A Week of Waitress: Day 3!
Desi Oakley
Waitress National Tour
For the third day of "A Week of Waitress" I interviewed Desi Oakley, the star of "Waitress" on it's first national tour! Last night I had the opportunity to see the first preview of the Waitress tour at the Connor Palace theatre at Playhouse Square, in downtown Cleveland.
Q: What is “Waitress” about? How would you describe it to someone who has never heard of the show before?
A: WAITRESS is a story about daring to dream your biggest desire, and accepting yourself for who you are. We meet our main character, Jenna, who is more or less stuck, for lack of a better word. She is in a small town, in a loveless marriage with a disheartening future. Between the help of her best pals at the diner where she works, and meeting some unexpected people-- she is slowly “opening up” to knowing herself and reaching for something more. This is a story of courage. It’s a story of just how much Love can shape our world.
Q: What does the show mean to you?
A: Having grown up in Wichita, Kansas, I can relate to this group of people we are telling this story about. Jenna’s relationship with her mother was a close one, as is mine with my mother. Jenna has experienced loss, but has so much to give and is a deeply connected dreamer. I can see those sides of myself in her, so telling this story hits close to home on many levels.
Q:How long was the audition process? Did you have to audition multiple times?
A: I auditioned for the role later in the audition process. After my first audition, they asked me to come see Sara perform the role on Broadway and I went straight to the final callbacks.
Q: Had you heard of “Waitress” before auditioning? Had you heard any of the music?
A: Absolutely! I had gone to see the show with the original cast in the first couple of months it was open. I fell in love with the story. While I was so present soaking in the magic of it all, at the back of my mind somewhere was the thought: “I’d love to tell this story.”
Q: After how long did you hear back from the audition? Were you somewhere special when you got the news?
A: I heard back a couple weeks after the final callbacks. My agents called while I was at WICKED, because I was part of the Broadway company temporarily at the time.
Q: What is your role in “Waitress”? What kind of character are they?
A: I play Jenna. She is kind, loving, sarcastic. She’s an expert pie-maker. She’s creative, inventive, sharp, and sarcastic. She’s a wonderful listener and a loyal friend. She struggles to face her reality by burying her fears into baking. She struggles to see her true potential, and she truly doesn’t know how wonderful she really is.
Q: Do you have any pre-show rituals? Do you feel you have a new ritual for each show to help you get in character?
A: I like to warm up physically and vocally. Before the curtain rises, I like to put myself in Jenna’s shoes emotionally to get a “running start.”
Q: Have you been in a touring production before?
A: Yes, I toured with two National Tours: WICKED and EVITA.
Q: What is your favorite song to perform from “Waitress”? Is your favorite song to hear from “Waitress” the same as your favorite song to perform?
A: I can’t choose my favorite! There are simply too many. It changes by the week, since I sing so much of the material. Currently can’t get enough of “You Matter To Me.”
Q: What/Who inspired you to become an actress?
A: I grew up in Wichita, KS where there is a wonderful regional summer stock theatre: MTWichita. For me, it was my backyard, where everyone I knew grew up with season tickets. I auditioned as an eight year old, (like many do, for fun) and had no idea that it would change my life. I started looking up to these amazing men and women who were in the middle of thriving in their careers. It didn’t happen all at once for me, but over the years as I grew, I started to envision myself doing this because of the mentorship [from Producing Director Wayne Bryan] and the inspiration of those succeeding right in front of me.
Q: Do you have a go-to audition song?
A: I sing lots of different material in auditions. I often bust out “Orange Colored Sky” or sometimes even “Gimme Gimme” -- What can I say? It’s a good tune!
Q: Do you have a favorite role you’ve played?
A: I’ve had the chance to play incredibly dynamic women: Eva Peron in EVITA, Fantine in LES MISERABLES, Elphaba in WICKED, Fiona in SHREK, Ariel in THE LITTLE MERMAID, and now Jenna in WAITRESS. I feel like Jenna is my favorite so far. :)
Q: Have you enjoyed your stay in Cleveland so far? Do you have a favorite place you’ve visited?
A: Definitely! Playhouse Square is lovely -- that outdoor chandelier is stunning! I’m excited to see the Art Museum and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
Hey Guys!
Thank you for reading my lil messages, it means a lot that you do. I really hope you enjoyed this interview, I really loved this whole process! Leave a like down below!
xx- Rachel
