Slice Of Life: Meet WAITRESS Ensemble member Preston Smith

"Bet it all on yourself at least one time"

Stranded by their lives as small town waitresses, Jenna and her coworkers dream of the lives and loves they want. When an area baking contest gives Jenna a chance to start anew, what follows is a tale of dreams followed to the fullest.

Nominated for four Tony Awards, the Broadway hit WAITRESS continues to serve up pie and hope in the Jeffers Theatre at HCT through June 28th.

Making his HCT debut in this production is Ensemble member Preston Smith.

A Lincolton resident and preschool teacher for Tutor Time, Smith is thrilled to be working with Musical Director Jeff Hartman again in his debut production at Hickory Community Theatre. Smith previously worked with Hartman on BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at the Green Room Community Theatre, where Smith also appeared in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. "I wanted to explore the challenges on ensemble," says Smith about his motivations for joining WAITRESS. Smith is equally taken by the scenic design of this production: "Sets be eating."

Three additional performances of WAITRESS are happening this weekend, June 26-28 (Thu, Fri and Sat,) at 7:30 PM. THESE ARE THE FINAL PERFORMANCES. 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)