Slice Of Life: Jonathan Ray plays Joe in WAITRESS

"Bet it all on yourself at least one time"

Jenna is a small town diner waitress and expert pie maker stuck in a broken marriage. But when a baking contest, and an unexpected romantic interest, promise a new life for her and her unborn child, Jenna discovers the secret ingredient—courage—she needs to make the change she wants.

Nominated for four Tony Awards, the Broadway hit WAITRESS continues to serve up a tasty helping of song, dance, and hope in the Jeffers Theatre at HCT, June 13th through June 21st.

Returning to the Pamela Livingstone Stage at HCT as Joe, the diner owner who's served all and seen it all, is Jonathan Ray.

A stalwart of the area theatre scene, Ray has lived in the area for nearly four decades, and calls Flat Rock—where Ray began his acting career in 1963—his home. Ray holds an MFA in Drama from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, and recently retired from a teaching career that included stints at Lenoir-Rhyne University, Appalachian State University, and Catawba Valley Community College, as well as working with K-12 students.

By Ray's own count, he has participated in 305 (Make that 306?) productions as an actor, director, stage manager, crew member, musical director, musician, and composer. His most recent area productions include co-directing THE TEMPEST for Green Room Community Theatre, and performing as Selsdon Mowbray in NOISES OFF for the Lenoir-Rhyne Playmakers. He last appeared at Hickory Community Theatre as an Ensemble member in EVITA.

"I saw the movie in 2007," says Ray of WAITRESS, "and called dibs on the role of Joe seven years before the musical was adapted from it. I love his generous yet cranky spirit."

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.