My new friend Liz Ireland (from the Virginia Woolf society) recommended the musical Waitress, so I got tickets online and showed up in the West End again. I had never seen the movie, so the plot was a mystery, but from the moment the lead singer playing the role of Jenna opened her mouth, I knew she was something special. Later I learned Sara Bareilles was actually scheduled to begin the show on Monday, and Desi Oakley agreed to fly in for a few shows since the first Jenna had to leave before Sara started. How terrifying would it be to join a new cast with different dynamics and tempo and try to pull off the show, after only a short rehearsal to block it? The songs were the same as the Broadway version, granted, but there's something about practicing with your teammates that really helps. I never guessed this was the behind the curtain drama, but one of the other actors gave Desi and her leading man bouquets, as they were leaving so that Sara B. and her leading man could take over. I dunno, I mean a musical is supposed to have show-stopping numbers that get patrons out of their seats, but tonight Desi's voice and emotional connection to the material were much stronger than the lyrics and arrangements. She had three standing ovations! I fully supported them all. Not all musical leave you lifted, but this one did.
Des is holding her daughter, who had a brief part in the end, and flowers in this picture. If you ever get the chance to see her, do!
Before the show, I saw the Chinese New Year's celebration beginning. While I had a mask in my pocket, I stayed away. Sigh.
So I went to the Opera Bar for some fish and chips, and my first organic beer. England has been using fair trade and farm to table sourcing for years, and the food is tasty!
Cheers! I finished the beer but not the fish.
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