Slice Of Life: Carol Anne Hartman plays Jenna in WAITRESS

“Some things never change”

So laments Jenna, an expert pie maker stuck in a small town diner and a broken marriage. But when a nearby baking contest offers the promise of a new life for her and her unborn child, Jenna finds the secret ingredient—courage—she needs to make the change she wants.

Nominated for four Tony Awards, the Broadway musical hits WAITRESS serves up an unforgettable helping of song, dance, and hope in the Jeffers Theatre at HCT, June 6th through June 21st.

Returning to the Pamela Livingstone stage in this delicious tale of following your heart, and your dreams, is multi-Kay Award winner Carol Anne Hartman as Jenna.

A resident of Bethlehem, Hartman is a Sales & Marketing Manager for the National Training Center, and worship leader at First Presbyterian Church. She last appeared at Hickory Community Theatre as Bea in SOMETHING ROTTEN. Hartman's award-winning HCT credits include: Maria in THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Kay Award for Outstanding Actress in a Lead Role); Louise in GYPSY (Kay Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress); Fantine in LES MISÉRABLES (Kay Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress); and, Roxie in CHICAGO (Metrolina Theatre Association Award for Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor). Other area credits include BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, BRIGHT STAR, and MARY POPPINS at the Green Room Community Theatre.

"I saw the movie years ago and fell in love with the musical when it came out," says Hartman of WAITRESS. "I couldn't pass up the opportunity to audition. Jenna's resigned herself to life, but there's still a fight for a better life in her."

Hartman continues to admire Hickory Community Theatre for its creative mission, and its creative results: "My favorite thing is, here is this small town community theatre, putting on shows that rival professional shows."

Performances of WAITRESS are Fridays and Saturdays, June 6th through June 21st at 7:30 PM; Sundays, June 8th and 15th at 2:30 PM; and, Thursday, June 19th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for youth and students.

Tickets are available online at hickorytheatre.org, or by phone at 828-328-2283. The theatre box office is open from 12-5 PM Wednesday through Friday, or one half-hour before a performance.

WAITRESS is rated PG-13. Some material may not be suitable for children under 13.

WAITRESS is produced in association with Alex Lee, Inc. The Hickory Community Theatre’s 76th season is sponsored by A Cleaner World, Belle Age, Covington Dental, LifeRootz, Protection Products, Inc., and Shurtape Technologies. HCT is a Funded Affiliate of Arts Culture Catawba and receives additional support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.