Backstage with Tamara Daly for ‘Waitress’

Over the last few years, I’ve been fortunate to see stage productions of Waitress on multiple stages, including a one-of-a-kind immersive experience at Zach Theater. But I can’t help but be excited to see what Broadway in Austin brings to the stage as the show celebrates its 10th anniversary. It should come as no surprise that I had to get to know at least one cast member.

For Tamara Daly, the magic of musical theater extends far beyond the bright lights, memorable songs and standing ovations. It's found in the stories that remind audiences of their own lives, the relationships that develop behind the curtain and the opportunities to bring something personal to the stage. As Nurse Norma in the 10th anniversary national tour of Waitress, Daly is helping bring a beloved musical about love, friendship and finding the courage to change one's life to audiences across the country, including Austin.

Tamara Daly. Courtesy photo

But for the Brooklyn native, whose family hails from Guyana, the production represents more than another theatrical credit. It is an opportunity to explore themes that resonate with her own experiences while celebrating a milestone in her career.

"It's a fun show," Daly said. "It was a chance to work with an awesome creative team and the score is amazing."

Featuring music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, Waitress follows Jenna, a gifted pie maker working in a small-town diner while navigating the trials and tribulations of an unhappy marriage and the possibility of a different future. Through friendship, humor and the healing power of baking, Jenna gradually discovers that her circumstances don’t have to define her destiny. 

For Daly, one of the story's most meaningful elements is Jenna's relationship with her late mother, whose love of baking continues to shape her daughter's life. While Jenna's circumstances differ from her own, the emotional work of carrying a parent's memory forward feels familiar.

She's struggling with the loss of her mother,” Daly shared. “I haven't lost my mother, but I've lost my dad. She's definitely trying to navigate through her mom. The loss of a parent is something that I deeply connect with in this show.”

L-R: Tamara Daly (Nurse Norma), Samantha Lane Scruggs (Jenna Hunterson) and Connor Lewis (Dr. Pomatter). Photo by Jeremy Daniel

Although Nurse Norma is not the central figure in Jenna's journey, Daly has found a personal source of inspiration for the character. "My aunt is a RN back in New York City, so I'm definitely pulling from her," Daly said with a laugh. It's a small but meaningful connection that reflects the way performers draw upon their own relationships and experiences to give characters a sense of authenticity. For Daly, those family connections extend beyond her approach to acting. They have also helped shape how she navigates the entertainment industry.

Across five national tours, Daly has worked with a variety of theatrical professionals. Yet Waitress has introduced something she had never previously experienced: a creative and stage management team made up entirely of women.

"One of my favorite parts is that this is my first time working with a creative team and they are all women," Daly said. "I've never encountered that in my career across all five of my tours."

For an actress who has spent years navigating an industry where representation remains an ongoing conversation, the experience has been especially meaningful.

"Our stage management are women, our entire creative team are women, our music director is a woman," she said, expressing her excitement about the production's leadership. The experience has also given Daly the opportunity to collaborate with artists who have a direct connection to the musical's history, including Abbey O'Brien, who had been part of the original Waitress production. "I think that myself and the cast, we feel like we're working with celebrities," Daly said with a laugh.

That enthusiasm speaks to the sense of excitement surrounding the anniversary tour. For Daly, being part of the production means not only performing a beloved show but also learning from artists connected to its theatrical legacy.

As Waitress continues its anniversary tour, Daly hopes audiences will embrace everything the musical has to offer. For those already familiar with Jenna's story, the production offers another opportunity to experience its memorable characters and music. For newcomers, it provides an introduction to a show that balances difficult realities with humor, friendship and hope. And for Daly, it represents another chapter in a career built on perseverance, family support and a lasting love of musical theater. Her invitation is simple: bring the family, enjoy the music and allow yourself to connect with the story.

Waitress runs October 21 - 23 at Bass Concert Hall in Austin, Texas and tickets are available at TexasPerformingArts.org and BroadwayinAustin.com.