Hickory – What do a singing accused murderess, a pie baking server, kid’s summer fun and the Best Party in Hickory have in common? They are all coming up in the next two months at the Hickory Community Theatre.

First up is Lizzie, a hard-hitting rock musical about Lizzie Borden’s infamous trial, which takes the stage this Friday, May 2 and continues through May 17 in the Firemen’s Kitchen.

In 1892, Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her father and stepmother. Based on historical records and told by a killer all-female cast through a searing rock score, this show is a declaration of strength and survivorship that explores the heated days leading up to the murder and Lizzie’s controversial acquittal. It’s like Carrie meets Sweeney Todd but with a “riot grrl” style musical score.

Presented in the intimate Firemen’s Kitchen theatre, performances of Lizzie are May 2-17, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:30pm and Thursday, May 15 at 7:30pm. This show is produced by The Guild at HCT. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets are available online

Content warning: Lizzie contains loud noises, flashing lights, haze, foul language, blood, and references to murder and sexual abuse. Patrons under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

HCT’s next production, the smash-hit Broadway musical Waitress is now in rehearsal and will debut in the Jeffers Theatre on Friday, June 6. Performances will continue through June 21. The show is directed by HCT Artistic Director Eric Seale, with music direction by Jeff Hartman and choreography by Gina Duckworth.  Waitress is a heartfelt musical about dreams, friendship, and finding courage, featuring Sara Bareilles’ unforgettable songs and a deliciously uplifting story. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:30pm and Thursday, June 19 at 7:30pm. This show is produced by Alex Lee, Inc. and is rated PG13. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students and youth 18 and under.

Hot on the heels of Waitress, in fact the Monday after opening night, is HCT’s perennial fundraising event, The Vacation Extravaganza. Widely regarded as the best party in Hickory, this event features a casual, festive atmosphere with plentiful food and drink. There will be live entertainment throughout the evening, featuring local legend and piano man extraordinaire Ulysses Long. Your ticket also comes with the chance to win the grand prize of $10,000 or the second chance prize of $1,000. Only 450 tickets are sold, so the odds may be in your favor. Tickets are $140, which admits two people for the party and one entry in the drawing.

HCT Education Director Kasey Kott has announced June’s summer youth theatre camps, which will run from June 16 through June 20. The morning camp is called “Itchin’ to Audition” where campers will develop the skills needed to really stand out at an audition! This camp is for ages 8-10 and runs from 9am to 12pm. Tuition is $175.

The afternoon camp is “Improvisation Revelation” where campers will explore the art of improvisation through a series of games that will allow students to unleash their creativity. This camp is for ages 11-14 and runs from 2pm to 5pm. Tuition is $175.

More information on these classes, including how to register, is available at hickorytheatre.org/classes. Parents may also call the theatre at 828-327-3855.

HCT is a Funded Affiliate of Arts Culture Catawba. Our 76th season is made possible by A Cleaner World, Protection Products, Inc., Shurtape Technologies, BelleAge, Covington Dental, and LifeRootz. We also receive ongoing support from the North Carolina Arts Council, part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Photo: Jenni Canterbury plays Lizzie Borden in Lizzie. This hard rock musical opens this weekend in the Firemen’s Kitchen at the Hickory Community Theatre. Tickets and information are available at hickorytheatre.org or by calling 828-328-2283. This production is rated R. Photo by Katherine Stone Photography.