Keri Russell, the actress known for her role in the 2007 film *Waitress*, has shared her reluctance to view the Broadway musical adaptation of her film. Speaking at a recent event for the Netflix series *The Diplomat*, Russell candidly expressed, “It just feels weird,” highlighting the unique emotional experience of seeing a character that she once portrayed take on a new life on stage.
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Originally capturing audiences as Jenna Hunterson, a skilled pie maker working in a small-town diner, Russell’s performance in the film has left a lasting impact. The narrative follows Jenna’s struggles with an unhappy marriage and her unexpected pregnancy, underscoring her journey to reclaim her independence and pursue her passion for pie-making. In her reflections, Russell conveyed a sense of strangeness at the idea of witnessing another actor portray her character.
Although the musical adaptation, which features music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles and book by Jessie Nelson, premiered on Broadway in April 2016, Russell has yet to experience it first-hand. The stage production quickly emerged as a significant success, with audiences embracing it over its almost four-year run. Jessie Mueller, who took on the role of Jenna on Broadway, received accolades for her performance, including Tony Award recognition.
*Waitress* became a breakthrough moment for Broadway, as it marked the first occasion where women held all four leading creative positions — composer, book writer, director, and choreographer. It introduced audiences to a selection of original songs that resonated deeply, including “She Used to Be Mine” and “What Baking Can Do.” These tracks have become staples in contemporary musical theatre, showcasing Bareilles’ ability to perfectly capture the emotional nuances of the narrative.
The musical’s commercial triumph continued past its original Broadway closing in January 2020, following 1,544 performances. It later inspired a national tour and West End production, bringing the story to diverse audiences around the globe. In 2021, *Waitress* made a notable comeback, being among the first shows to reopen on Broadway following the lengthy COVID-19 hiatus, once again featuring Bareilles in the role of Jenna.
In December 2023, audiences had another chance to experience *Waitress* as it was adapted into a film, which featured the 2021 stage company. The release garnered significant attention, raking in over $6 million worldwide and becoming available for streaming shortly thereafter. This means that if Russell ever decides to see the musical, she can easily do so from the comfort of her own home.
Despite her reservations about watching the stage version, Russell remains appreciative of the legacy that *Waitress* continues to build. The film, released shortly after the untimely death of its writer and director, Adrienne Shelly, resonated with viewers and has gained a dedicated following over the years.
Keri Russell’s connection to *Waitress* remains deeply rooted, and while she may not yet have ventured into the Broadway theatre to witness her character’s reinvention, her influence on both the original film and its subsequent adaptations has indelibly shaped the narrative. As the story of Jenna Hunterson continues to inspire and entertain, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in various forms.
As for her own piece of the legacy, Russell’s original performance is still available for fans to watch, with the film currently streaming on Prime Video, allowing both new and returning viewers to experience her portrayal of the beloved character.