Today Show perennial Al Roker is set to make his Broadway debut in the musical Waitress. He’ll take on the role of diner owner Joe (currently played by Bill Nolte) beginning October 5, playing a limited run at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre through November 11.
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.
“I’m nervous and excited to be making my Broadway debut in such a Pie-conic show,” the Emmy winner said in a statement. “My character’s name is Old Joe, so I’ve got half of it down already. And there’s pie every night!”
Composer Sara Bareilles added, “He is a longtime favorite of ours and now we get to welcome him in to a whole new world at the Brooks Atkinson where it hardly ever rains.”
Nicolette Robinson joined the company of the Bareilles and Jessie Nelson musical September 4, becoming the first woman of color to take on the role of Jenna; she plays a limited engagement through October 28.
The current cast also includes Drew Gehling as Dr. Pomatter, Katie Lowes as Dawn, Adam Shapiro as Ogie, Ben Thompson as Earl, NaTasha Yvette Williams as Becky, and Benny Elledge as Cal.
During his limited engagement, Roker will not perform during Saturday and Sunday matinees.
