Stage Write

  Waitress is one of the rare non-musical movies that transitions to the stage with ease. The show is currently on stage at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre and features a score by Sara Bareilles, filled with heart. It tells the story of a woman, trapped by her circumstances, who longs for another life. Keirsten Hodgens plays the lead, Jenna, with a palpable sense of loneliness. The show takes off with the song, “What Baking Can Do”. Just like her pies, Jenna’s life can be sweet or tart, and that song shows us the daily hustle she handles and the sadness that sits just below the surface. But in the midst of her pain is the life-giving force of female friendship. Chanel Edwards-Frederick (Becky) and Grace Atherholt (Dawn) play Jenna’s two best friends and fellow waitresses at the pie diner. They are polar opposites and a perfect sweet and sour balance. Becky is full of sass and fierce loyalty. Dawn is all encouragement and smiles. The women provide the found family that Jenna so...

  A trip on the yellow brick road is not a rare occurrence in local theater, but some productions just hit it out of the park. The current one at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre managed to find the perfect cast, include a wonderfully fresh and diverse group, including Bessie D. Smith as the delightfully devious Wicked Witch of the West. Grace Atherholt gives off serious Judy vibes as the lovely Dorothy. She’s perfect for the role. Her three sidekicks are gentle, kind, and wonderfully encouraging as she embarks on her perilous journey. Joey Boos is particularly sweet as her knock-kneed scarecrow. The costumes are excellent. From a plethora of munchkins to sassy crows, elegant apple trees to a witch in leather pants, I loved every detail. I also thought the transition from sepia to color on stage was beautifully done, with great attention to detail all the way down to Dorothy‘s gingham dress. The supporting cast is large and does a wonderful job. Hannah Boswell stands...