Quincy Community Theatre to present ‘Waitress’ on two weekends in March

QUINCY — The cast of “Waitress” at the Quincy Community Theatre is ready to serve up a story filled with heart, hope and a lot of pie.

Waitress performances are March 14-16 and March 20-23. Flex season ticket holders may reserve their tickets now, and general tickets go on sale Feb. 18. Seating is reserved.

With a score by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles, “Waitress” follows Jenna, an expert pie-maker stuck in a small-town diner, as she dreams of a way out and a fresh start. The musical features songs like “She Used to Be Mine,” “Opening Up” and “Everything Changes.”

Cast members are:

• Prudence Bickhaus-Martin as Jenna Hutcherson
• Kristen Houston as Becky
• Kelsey Pigg as Dawn
• Patrick Regner as Dr. Pomatter
• Nicholas Lickfeld as Earl
• Mike Robinson as Cal
• Trey Ehrhart as Ogie
• Glenn Boettger as Joe

The rest of the cast consists of:

• Emily Dozier
• Heidi Haisley
• Ruth Kummerow
• Ashleigh Wisslead
• Kate Runfola
• Madeleine Albright-Caldwell
• Quinton Metcalf
• Logan Mulch
• Dominic Regner
• Matthew Zehnle

“Waitress” is under the direction of guest director Katrina Ploof.

“In the opening phrases of ‘Waitress,’ Bareilles asks, ‘What’s inside?'” Ploof said in a press release. “As rehearsals begin for this production, I am filled with gratitude for the answers I hear whispered back —community, passion, loyalty, pride, excitement, talent.

“Executive director Burgundy Hill first described the play to me as a ‘big warm hug,’ not realizing at the time that she was also describing what it feels like to be a newcomer at QCT — caught up in the embrace of a theatre company that welcomes a stranger the same way a newcomer is greeted at Joe’s Pie Diner, with love, good food and a willingness to work hard to make something very special.”

The production team has Jessi Kirchner Sparks as vocal director, Alison Shafer as choreographer, stage management by Kristie Bradshaw, costume design by Valerie Hernandez, scenic design by Hayley Wallenfeldt and lighting design by Erin Thibodaux.

Discovery Night for “Waitress” will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, at QCT. The free event will give participants a view into the production process with a discussion and Q&A. Immediately following the performance on Friday, March 21, a Q&A Talk Back session with the cast and crew will be held.

QCT is looking for volunteers to help build the set, scan tickets, usher and more. Visit 1qct.org or call the box office at 217-222-3209 for more information on how to get involved.

“Waitress” is sponsored by Refreshment Services Pepsi and WGEM. QCT’s 2025 season is sponsored by Gardner Denver and Knapheide.