“WAITRESS,” the upcoming musical adaptation of the 2007 indie film, will be the first-ever Broadway musical with an all-female creative team.

    A musical’s traditional creative team consists of its book writer, composer, choreographer and director. “Waitress” has a book by Jessie Nelson, music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, direction by Diane Paulus and choreography by the team’s new addition, Lorin Latarro.

    “It’s a historic and long overdue moment for Broadway,” said Paulus in a statement, “and I’m honored to be working alongside such passionate and inspiring women.”

    An earlier precedent was set by the 1978 Broadway musical “Runaways,” which featured a book, score, choreography and direction solely by Elizabeth Swados. And earlier this year, Fun Home made history as the first musical written by an all-female team (book and score by Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori) to win the top Tony — though that one was directed by Sam Gold and choreographed by Danny Mefford.

    “Waitress” is based on the 2007 Fox Searchlight indie hit of the same name, which grossed north of US$19 million domestically. Written and directed by Adrienne Shelly, the film starred Keri Russell as Jenna, a pregnant, unhappily married diner waitress in the Deep South who makes extraordinary pies. She hopes that the prize money from a baking contest may provide her with the means to start a new life.

    The Broadway musical stars Jessie Mueller as Jenna, alongside fellow cast members Eric Anderson and Keala Settle. It will open April 24 at the Brooks Atkinson Theater.(SD-Agencies)