Local talent shines in the musical ‘Waitress’ in Austin

Automatically translated from Spanish. Read the original in Spanish

The national tour of the musical Waitress arrives at the Bass Concert Hall at the University of Texas at Austin for three performances, highlighting a strong presence of Central Texas talent. This production, which has a Tony Award nomination, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Performances will run through Friday night and tickets can be purchased through Texas Performing Arts.

Among the participants is Aliyah Thigpen, a 5-year-old girl who plays Lulu, the daughter of the protagonist, Jenna. The tour’s producers usually choose a local child for this specific role. Aliyah, who enjoys singing and dancing, expressed that she finds it fun to participate because she likes handling the props and feels it is cool to be on stage in front of an audience. Her parents, Donny Thigpen and Peyton Calhoon, both actors, noted that she was prepared for the opportunity, as she played the same character last year at the Zach Theater.

Peyton Calhoon recounted that she received the call about the opportunity a week ago while heading to a rehearsal. For his part, Donny Thigpen commented that the experience feels like something special for the family, clarifying that they have never pressured their daughter to act, but rather it has always been her own desire.

Another local talent present in the cast is Connor Lewis, a graduate of Texas State University, who plays Dr. Jim Pomatter, the obstetrician and Jenna’s lover. The actor, originally from New Jersey, expressed his joy at returning to the area. Lewis highlighted the importance of the training received at his university, especially regarding vocal health, which allows him to perform the show between 8 and 9 times per week, as well as the care of his mental health.

When asked for advice for those starting out in acting, Lewis recommended trusting oneself. He warned that, although it can be frightening to admit personal desires and face a career that is not always lucrative, full of rejections and near-miss opportunities, one must keep going if it is impossible to imagine a life doing anything else.

The musical Waitress features original music and lyrics by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, and a book written by Jessie Nelson, screenwriter of I Am Sam. The play is based on the 2007 film of the same name, written and directed by Adrienne Shelley. The plot follows the life of Jenna Hunterson, a waitress skilled at baking pies who longs to escape her small town and a complicated marriage.

The show remains relevant with a trajectory that has captivated audiences for a decade. The production stands out for its ability to integrate local talent in each city it visits, allowing figures like young Aliyah to share the stage with professionals trained at regional institutions like Texas State, where the level of demand can reach up to 99 percent effort in preparation, always maintaining the focus on the artistic quality that characterizes this national tour.