Sara Bareilles returning to 'Waitress'

Sara Bareilles will start the new year in one of her favorite spots — onstage at Broadway's Brooks Atkinson Theatre. The composer and lyricist will return on Jan. 7 to star for the third time as Jenna in her hit show "Waitress," marking the production's third anniversary. She'll be joined by "Hello, Dolly!" Tony winner Gavin Creel, who will play Dr. Pomatter.

"I'm putting on the apron once again alongside one of my besties!!" she said in a statement. "I can't think of anything I'd rather do to kick off this incredible milestone." The singer has had quite the year: an Emmy nomination for "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert," hosting the Tony Awards with Josh Groban and the new single "Armor" from her upcoming album.

Bareilles and Creel will have a limited engagement in "Waitress," through Feb. 3; no word on who takes over after that. The show also has a national tour and will open in London's West End this spring with Katharine McPhee playing Jenna. Don't expect Bareilles to take a break, though. She has signed on to do the music for Apple's new 10-episode romantic comedy "Little Voice."