Thespian and geek culutre advocate Maronne Cruz has been cast as Dawn in Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group’s upcoming Waitress The Musical.

She joins previously announced cast member Bituin Escalante in this Broadway hit.

Scored by Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles, and based on the 2007 movie of the same name, Waitress tells the story of expert baker Jenna, who is disillusioned with her life and reckons with herself through the simple magic of baking. Accompanied by her friends Dawn and Becky, Jenna finds the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

“Waitress is my dream show, and I get so elated when I think about playing Dawn. I connect so much with her! We’re both introverted, have geeky hobbies, get really anxious when putting ourselves out there, and are holding out for someone who can love all our oddities,” Cruz says.

Bobby Garcia, who directs the highly anticipated musical, says, “I was struck by Maronne’s authenticity as Dawn when she came into audition. It was an effortless audition and she hit all the right dramatic and vocal notes. I think audiences are in for a special treat when they see her on stage in Waitress.”

No stranger to musical theater, Maronne has appeared in numerous productions including Hair (Jeanie), Sa Wakas (Gabbi), Ako Si Josephine (Josephine), Godspell (Learn Your Lessons Well soloist), Dog Sees God (Marcy), Horse & His Boy (Sallowpad the Raven), Sandosenang Sapatos (Red) and Cinderella (Stepsister Joy). She has also appeared in the indie film Mariquina as Monet. She runs an advocacy named A Hero’s Call, which encourages social awareness and action through geek culture.

Catch Maronne as Dawn in Waitress, which opens on November 9 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Tickets will be available soon at TicketWorld Manila.