Slice Of Life: Cory Bragg plays Cal in WAITRESS

You’re pushing all my buttons today.”

Trapped in a dead-end job and an abusive marriage, small town diner waitress Jenna finds escape in making crowd-pleasing pies. But when Jenna signs up for a high-profile baking contest, she'll need all the support her straight-talking coworkers can give for a true chance at a new life.

Bursting with toe-tapping songs and heart-twisting emotion, the Tony-nominated hit musical WAITRESS plays at Hickory Community Theatre, June 6th through June 21st.

From chasing golden tickets to serving up blue-plate specials, it's best to just let Kay Award winner Cory Bragg cook when he's on stage. Here, he returns to the Jeffers Theatre as cranky (but lovable?) short-order chef Cal.

Originally hailing from Indian Head, Maryland, Bragg has now lived in the Hickory area for almost nine years, and works as a Housing Specialist for ALFA. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Bowie State University, and enjoys hiking, cooking, and being a miniatures-loving member of the Catawba Valley Tabletop Club in his free time.

Bragg made an unforgettable HCT debut as Kyle in EXIT PURSUED BY A BEAR, for which he received a Kay Award for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Play. Other HCT credits include Mr. Salt in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, and Karnac in RIDE THE CYCLONE. His area acting credits include FOOTLOOSE for Theatre Statesville, MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS and A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE at The Green Room Community Theatre, OSLO at Three Bone Theatre, and BUG at the Warehouse Performing Arts Center.

"When HCT first announced WAITRESS, I didn't get it," admits Bragg. "Then I watched a version of it and was in love instantly. This show brings so much. Relatable characters going through a fascinating story, strung along with powerful songs. Cal is a salt of the earth kind of guy, which is fun to play."

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 Sustaining Support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.