Bringing Ogie to Life: Gareth Isaac chats WAITRESS

Few modern musicals balance heart, humour and humanity quite like Waitress. Featuring music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, the hit Broadway musical follows Jenna, a gifted pie-maker and waitress trapped in an unhappy marriage, as she searches for a way to reclaim her future. Alongside its emotional core, the show has become beloved for its warmth, quirky charm and colourful supporting characters who bring life to Joe’s Pie Diner.

Among them is Ogie — an eccentric, endlessly enthusiastic tax auditor whose offbeat honesty and unwavering optimism make him an instant audience favourite. Equal parts awkward and lovable, the role demands impeccable comic timing, boundless energy and a performer willing to lean fully into the character’s wonderfully unpredictable nature.

Stepping into the role in the Australian production is Gareth Isaac. Hailing from Gosford on the Central Coast of NSW, Gareth has recently appeared as Buddy in Elf the Musical, Eugene in Grease, Robertson Ay in Mary Poppins and The Narrator in Puffs: Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic. Now, he’s bringing his own flair to one of musical theatre’s most scene-stealing comedic roles.

You’ve played roles like Buddy in Elf and Eugene in Grease — where does Ogie sit among your past comedic characters?

Gareth: Ogie sits a fair few notches under Buddy in terms of energy, but not in enthusiasm. The fact Ogie gets referred to as a ‘Mad, Clogging Elf’ in the script is VERY funny to me. These roles all have a bit of me in them, but Ogie has so far been the most challenging in terms of realism and craft.

What do you think makes Waitress resonate so strongly with audiences around the world?

Gareth: I’ve said this in a few interviews now, but Waitress genuinely feels like it represents EVERYONE, and usually in ways they don’t expect. No one anticipates being drawn to folks like Ogie and Dawn, or to agree with certain actions taken by Jenna or Becky. But life is messy, and sometimes there are no clear answers, but what matters is how you deal with it and support other folks in your life. These characters show us ourselves.

Do you have a favourite musical moment or scene in the show?

Gareth: Musically, there is a leitmotif that appears throughout the show that appears when Jenna is connected to the memory of her mother. It’s a simple, child-like melody that ties everything back to that maternal connection that drives the show. It’s lovely!

If Ogie created a pie flavour, what would it be called?

Gareth: Ogie Oatmeal Pie! Cream of wheat with quick oats, honey, and granola. Whipped cream on the side, to control the whipped cream to pie ratio. Plus, it’s perfect for White Food Wednesdays!

Ogie is such a distinctive character, both in his emotional sincerity and his physical comedy. How did you approach shaping your version of him within the production?

Gareth: Ogie is just a person to me. He doesn’t think of himself as funny, he doesn’t try to be weird, he just is this earnest, wonderful man in search of love. That person exists everywhere, on every part of the gender spectrum, and in all parts of the world. It’s easy to make Ogie seem real, because he is. Our American director, Abbey O’Brien, gave me a surprising amount of leeway in how I physically represented Ogie (possibly because I’m one of the tallest people to play the role!). There were prescribed beats to hit, but I was always able to make offers for myself. For example, I managed to work the world’s most aggressive dab into the show. Can’t be unhappy with that!

What’s the biggest challenge in sustaining that level of energy and precision in a role like this?

Gareth: It’s the time OFF stage that’s the real kicker! After our group warm up and the beginners call, I don’t appear on stage for 50 minutes (I timed it!). I have my own little backstage routine for that time. I say hi to the swing team, I play a quick game of billiards in the green room, and I stretch and stay vocally warm by singing along to the show feed in my dressing room. After that, it’s easy!

“Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” is one of the show’s standout numbers. What’s it like performing that song each night?

Gareth: Genuinely breathtaking. One, because it’s difficult. Two, because the audience reaction is always so humbling. This performance is not one I take lightly, given how large people’s expectations have grown over the years, and I’m so thankful for every MOMENT of applause.

Can you describe the show in three words?

Gareth: Love. Pie. Bops.

What do you hope Australian audiences take away from Waitress?

Gareth: That happiness is something that everyone deserves, and that everyone can share. Too often musicals have this message of solo empowerment, but Waitress thrives on the connection to the other. Our friends, our families, our FOUND families, our community.

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Waitress is currently playing at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre until July 19th.

For tickets and more information, visit waitressthemusical.com.au

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Header photo by Jeff Busby