In honor of Waitress’ third anniversary on Broadway, the musical has shared composer Sara Bareilles’ original demo recording of its signature ballad “She Used to Be Mine.” As heard in the clip above, the number has retained its original melody and lyrics from the very beginning—before Bareilles had tackled any other moment in the musical.
Prior to the show’s Massachusetts world premiere at the American Repertory Theater and subsequent Broadway bow, Bareilles debuted the track on What’s Inside, her 2015 concept album for what would become the stage adaptation of the 2007 film. Since then, the song has entered the pop culture circuit, being performed by current Waitress star Jeremy Jordan in a viral performance, becoming a staple on vocal competition shows, and featured on Saturday Night Live with Bareilles singing the tune for a gloomy Theresa May.
Waitress, featuring a book by Jessie Nelson and directed by Diane Paulus, opened at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre April 24, 2016, becoming the first Broadway production to have five women in the top creative spots (Bareilles, Nelson, Paulus, choreographer Lorin Latarro, and music director Nadia DiGiallonardo). It went on to earn four Tony nominations, including Best Musical, Best Original Score for Bareilles, and a nod for original star Jessie Mueller. Bareilles herself later replaced Mueller as Jenna and has returned to the show for multiple limited engagements.
The current cast is led by Wicked alum Shoshana Bean and Jordan, who will appear in the show through June 2. The company also includes Charity Angél Dawson, Benny Elledge, Eddie Jemison, Lenne Klingaman, Larry Marshall, and Ben Thompson.
