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Star of 'Waitress' at Old Town Playhouse steps into a heavy role in a story of triumph

From left: Leo Bevington; Katelyn Wilson; Melissa May. Photo: Old Town Playhouse
From left: Leo Bevington; Katelyn Wilson; Melissa May. Photo: Old Town Playhouse

Jenna the protagonist, is played by Traverse City resident Katelyn Wilson, who's also a waitress in real life.

After getting laid off from a corporate job, 'Waitress' star Katelyn Wilson is actually working as a waitress right now.

"So it was kind of funny that for 'Waitress' the musical, I am currently working as a waitress," said Wilson. "Very method."

The Broadway musical with music by Sara Bareilles, explores some heavy themes and may not be suitable for children.

"There are some pretty adult themes that you know you have to really utilize a lot of grace and a lot of care when you're talking about that," Wilson said. "The show does depict topics of domestic violence. I know, just from someone who has seen people that I care about go through situations of domestic violence."

Wilson said the show does an incredible job of showing a really dull situation.

"But also seeing how these characters gain a voice in that, and how they're able to start to change their situation through their own choices," Wilson said. "It's telling anyone who ever is going through that that they do have power in that they do have strength, even in moments where they're not feeling that."

'Waitress' is directed by Kendall Kotcher. It opens at Old Town Playhouse Sept. 20 and runs through Oct. 12.

Photo: Old Town Playhouse
From left: Leo Bevington; Katelyn Wilson; Chase Gray; Melissa May. Photo: Old Town Playhouse

Tyler Thompson was a reporter and host at IPR until 2025.