Local Actress and Texas State Alumnus Star in ‘Waitress’ Tour at Bass Concert Hall

The national tour of the musical ‘Waitress’ is being performed at Bass Concert Hall at UT Austin for three nights, representing Central Texas prominently. This Tony-nominated show marks its 10-year anniversary this year and will continue until Friday, with tickets available through Texas Performing Arts.

Five-year-old Aliyah Thigpen takes on the role of Lulu, the daughter of the main character Jenna. Aliyah expressed her excitement about performing, saying, “It’s like fun because I like to hold all the props,” adding, “It’s like cool to be on stage and people to see me.” Her parents, both actors—Donny Thigpen and Peyton Calhoon—shared that Aliyah was ready for this opportunity having previously performed in the same role at Zach Theater.

Donny Thigpen mentioned the excitement of receiving the call about Aliyah’s casting, explaining, “I got the phone call a week ago driving off to rehearsal for myself…and then they said we have some very exciting opportunities for a little one.”

For her parents, the experience has been a surprise and joy, with Donny commenting, “We’ve never like pushed her to do it. It’s always been something she wanted to do.”

In a significant role in the production, Connor Lewis plays Dr. Jim Pomatter, Jenna’s obstetrician and love interest. A graduate of Texas State University, Lewis expressed his appreciation for his time at the school, stating, “I’ve missed this place so much. It’s been nice to finally be back.” He attributed much of his success to his professors, especially regarding vocal health and maintaining his well-being while performing multiple shows a week.

Lewis also offered advice for aspiring actors, saying, “Trust yourself. At the end of the day, you do know what you want…if you can’t imagine your life doing anything else, then follow that.”

‘Waitress’ features original music and lyrics by Grammy-winning artist Sara Bareilles and a book by Jessie Nelson, based on the 2007 film written and directed by Adrienne Shelley. The musical narrates the story of Jenna Hunterson, a waitress and talented pie-maker yearning for a way out of her challenging marriage and small-town life.