Slice Of Life: Dakotah Chelgren plays Earl in WAITRESS

"So much is happening, and mostly to me"

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 of her straight-talking coworkers and quirky costumers for a true chance at a new life.

Bursting with toe-tapping songs and heart-twisting emotion, the Tony-nominated hit musical WAITRESS continues its run at Hickory Community Theatre, June 13th through June 21st.

Though his character comes with many negatives, we are positively delighted that Dakotah Chelgren is making his HCT debut in this production as Earl.

A resident of Mooresville and Arborist for TreeTech Tree Service, Chelgren is excited to be bringing his love of music and his guitar-slinging skills to a show and character that highlight both skills. Chelgren's other area credits include Dr. Madden in NEXT TO NORMAL with Theatre Statesville, as well as Harry/Angel in KINKY BOOTS and Roger in RENT for Piedmont Players.

Performances of WAITRESS are Fridays and Saturdays, June 13th through June 21st at 7:30 PM; Sunday, June 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.

(Photo by Eric Seale)