Character guide
Becky
from Waitress
Becky is Jenna's outspoken, world weary coworker in Waitress, Sara Bareilles's 2016 musical about a small town diner.
- Show
- Waitress
- Broadway premiere
- 2016
- Role
- Supporting
- Music by
- Sara Bareilles
Becky: from the film to Broadway
Broadway compared with the 2007 film
Becky is the same frank, married co-worker in both versions, but the musical hands her a showstopper: I Didn't Plan It, an Act 2 solo about her unapologetic affair with Cal. Cheryl Hines played Becky in the 2007 film.
Keala Settle originated Becky at the American Repertory Theater in 2015 and on Broadway in 2016. Charity Angel Dawson later played her on the first national tour and in the 2021 Broadway return engagement.
Who is Becky?
Becky is a waitress at the diner alongside Jenna and Dawn, older and more openly cynical about romance, dealing with a difficult home life caring for an ailing husband. Her blunt humor and street smart perspective make her the friend who tells Jenna hard truths rather than comforting platitudes.
Over the course of the show, Becky finds her own unexpected relationship with the diner's cook, Cal, adding a quieter, more grounded parallel storyline to Jenna's central romance and reinforcing the show's theme that happiness can be complicated and imperfect rather than storybook simple.
Becky's role in Waitress
Becky is a supporting role known for her powerhouse vocals, most notably in her feature within the song "I Didn't Plan It," which calls for a big, confident belt voice to match her no nonsense personality. The role stands out as one of the score's strongest showcases for a supporting player.
Keala Settle originated the role on Broadway, bringing a commanding vocal presence to the part. Audiences remember Becky for her sharp wit and her showstopping vocal moments, which frequently draw some of the loudest response in the show.
Becky: frequently asked questions
What show is Becky from?
Becky is a supporting character in Waitress, which opened on Broadway in 2016.
Is Becky a lead or supporting role?
Becky is a supporting role, one of Jenna's fellow waitresses.
Who wrote the music for Waitress?
Sara Bareilles composed the music and lyrics for Waitress.
Think you can name today's mystery character in eight guesses?
Play today's Character Guesser