Happiness is often found in pie. And why not? We all have been told to reach for our own “pie in the sky” and to get your “share of the pie.”
Good advice, which is exactly what Jenna, a pie-making maven and waitress does in the hit musical, “Waitress.”
Part of the U.S. Bank Broadway series, “Waitress” opens a two-week run Tuesday, March 26 at the Fabulous Fox. It tells the story of Jenna, who dreams of obtaining happiness via an escape from an unhappy marriage to a happier life that begins with a baking contest in a nearby county. And, not unlike the variety of pies Jenna bakes throughout the show, “Waitress” provides a bounty of sweet surprises.
“It’s a slice-of-life musical everyone can relate to. You’ll leave the theater happier than you did when you arrived ,” said Christine Dwyer, who stars as Jenna in the touring company of “Waitress.”
Considering the number of pies popping up on stage, one had to ask, “Can you bake a pie?“
“Yes, I can bake a pie!” Dwyer said. “I learned how to bake apple pie from my mom. But it’s not my favorite pie. That’s key lime, and maybe old-fashioned comfortable and large pies, like egg custard or sweet potato pie.”
Fox Theatre fans can count on seeing plenty of fresh-baked pies on stage, which will be baked by local bakers. Needless to say, seeing all those pies will make you hungry before the final curtain call, which the Fox has anticipated. As a result, check out the Fox’s concessions. You’ll find jar pies – a single-serve pie made in small mason jars. The pie jars are designed exclusively for “Waitress.” To have the opportunity to get your piece of the pie, you’ll have to have a ticket to the show. Tickets are on sale now through metrotix.com or in person at the box office.
In honor of “Waitress,” think about picking up a pie or two to satisfy your cravings. St. Louis has a bevy of bakeries and eateries where great pies are baked daily; some plain, some fancy, but all good picks to enjoy before or after the show.
The Blue Owl: Levee-High Caramel Pecan Apple Pie was inspired by the flood of 1993, when the Mississippi RIver almost topped the levee at historic Kimmswick, Missouri. Today, Levee-High Apple Pie is the Blue Owl’s signature pie. Created by Blue Owl owner Mary Hostetter, it stacks 18 Golden Delicious apples into its pie shell. After baking, it’s draped with caramel and pecans, a monumental pie that’s a must-try.
Sugarfire Pie: While Sugarfire’s claim to fame is barbecue, don’t overlook the pie. It was always a part of the Sugarfire concept, thanks to pastry chef, Carolyn Downs, who opened Sugarfire Pie alongside Sugarfire Smoke House in Olivette back in 2014. Sugarfire Pie’s list of core flavors number 29, in addition to seasonal pies, hand-held pies and a killer smoked chocolate chip cookie. All good picks, but if it’s your first visit, go for a slice of Mississippi Mud Pie.
Pie Oh My!: Maplewood’s pie central, Pie Oh My!, is where the pie-faithful flock for a slice, a mini pie or a tart. Of course, if you want the whole pie, plan ahead. Order whole pies in advance from a list of 39 year-round flavors, in addition to impressive seasonal selections, such as summertime Peaches and Cream Custard, or Strawberry Rhubarb that appears only during spring.
Miss Sheri’s Cafeteria: Miss Sheri’s is what some could call a classic mid-century, modern- style cafeteria. The menu overflows with down-home dishes that fill the steam tables with foods your grandma used to make. That said, grab a tray and slide past the specials of the day until you reach the pie display. Check it out: two shelves filled with slices of the day’s latest batch of pie, which almost always includes lemon meringue, berry, custard, chocolate and coconut cream – priced at just a couple of bucks a piece.
