Mary in Vancity

There are shows you watch and forget… and then there’s Waitress. I saw it last night at the Stanley Theatre, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

If you’re not familiar with the story, it follows Jenna, a small-town waitress and ridiculously talented pie-maker who’s stuck in a loveless marriage and facing an unexpected pregnancy. It’s about friendship, starting over, and finding the courage to bet on yourself—even when the odds aren’t great.

And wow, did it hit me hard.

Let’s Talk About Rachel Drance

Rachel Drance plays Jenna and she’s the heart of this production. Her performance was raw, grounded, and so emotionally honest that you could hear sniffles throughout the theatre. When she sang “She Used to Be Mine”, it wasn’t just a song. It was a moment. I cried (and I wasn’t alone). She made you feel every word. Honestly, I’d go see it again just to watch her perform that one song.

The Cast Brought It

Kamyar Pazandeh as Dr. Pomatter was sweet, awkward, and kind of perfect. His chemistry with Rachel felt natural and had just the right amount of tension and tenderness.

Jacob Woike played Earl—Jenna’s husband—and he nailed that uneasy, controlling energy. You weren’t supposed to like him, and you definitely didn’t. But it was a layered performance, which made it even more compelling.

Ashanti J’Aria as Becky was hilarious and strong. Her solo, “I Didn’t Plan It”, was powerful and gave me goosebumps. She brought a ton of heart to the stage.

Sarah Cantuba as Dawn was quirky and adorable in the best way. Her song “When He Sees Me” was so sweet and funny, and she had the whole crowd rooting for her.

And Josh Epstein as Ogie? He stole every scene he was in. His energy was chaotic and lovable, and “Never Getting Rid of Me” was a total crowd-pleaser. So funny, so weird, so good.

A Quick Shoutout to the Creative Team

The show is directed by Ashlie Corcoran and choreographed by Shelley Stewart Hunt, and they’ve built something really special. The set feels cozy—like you’re right there in the diner with Jenna and the girls. And yes, there’s actual pie-making happening on stage. It’s those little details that make the whole thing feel so real.

Thinking About Going? Here’s What You Need to Know

Waitress is on now at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage and runs until August 3, 2025.

🎟️ Tickets start at $39 and are available at artsclub.com. Or you can call the box office at 604‑687‑1644.

🕒 Showtimes:

Tuesday to Thursday at 7:30 PM Wednesday matinees at 1:30 PM Fridays at 8:00 PM Saturdays at 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM Sundays at 2:00 PM

There are also special performances like Talkback Tuesdays and audio-described VocalEye shows if you want something a little extra.

Don’t Miss this Wonderful Assemble

If you’ve been on the fence about seeing Waitress, take this as your sign. It’s warm, funny, emotional, and beautifully performed. Bring tissues. Bring a friend. And maybe go grab pie after—because you’re definitely going to crave it.

Let me know if you’ve seen it too—I’d love to hear what you thought!