‘Waitress’ is ready to musically serve you

Whether you’re ordering a gourmet five-course dinner or a simple slice of cherry pie with vanilla bean ice cream, your pleasure in your meal depends as much on the food as on the waitress who serves you. If you’re lucky enough to have Jenna as your server, and double lucky enough to be feasting on one of her heavenly

perfect pie creations, you know what hanging out with the angels is all about. Come pull up a seat at Joe’s Diner located at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford as “Waitress” comes to town from Tuesday, June 18 to Sunday, June 22.

With music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles and book by Jessie Nelson, “Waitress” boasts an all woman creative team. Come meet Jenna, the sweet hearted server who is trapped in an abusive relationship with hubby Earl. When she discovers she is pregnant, she has to “clean up” her personal messes and get her act together.

Beginning more than a professional interest with Dr. Jim Pomatter, her gynecologist, is the first step Jenna takes to improve her life. A pie baking contest in a nearby county is the second step. With her recipes for such specialties as Mermaid Marshmallow, The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie,” she views the grand prize as her big chance at a new life.

Jenna’s third step is to find the courage to abandon her loveless marriage and take a stand for freedom and happiness. That recipe is more elusive than most and harder to find the proper ingredients for, but with her sister servers, her crusty boss and loyal customers, Jenna eventually finds everything she is seeking.

Plan to order a slice of perfection, like Mermaid Marshmallow pie, as you enjoy the heavenly treats on the stage. Don’t forget to leave a generous tip for your waitress.

For tickets ($35-126), call the Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford at 860-9875900 or online at www. bushnell.org. Performances are Tuesday to Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

Anita Dloniak / Contributed photo Christine Dwyer, center, flanked by Rheaume Crenshaw and Steven Good in “Waitress.”