Before seeing the musical "Waitress" Thursday evening, I was only vaguely aware of the movie on which it was based. I was also unfamiliar with Sara Bareilles, who wrote the music and lyrics for this show, until my nieces came to Chicago this month to see her concert.

But I listened to Bareilles's music, which inspired me to buy tickets to her musical on its tenth anniversary tour. And I watched the movie last night, which helped me to understand the characters better.

Even without that context, I have to say I enjoyed the musical, "Waitress."

Waitress Jenna is trapped in an unhappy marriage, afraid to leave her abusive husband even before she discovers she is pregnant. She seeks comfort in the arms of her married gynecologist, who seems like a decent fellow despite this serious lapse in ethics.

Samantha Lane Scruggs was outstanding as Jenna. Her sincerity shone through, and her vocals were amazing.

The musical leans more on laughs than the movie, and often those laughs come from physical slapstick.

"Waitress" has some serious topics - adultery, medical ethics, a mother's responsibility to her unborn child - but it mostly appeals to our sense of fun.