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Aurora Theatre Serves Up a Slice of Heart with Waitress the Musical

Three actresses in character, wearing light blue diner waitress costumes with white aprons and holding pies. They are promoting Waitress the Musical at Aurora Theatre.
(L-R) Daja Rice, Chloe Cordle and Kari Twyman; photo credit: Kevin Harry Photography
May 22–June 15 | Lawrenceville Arts Center

Aurora Theatre is thrilled to present “Waitress,” the beloved Broadway musical featuring music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Sara Bareilles, running May 22–June 15 at the Lawrenceville Arts Center.

Based on the motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly, “Waitress” tells the story of Jenna, a talented pie-maker who dreams of a fresh start away from her small town and troubled marriage. When a pie-baking contest offers a chance at a new beginning, Jenna must summon her strength to reshape her life.

With a heartfelt score and relatable characters, the show has been praised as “a little slice of heaven” by Entertainment Weekly.

Aurora’s production

“Waitress” is directed by Amanda Wansa Morgan who serves as the artistic director of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Kennesaw State University. With music direction by Aurora Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director Ann-Carol Pence, the stage show delivers a story of resilience, friendship and the family we choose, told with Bareilles’ signature warmth and humor.

“What I love about “Waitress” is how honest it is,” said Pence. “It’s about the real struggles we as women face — juggling work, families, life’s pressures and how we still try to hold onto a piece of ourselves. I know I haven’t found that balance yet.”

“When our patrons walk into Joe’s Pie Diner, they will see themselves onstage,” she added. “Since the show is set off of Highway 27, which runs right through Georgia, our story will be about our friends, our neighbors; it’s a story about us.”

Cast and crew

The cast includes Chloe Cordle (Jenna), Kari Twyman (Dawn), Daja Rice (Becky), Michael Stiggers (Dr. Pomatter), Frankie Marasa (Ogie), John Bobek (Earl), Stephan Jones (Joe) and Greg Hunter (Cal).

The production team is led by Ann-Carol Pence, Jono Davis (executive director), Katie Chambers (associate artistic director), Amanda Wansa Morgan and Kari Twyman (choreographer).

Additional creative and technical leadership includes Katie Ivey (AEA stage manager), Rachael Blackwell (lighting designer), Anna Lee (sound designer & sound engineer), Kristin Talley (props designer), Alice Neff (costume designer & costume director), Daniel Pope (production manager) and Ashley Hogan (technical director).

Three actresses in character, wearing light blue diner waitress costumes with white aprons. They are promoting Waitress the Musical at Aurora Theatre.
(L-R) Daja Rice, Chloe Cordle and Kari Twyman; photo credit: Kevin Harry Photography

We have pies!

For the run of “Waitress,” Aurora Theatre is proud to be partnering with local bakery Puzzle Piece Pastries to offer mini pies at the bar — perfect for enjoying during the show! Pies will be available for purchase the day of and are also available for pre-order. Flavors may vary.

Puzzle Piece Pastries is a non-profit organization that empowers individuals with special needs by providing job opportunities, delicious desserts and supporting programs for children with disabilities.

To preorder a pie for the show, click here.

The details

Performances will be held at Lawrenceville Arts Center, home of Aurora Theatre, located at 128 East Pike Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.

Tickets and additional information are available at auroratheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at (678) 226-6222.

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