Veteran Australian actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte has expressed her deep disappointment and heartbreak following the abrupt cancellation of the musical "Waitress," which has left her and the cast and crew without work. The popular production was axed on Sunday evening, midway through its scheduled Australian run, and will conclude after its Melbourne performances in the coming weeks, rather than proceeding to Sydney as planned.
"It's hard to comprehend!" Bassingthwaighte stated on social media, reflecting on the significant effort invested by everyone involved. She emphasized the devastating nature of the show's sudden end, particularly noting its proximity to the cancellation of the Australian run of "Beetlejuice."
Bassingthwaighte voiced concerns for the broader performing arts sector in Australia, suggesting it is facing significant challenges. "The arts is dying in this country, and that hurts my heart beyond anything," she said. The cancellation impacts not only musical theatre but also festivals and other performance-based events.
Rob Mills, another Australian performer in "Waitress," also shared his dismay online, acknowledging the imminent end of the production and his own job search. "Oh s**t. You better come see it and I better look for a job!" he wrote on Sunday night, as the show's final performance date was confirmed as July 19.
According to producer John Frost, the decision to terminate the remaining shows was driven by "challenging economic conditions currently facing audiences." This economic pressure appears to be significantly impacting the viability of theatre productions.
The casting of Bassingthwaighte, 50, in the lead role of Jenna – a character often described as being in her 20s or 30s – had previously drawn some criticism from theatregoers. Concerns were raised on social media platforms, with some suggesting that younger, lesser-known actresses might have been more suitable for the role, potentially allowing for the "regeneration" of opportunities within the industry. These critiques, however, were voiced prior to the production's cancellation due to economic factors.
The abrupt halt to "Waitress" underscores a difficult period for live entertainment in Australia, with multiple productions facing cancellation and performers expressing worry about the industry's future.