Director

Sara Bareilles' uplifting and inspiring musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

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Waitress

Jefferson Performing Arts Center

The musical takes place in 1941, in the debris after the London Blitz of World War II. The life of teen Alice Spencer is disrupted, as she and her best friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in a London underground tube station. However, Alfred, suffering from tuberculosis, is quarantined ("West of Words"). Alice urges him to escape with her into their cherished book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and travel down the rabbit hole to Wonderland. Nurse Cross, who is in charge of keeping everyone safe, rips Alice's book as a punishment for visiting Alfred, despite his quarantine. Alice becomes very defiant and declares she knows it "by heart" and will read to him anyway.

Alice By Heart

Lindsay Community Theatre

Theatre Cedar Rapids is thrilled to announce the regional premiere of the critically acclaimed musical, "Waitress," set to enchant audiences from June 21 to July 28, 2024. This heartwarming musical, featuring music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Sara Bareilles and a book by Jessie Nelson, is based on the beloved independent film. "Waitress" tells the story of Jenna, a gifted pie-maker and waitress, who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest and the arrival of a handsome new doctor in town might just offer her a chance at a fresh start. With the support of her quirky crew of fellow waitresses and loyal customers, Jenna's journey is a testament to the power of friendship and the courage it takes to pursue your dreams.

Performances are scheduled to take place at Theatre Cedar Rapids, with shows running every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:30 pm, ensuring multiple opportunities to catch this uplifting story. Tickets are priced at $25, making it accessible for all to enjoy this slice of musical heaven.

The production is proudly sponsored by UFG Insurance, highlighting the community's support for the arts. For those interested in attending, tickets can be purchased through the Theatre Cedar Rapids box office, either in person at 102 3rd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, by phone at 319-366-8591, or online at https://www.theatrecr.org. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 12 pm to 5 pm.

Don't miss your chance to experience "Waitress," a story of hope, love, and the pursuit of happiness, all served with a side of Sara Bareilles' unforgettable music. Join us at Theatre Cedar Rapids for a performance that promises to move, uplift, and inspire.

Cedar Rapids Public Library

Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.” When a baking contest in a nearby county — and a satisfying encounter with someone new — show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness.

Director

Jessie Nelson

Events

Upcoming events

27 - 29 Nov, 2026

Waitress · Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Past events

12 - 21 Sep, 2025

Waitress · Jefferson Performing Arts Center

Mar 28 - Apr 6, 2025

Alice By Heart · Lindsay Community Theater

About

Jessie Nelson hasn't added a bio