Theatre Baton Rouge is baking up a sweet regional premiere of the hit Broadway musical Waitress. With pop-rock music by Sara Bareilles and a real and raw story of a girl desperate to overcome her circumstances, TBR show director Lily McGill says the musical is part of a new contemporary era of theater.

“These characters, they’re real people,” she says. “Even if these situations haven’t happened to you, it’s likely that you know someone who has gone through something similar. These characters aren’t larger than life. They’re relatable.” The show will run from August 16 to September 1, with many cast members, like actress Emily Bourgeois who plays the lead role of Jenna, making their TBR debut.

“You’ll laugh. You’ll cry—and everything in between,” McGill says. Waitress is rated PG-16 due to strong language and some profanity. Tickets are on sale now at theatrebr.org.