Natalie Bassingthwaighte Delivers a Career-Best Performance
Waitress the Musical opened in Melbourne on Thursday evening to a star-studded guest list, with many musical theatre greats including Lucy Durack, Ruva Ngwenya, Todd McKenney, Marina Prior and Eddie Perfect amongst the audience. Also in attendance were Bonnie Anderson, Em Rusciano and Harrison Craig, alongside key Melbourne media identities including Jackie Epstein and Nui Te Koha.
The standout of the evening, without question, was Natalie Bassingthwaighte. While there has been some criticism surrounding her casting as Jenna — with some pointing out the original story centres around a young waitress and Natalie is now 51 — I can confidently say she is cast perfectly. This role requires a seasoned and emotionally experienced actress and singer given the themes of domestic violence, pregnancy, and triumph, and Natalie delivers on every level.
In fact, I would go as far as saying it’s the best I’ve ever heard her sing. Her vocals are breathtaking, emotional, and commanding, and honestly, I would go again just to hear her perform.
After speaking with Natalie at a recent media call, she said:
“I love playing Jenna because she’s raw, vulnerable, and unapologetic. She’s very grounded in her environment and upbringing and doesn’t really get fussed by much, which is the truth. I love the journey she goes on in the show. It’s very emotional, but it’s also very beautiful and empowering to go through everything she does on stage and come out a better version of herself.
It’s very relatable. We are all trying to survive this crazy, wonderful life we are blessed with, but it’s challenging. Life isn’t all roses and cupcakes — it can be really tough. The most beautiful part of this show is that it shows real human connection.”
Mackenzie Dunn, known for starring in Grease and Annie, is also part of the lead cast and plays Dawn, the quirky and nervous waitress searching for love. Her performance brings so much humour to the production, with the audience erupting into laughter throughout many of her scenes.
Rob Mills is perfectly cast as the other man alongside Keanu Gonzalez, who delivers a powerful performance as the abusive husband. Gabriyel Thomas brings warmth, energy, and heart to the friendship dynamic between the waitresses, while John Waters is brilliant as the old man — a truly seasoned professional whose stage presence is impossible to ignore.
The set itself centres around a pie shop and café, transforming subtly throughout the production. While fairly minimal, it doesn’t need anything more given the strength of the storytelling and the incredibly high calibre of the cast.
Mackenzie Dunn says the show is so beautiful because it captures the “ordinariness” of everyday life.
“It’s just a human story about humans. It’s really nice to simply be people at a diner doing ordinary things.”
Gabriyel Thomas also reflected on the emotional core of the production, saying:
“The connection between the three waitresses is so wonderful. We are at this diner together every day, and while there’s no huge spectacle in this show, it really comes down to the heart.”
Without giving too much away, Waitress tells the simple yet deeply empowering story of Jenna, a talented pie-making waitress trapped in an unhappy and abusive marriage who unexpectedly falls pregnant and begins searching for a way to reclaim her life, independence and happiness. Through friendship, heartbreak, humour and self-discovery, the production explores resilience, courage and the importance of human connection in a way that feels raw, relatable and incredibly moving. This Melbourne production delivers emotion, laughter and hope in equal measure — and Melbourne My Style gives it a well-deserved five-star review.
Opening Night – Photography by Cameron Grant
Please visit for more information https://waitressthemusical.com.au/
By Melinda Sullivan
Production Images by – Jeff Busby
