Hickory – The Broadway smash, Waitress will hit the stage next weekend, June 6-8, at the Hickory Community Theatre. With a mix of brash humor, dramatic tension and an emotionally energetic score, the show packs a dynamic punch. Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, stuck in a loveless marriage and looking for a fresh start. A pair of local actors are taking on two of the major male roles – Jen’s volatile husband, Earl; and, her handsome obstetrician, Dr. Pomatter.
Making his HCT debut as Earl is Dakotah Chelgren, a Mooresville based arborist. Although Earl is a volatile character, one of the challenges of the role is that he is a guitarist who sometimes uses music to convey his emotions. Chelgren is up to the task. “My favorite thing about this role, is that my character plays guitar, and it was my love of music that drew me to the role.”
The role of Dr. Pomatter marks Hayden Waugh’s second outing on the Hickory stage. His first appearance as a member of the ensemble in Newsies. Waugh however is no stranger to the stage. His recent roles include Harold Hill in The Music Man, and Judas in Godspell. When asked about his role, Waugh said, “I love how sincere and quirky he is. I saw the show in New York and fell in love.”
Adding to the humor and sweetness of Waitress is a subplot about Jenna’s fellow waitress, Dawn, and her ardent suitor, Ogie, one of the customers at the diner. Playing this delightfully comic role is Zak Parton, who made his HCT debut back in 2021 in the ensemble of Something Rotten. I enjoy that my character is comic relief, he said, “and has these quick but very big moments in the show.”
Performances run June 6–21, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:30pm, and a Thursday show on June 19. Tickets are $18 for adults, $10 for youth and students. Tickets may be purchased online at hickorytheatre.org or by calling 828-328-2283.
This production is sponsored by Alex Lee, Inc. and is recommended for mature pre-teens and up.
HCT is a Funded Affiliate of Arts Culture Catawba. Our 76th season is made possible by A Cleaner World, Protection Products, Inc., Shurtape Technologies, BelleAge, Covington Dental, and LifeRootz. The theatre also receives sustaining support from the North Carolina Arts Council, part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Get Ready for HCT’s Biggest Bash of the Year!
The Vacation Extravaganza is coming up on Monday, June 9—and you won’t want to miss it! A $140 ticket gets admission for two to a night of fantastic food, drinks, and live entertainment by local favorite Ulysses Long. Plus, every ticket comes with the chance to win big—$10,000 grand prize or a $1,000 second prize! Don’t wait—secure your spot for this unforgettable evening.
Tickets are going fast. Buy online at hickorytheatre.org or call 828-328-2283.
PHOTO: (left to right) Zak Parton, Dakotah Chelgren and Hayden Waugh play major roles in Waitress, opening June 6 in the Jeffers Theatre. Performances run June 6–21. Photo by Jordan Spears.
