Serving Up Laughs: John X on WAITRESS
Since its Broadway debut, Waitress has become one of contemporary musical theatre’s most recognisable titles, praised for its balance of humour, heart, and emotional honesty.
Based on the 2007 film by Adrienne Shelly, the musical follows Jenna, a talented pie maker working in a small-town diner as she navigates an unhappy marriage, an unexpected pregnancy, and the possibility of a different future. Featuring an original score by Sara Bareilles, Waitress blends contemporary pop influences with traditional musical theatre storytelling, creating a score that moves between upbeat ensemble numbers and deeply personal ballads.
Set largely within the walls of Joe’s Pie Diner, the musical explores themes of friendship, independence, love, and self-discovery through a cast of flawed but deeply human characters. Among them is Cal, the diner’s often short-tempered and blunt manager, whose tough exterior and dry humour make him one of the show’s most memorable personalities. Played in the Australian tour by John Xintavelonis, Cal provides much of the show’s comic edge while also revealing unexpected moments of vulnerability beneath his gruff demeanour.
John has enjoyed a long and distinguished career on the stage, radio, television, film and in corporate entertainment. He has made a significant contribution to the arts in his home state of Tasmania, becoming a much-loved household name in the process and known locally as John X. His music theatre highlights include playing the role of Pumbaa in the Melbourne and Shanghai seasons of The Lion King and reprising the role in Perth in 2016 (Walt Disney Company), Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls (Opera Australia), the Lion in The Wizard of Oz (GFO) and Mr Braithwaite in Billy Elliot The Musical (Billy Australia P/L). John’s other music theatre credits include South Pacific (Opera Australia), The Threepenny Opera (Malthouse/ Victorian Opera/ STC), Jekyll and Hyde in Korea (TML) and The Boy from Oz (The Production Company).
Television credits include Bay of Fires, The Tailings, Rosehaven, The Kettering Incident, Winners and Losers, Tricky Business and Dance Academy 2. John’s film credits include A Journey Through Time with Anthony and The Sound of One Hand Clapping. An accomplished voice artist, John’s voice has featured in Legends of the Guardians, Australia and Mao’s Last Dancer.
What do you think makes Waitress resonate so strongly with audiences around the world?
John: Well, the obvious answer would be, that it is so relatable. It’s a great story about people’s lives, and the types of things that we deal with. It makes you laugh and it makes you cry, and makes you feel for the characters and reflect on your own life and experiences.
Do you have a favourite musical moment or scene in the show?
John: Oh yes, I would have to say early on in Act Two when we do a number called Bad Idea Reprise. This is when the main couples in the show take it to the next level. It’s very funny and the audience practically scream the building down. It’s the moment in the show where I’m sure people are sitting in the seats going “what the hell are we watching now?”
If your character created a pie flavour, what would it be called?
John: Sticky Messy Date Pie
Cal is the no-nonsense backbone of the diner. What do you enjoy most about playing him?
John: I love how even though he could be a bit grumpy, he’s so likable. A lot of the men in the audience especially really relate to him and take quite a liking. I really GET Cal and I think audiences do too. He is the lovable rogue.
You’ve had such a varied career across theatre, television, film, and voice work — how does Waitress compare to past productions for you?
John: Well for starters, WAITRESS is a lot easier on the body as we don’t really do any dancing – we just have movement. But it’s also probably one of the most realistic shows I have had the honour and blessing of being a part of. Coming from Tasmania and living there all my life, I count myself very fortunate to have an opportunity like this fall in my lap at the tender age of 55. I’ve also played a lot of animals recently like Pumbaa in The Lion King and the Lion in The Wizard of Oz. It’s great to play a real person.
Cal has some wonderfully dry comedic moments. How do you approach that style of humour?
John: That’s an interesting question. To be honest, a lot of it comes naturally to me and I guess I need to thank the Creatives for seeing this and casting me, because a lot of people who have seen the show and know me, have said how the role suits me down to the ground. “You were made to play this role” is what they say. So I take that as a compliment. I hope it is!
What do you think Cal understands about the diner and its people that others might miss?
John: I think Cal realises that people come to the diner to taste these amazing pies and just have a break from their life for a while where no one‘s going to bother them. They’re just gonna pause for a bit before they get back into the rigours of what the day brings. I think Cal understands that, and doesn’t want anything or anyone to get in the way of people having a great experience and the best pie around.
What keeps live theatre exciting for you after such a long and distinguished career?
John: I think it’s just entertaining and bringing enjoyment to people‘s lives. You never get tired of the reaction at the end of a show, and especially this one. Audiences are really letting go with how much they love this show – at the curtain call you can really feel it. And that’s all I need ever, to know that what I’m doing has meaning, has purpose and helping make a change. Like I said before, I’m just very lucky and blessed to be able to do this for a living.
Can you describe the show in three words?
John: LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE.
What do you hope Australian audiences take away from the production?
John: I kind of hope they take away the idea that this has been one of the best and most unique productions they have ever seen. A show that has all the feel, some great music and in someway changed or inspired their lives a little. And also made them have a bloody good night at the Theatre.
Waitress is currently playing at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre.
For tickets and more information, visit waitressthemusical.com.au
Header photo by Jeff Busby
