What a delight being shown at Madison s new arthouse - although Waitress is really a sliver from belonging in mainstream theaters. Regardless where it landed, this comic-drama serves one star performance (Keri Russell) and enough scenes featuring pie to make you beg for dessert afterwards. Even Andy Griffith handles a supporting role with enough robust to add another notch to his stellar career.
There s a tragic post-script to this film. Its writer-director Adrienne Shelly, who also played Dawn (the charming waitress with dark glasses), was murdered in New York City last November at age 40. As the film expands nationwide, Waitress will be her proud legacy.
After seeing this several years ago, I ve gone to others shows that combine nostalgia pop/rock with Broadway theater. The results range from awful (Queen s show) to OK (a Ray Charles tribute). Now as I look back at Mamma Mia!
, with its all-ABBA soundtrack and suitably giddy plot, it appears that ABBA tunes transfer to musical theater rather well. It s one of those Broadway hits that won t stop and it returns to Madison for eight shows in six days, beginning Tuesday. Go to for ticket details.
Here s an oddity: A long forgotten pop band from the mid- 70s headlines Brat Fest from 6:45 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Thanks to two hits, Orleans still gets summer gigs, thanks to its singles Still the One and Dance With Me. It makes me wonder who will headline Brat Fest in 2037: I m betting on Daniel Bad Day Powter or Taylor Hicks.
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