Emerson School of Hospitality students participated in the “Whimsical Pie Contest” on Feb. 2 for a chance at having their recipes featured in the “Waitress Pie Recipe Book” as well as tickets to Waitress, which is on stage at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre from Feb. 6 to 11.

The winning recipe that will be featured in the show’s recipe book was called “The Heck with My Diet Blueberry Lemon Pie,” and was created by students Elizabeth Cornell and Arianna Martin. The runners up, Tarin Parker and Kashmir DeLisle, created an also-delicious pie called “The Muddy Elephant in the Room Peanut Butter Pie with Chocolate Ganache.”

Emerson principal Debbie White-Stokes and culinary teacher Donna Emmert were on hand to offer support to their students and oversee the contest. The teachers and participating students were provided tickets to the opening night of Waitress.

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, WAITRESS is an irresistible new hit featuring original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (“I Am Sam”) and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Finding Neverland, Pippin, Hair).

Inspired by Adrienne Shelley’s beloved film, the musical tells the story of Jenna – a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna 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.  But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

“It’s an empowering musical of the highest order!” raves the Chicago Tribune.  “WAITRESS is a little slice of heaven!” says Entertainment Weekly and “a monumental contribution to Broadway!” according to Marie Claire. Don’t miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

For tickets, visit www.sheas.org or call the box office 716-847-0850.