Hickory – Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical masterpiece begins its three-weekend run at Hickory Community Theatre this Friday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue through Saturday, April 19. It is highly recommended to get your tickets early—Orchestra seats for the two Sunday matinee performances are already sold out.

Jesus Christ Superstar isn’t just a musical—it’s a full-throttle rock opera pulsing with passion, politics, and anthems that shake the rafters. This electrifying spectacle thrusts audiences into the final days of Jesus Christ, told through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who questions it all. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary score collides with a world on edge, where faith meets fame, love meets ambition, and history is rewritten in power chords.

Performances of Jesus Christ Superstar will run April 4–19 in the Jeffers Theatre, with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m., and a special Thursday performance on April 17 at 7:30 p.m. This show is rated PG-13. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students. Visit hickorytheatre.org or call (828) 328-2283 to purchase tickets. The production is presented in association with MOReON Productions.

Hickory Community Theatre is a Funded Affiliate of Arts Culture Catawba. The 76th season is made possible through support from A Cleaner World, Protection Products, Inc., Shurtape Technologies, BelleAge, Covington Dental, and LifeRootz. HCT also receives sustaining support from the North Carolina Arts Council, part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Spring Classes and Summer Camps Announced

A variety of fun educational offerings are available for all ages at the HCT Theatre Lab. Here’s what’s coming up next:

Improvisation Workshop (Ages 11-14) – Saturday, April 12 @ 12 PM – This fun, fast-paced workshop explores the art of improv through interactive games and exercises, helping students tap into creativity without memorization. A perfect intro for new performers or a great refresher for returning ones! Free, registration required.

Public Speaking Workshop (Adults 18+) – Saturday, April 12 @ 3 PM – Build confidence in front of an audience by developing vocal strength, clarity, and presence in this engaging workshop. Perfect for professionals, performers, and anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills! Free, registration required.

Broadway Body Positivity Workout – Next Class: Mamma Mia Night! – April 10 @ 5:30 PM – Celebrate movement, challenge industry stereotypes, and dance to Broadway hits in this high-energy, body-positive class. All are welcome—bring water and wear comfortable clothing!

Itchin’ to Audition (Ages 8-10) – June 16-20, 9 AM-12 PM – Young performers will sharpen audition skills with cold readings, monologue prep, and guidance from guest artists in singing and dancing. The camp ends with a mock audition for theatre professionals. $175 (includes T-shirt).

Improvisation Revelation (Ages 11-14) – June 16-20, 2-5 PM – Explore the structure of improv through fun, interactive games in a camp designed for creative expression without memorization. The week ends with a showcase performance. $175 (includes T-shirt).

For more information on these camps and classes, visit hickorytheatre.org/classes.

Beetlejuice Jr. Summer Camp (Ages 9-18) – July 21-27, 9 AM-4 PM – A collaboration with Hickory Ballet & Performing Arts, this frightfully funny musical camp brings Beetlejuice Jr. to the stage. Performances will be held at HCT on July 26 & 27. Lead role auditions are May 17 (callbacks May 18), but all campers will be cast. $300 per camper.

Register at: hickoryballetpa.com/summer-camp.

Auditions for Waitress

The highly anticipated auditions for the hit Broadway musical Waitress will take place this Sunday and Monday, April 6 and 7, at 7:00 p.m. Performances will run from June 6-21, and all actors must commit to all performances.

Those wishing to audition should prepare 32 bars from one of the provided Waitress song selections, available online at hickorytheatre.org/waitress-sheet-music. An accompanist will be provided—do not bring your own. Do not accompany yourself unless you are auditioning for the role of Earl with a guitar. Please bring sheet music if needed. Those auditioning for the role of Jenna will also be required to sing What Baking Can Do and Bad Idea at callbacks.

There will also be a dance audition, so please dress accordingly.

For further information, visit hickorytheatre.org/audition. Waitress is rated PG-13 and produced in association with Alex Lee, Inc.

Photo: Hannah Pratt plays Mary Magdalene and Cole Thannisch plays Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. The popular rock musical begins performances this weekend, April 4-6, and continues through April 19. Photo by Rod Oden.