Broadway NewsAl Roker Joins Broadway's Waitress October 5The Today Show favorite makes his Broadway debut in the Sara Bareilles musical.
By
Ryan McPhee
October 05, 2018
Al Roker
Jeremy Daniel
Al Roker makes his Broadway debut October 5 as he joins the cast of Waitress. He steps into the role of pie owner Joe, replacing Bill Nolte, for a limited engagement at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre through November 11.
Nicolette Robinson and Al Roker
Jeremy Daniel
"It's kind of like what we do on The Today Show, in that it's an ensemble. It's a family," Roker previously told Playbill as he prepared for his Broadway bow. "And this is me trying something new for the first time, so you don't know what to expect. I guess that's what I'm most looking forward to: finding out what this is going to be like. Because right now, I don't know."
While this marks Roker’s official Broadway debut, he did appear as a mystery guest star in the Kenneth Branagh-helmed The Play What I Wrote in 2003. He is most known, however, for his various morning appearances on NBC, including as weather and feature anchor for Today and co-host of the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.The majority of his previous acting credits—which include 30 Rock, Will & Grace, and the Sharknado series—have involved playing versions of himself.
The current cast also includes Nicolette Robinson as Jenna (through October 28), Drew Gehling as Dr. Pomatter, Ben Thompson as Earl, NaTasha Yvette Williams as Becky, and Benny Elledge as Cal. Husband-and-wife duo Katie Lowes and Adam Shapiro play Dawn and Ogie through October 7, with Alex Wyse and Lenne Klingaman stepping into the roles October 9.
During his limited engagement, Roker will not perform during Saturday and Sunday matinees.
