmick. They help tell Jenna’s story, turning her baking into a creative outlet and a symbol of the life she wishes she could build.  And yes, audiences should probably expect to leave the theater with dessert on their minds.

A Score by Sara Bareilles

Another major attraction for the Peoria performances is the show’s music.  The original score was written by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, whose pop hits include “Love Song” and “Brave.” Her music gives Waitress a contemporary sound that sets it apart from many traditional Broadway musicals.

The score moves from upbeat and playful numbers to quieter, more emotional songs as Jenna and the other characters confront their relationships and choices.  For audiences who know Bareilles primarily as a recording artist, Waitress offers a chance to hear her songwriting in a very different context. Her music is woven directly into the characters’ stories, helping reveal thoughts and emotions that aren’t always spoken.