Al Roker

Al Roker returns to the Broadway production of Waitress

The popular TV anchor is set to play a return limited engagement as Old Joe through November 24, 2019.

Tom Millward
Tom Millward

NBC's "TODAY Show" star Al Roker checks into the diner at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre for a second shift as Old Joe in Broadway's hit musical Waitress tonight. Roker will remain with the production through November 24, 2019.

Al Roker is best known as the weather and feature anchor on NBC's "TODAY Show." He is the recipient of 7 Daytime Emmy Awards and, since 1985, he has worked as a co-host of various NBC specials, as well as the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Rose Bowl Parade. He previously made his Broadway debut in Waitress in October 2018.

The current principal cast of Waitress also includes Grammy Award nominee Jordin Sparks (as Jenna through November 24), Drew Gehling (as Dr. Pomatter), Natasha Yvette Williams (as Becky), Caitlin Houlahan (as Dawn), Ben Thompson (as Earl), Benny Elledge (as Cal), and three-time Tony Award nominee Christopher Fitzgerald (as Ogie).

As reported yesterday, "American Idol" and "Smash" star Katharine McPhee is set to reprise the leading role of Jenna from November 25 and will remain with the production for the remainder of its Broadway run through January 5, 2020.

Waitress officially opened on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on April 24, 2016, following previews from March 25, and is now scheduled to close on January 5, 2020, as previously reported.

Waitress is the first Broadway musical in history to have four women in the four top creative team spots, with a book by Jessie Nelson, a score by seven-time Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, choreography by Lorin Latarro and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus.

Synopsis: "Based on the 2007 motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly, the musical follows Jenna - a waitress and expert pie maker stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, Jenna fears she may have to abandon the dream of opening her own pie shop forever... until a baking contest in a nearby county and the town's handsome new doctor offer her a tempting recipe for happiness. Supported by her quirky crew of fellow waitresses and loyal customers, Jenna summons the secret ingredient she's been missing all along - courage."

The creative team features scenic design by Scott Pask, costume design by Suttirat Larlarb, lighting design by Christopher Akerlind and sound design by Jonathan Deans.

Waitress is produced on Broadway by Barry & Fran Weissler and Norton & Elayne Herrick.

Waitress Tickets are available now for performances through January 5, 2020.

(Photos courtesy of Boneau/Bryan-Brown)

 

Originally published on

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