Caroline Brew editor After Broadway shut down due to the pandemic, “Waitress” received an arts grant from Chuck Schumer’s office that allowed the production to reopen in 2021. Sara Bareilles, who wrote the music and lyrics, said this opportunity inspired her and the team to make the most of their time back on stage by shooting a live recording. Bleecker Street and Fathom Events will release “Waitress: The Musical” in theaters for a five-day series of nationwide special-event screenings, starting Dec.