Rogers-Lowell Area News

Walton Arts Center to Host Local Pie Contest in Conjunction with KNWA

Waitress, the hit Broadway musical about a waitress and expert pie maker named Jenna, is headed to Walton Arts Center for eight shows on April 9-14. In honor of Waitress, Walton Arts Center and KNWA are joining forces to give local pie bakers an opportunity to shine with a Baked from the Heart pie contest.

Amateur or professional bakers from Northwest Arkansas can enter online at waltonartscenter.org/waitress/pie-contest. Three finalists will be chosen to compete in the ultimate bake-off to be aired on the March 14 episode of “Good Day NWA.”

Every entry must include:
• Creative Recipe Name – Pie names from the show include Wake Up and Smell the Coffee Pie, Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie and Aren’t You Sweet Potato Pie
• Complete and typed recipe with clear directions and all ingredients listed in order
• Photo of the completed pie
• Special history or your story behind why this recipe is your favorite

Finalists will be contacted on March 6, and they must be able to attend the March 8 filming of “Good Day NWA” from 10 a.m. until noon at Walton Arts Center. Finalists will need to bring their fresh-baked pie for our panel of judges.

The winner of the contest will receive:
• Four tickets to Waitress at Walton Arts Center
• A special feature on the March 14 episode of “Good Day NWA”
• Their winning recipe will be inserted into Sugar, Butter, Flour: The Waitress Pie Book sold at the merchandise kiosk during the run of Waitress at Walton Arts Center
• The opportunity to serve their winning pie during our preshow media reception on Tuesday, April 9 at 6 p.m.

Additional finalists will receive:
• Two tickets to Waitress
• A special feature on the March 14 episode of “Good Day NWA”

Submissions are being accepted now through Friday, March 1. One entry per person. Contestants must be 18 or older to enter.

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film, Waitress tells the story of Jenna who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness.

This irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by six-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles ("Brave," "Love Song"), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Les Dangereuse Liasons, Waiting For Godot) and direction by Tony Award®-winner Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin, Finding Neverland).

"Waitress is a little slice of heaven!" says Entertainment Weekly, and "a monumental contribution to Broadway!" according to Marie Claire.

Show Times:
Tuesday, April 9 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 10 at 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 11 at 1:30 and 7 p.m.
Friday, April 12 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 13 at 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday, April at 2 p.m.