Photos provided by Brett Beiner

The largest subscription theater in America takes the lead once again by mounting the Midwest Regional Premiere of “Witness,” the Broadway smash featuring a soundtrack by Grammy Award winner and Tony nominee Sara Bareilles.

Alongside a book by Jessie Nelson, local direction from Katie Spelman and the Paramount Theatre debut of the dynamite Michelle Lauto as Jenna, the Aurora venue will certainly be the place to be through Sunday, March 30.

Much of the reason has to do with the instantly infectious music, but also a down to earth story of a leading lady stuck in a loveless marriage, an unplanned pregnancy, an unrelated liaison, and perhaps most importantly, a bakery full of prize-worthy pies that could be her ticket out of a small town U.S.A.

“Waitress” also includes Kelly Felthous as Dawn and Teressa LaGamba as Becky, two terrific sidekicks, plus David Moreland as Dr. Pomatter, Ian Paul Custer as Earl, Ron E. Rains as Joe, Jonah D. Winston as Cal and Jackson Evans as Ogie, ensuring lots of sweetness, sass and laughs between them.

Just take a look bakery case to find many different emotionally-named confections or listen for the likes of “What Baking Can Do,” “Club Knocked Up,” “It Only Takes A Taste,” “Bad Idea,” “I Love You Like A Table” and “Everything Changes” to get a clue of the warmth and comedy that awaits.

Even so, everyone is far from one dimensional, but instead, a living, breathing community where the crowd can’t help rooting for their favorites or jeer those who aren’t so hot.

As the play progresses, some twists put the tight-knit characters in the middle of more than one heart-wrenching tangle, yet ultimately, seek the best for the baby to be and the well-being of the whole wacky bunch.

And considering the overall quality of Paramount’s productions could easily match or surpass anything in the city, not to mention the Big Apple, whenever it plans to serve up this wonderful recipe of “Waitress,” the audience will undoubtedly come out the winner.

“Waitress” continues at the Paramount Theatre through Sunday, March 30. For additional details, visit ParamountAurora.com.

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