Bleecker Street has announced that it has acquired the U.S. rights to the filmed capture of “Waitress: The Musical,” featuring Sara Bareilles. The film, which had its world premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, was recorded during the musical’s run on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in 2021. In addition to writing the score for the musical, Bareilles also stars in the lead role.
“Waitress: The Musical” is set to be released on December 7, 2023, in partnership with Fathom Events. This collaboration marks the second partnership between Bleecker Street and Fathom Events, following the release of Guy Nattiv’s “Golda” on August 23. Bleecker Street is also known for their upcoming films “Jules,” starring Sir Ben Kingsley, and “Mafia Mamma,” starring Toni Collette and Monica Bellucci.
Fathom Events has previously released other filmed musicals, including “Bandstand,” “Kinky Boots,” and Disney’s “Newsies.” This partnership allows audiences to experience the magic of Broadway from the comfort of their local movie theaters.
The film adaptation of “Waitress: The Musical” was directed by Brett Sullivan, with Diane Paulus providing stage direction and Jessie Nelson serving as the creative advisor. The cast includes Eric Anderson, Charity Angél Dawson, Christopher Fitzgerald, Drew Gehling, Caitlin Houlahan, Dakin Matthews, and Joe Tippett. Notable producers of the film include Michael Roiff, Barry and Fran Weissler, Sara Bareilles, Jessie Nelson, and Paul Morphos, with Alecia Parker serving as an executive producer.
Inspired by the 2007 film by Adrienne Shelly, “Waitress: The Musical” follows the story of Jenna Hunterson, a waitress and pie maker, who yearns to escape her dissatisfying marriage. Originally running on Broadway from April 2016 to January 2020, the musical made a comeback from September to December 2021, delighting audiences with its heartfelt story and memorable songs.
The acquisition of the U.S. rights to “Waitress: The Musical” by Bleecker Street demonstrates their commitment to bringing quality theater experiences to a wider audience. By capturing the live performance and presenting it on the big screen, more people will have the opportunity to appreciate the talent and artistry of the cast and crew involved in this beloved production.
With its release through Fathom Events, “Waitress: The Musical” will reach theaters across the country, allowing both fans of the Broadway show and newcomers to experience the joy and emotion of this musical phenomenon. The filmed capture of the live performance preserves the energy and magic of the stage production while providing the convenience and accessibility of a movie theater experience.
As “Waitress: The Musical” captivates audiences across the nation, Bleecker Street continues to establish itself as a champion of independent films and groundbreaking projects. Their commitment to storytelling and bringing unique voices to the big screen is evident in their diverse slate of upcoming films, including “What Happens Later,” starring Meg Ryan.
In conclusion, the acquisition of the U.S. rights to “Waitress: The Musical” by Bleecker Street is an exciting development for both fans of the Broadway show and lovers of musical theater. With its release through Fathom Events, this highly anticipated film adaptation will allow audiences to experience the magic and emotion of the live performance on the big screen. Bleecker Street’s dedication to bringing quality theater experiences to a wider audience solidifies their reputation as a leading studio in the industry. Through their collaboration with Fathom Events, they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of filmed theater, offering viewers a unique and captivating cinematic experience.