Hickory – Cory Bragg, a local actor who made his Hickory Community Theatre debut in 2023, is stepping into the role of director. He is helming HCT’s upcoming production of THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY. Performances begin on Friday, July 31 and continue through Sunday, August 9.
Originally hailing from Indian Head, Maryland, Bragg has now lived in the Hickory area for almost nine years, and works as a Housing Specialist for ALFA. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Bowie State University, and enjoys hiking, cooking, and being a miniatures-loving member of the Catawba Valley Tabletop Club in his free time.
Bragg made his unforgettable HCT debut as Kyle in EXIT PURSUED BY A BEAR, for which he received the Kay Award for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Play. Other HCT credits include Mr. Salt in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, and Karnac in RIDE THE CYCLONE. His area acting credits include FOOTLOOSE for Theatre Statesville, MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS and A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE at The Green Room Community Theatre, OSLO at Three Bone Theatre, and BUG at the Warehouse Performing Arts Center.
At its core, this production spotlights the fierce brotherhood between Mace and VP, two outsiders navigating backstage politics, backed by actors who spent weeks mastering high-impact stunts like the “power bomb.” Every leap, slam, and drop is fully choreographed, blending authentic tag-team chemistry with the grueling physical training of professional athletes.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for youth and students. Tickets are available at hickorytheatre.org or by calling 828-328-2283. This production contains substantial coarse language and is considered suitable for ages 18 and up.
THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY is produced in association with Arts Culture Catawba. Hickory Community Theatre is a funded affiliate of Arts Culture Catawba and receives sustaining support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Season 77 community support is provided by the City of Hickory, A Cleaner World, Shurtape Technologies, Acuña & Acuña Dentistry, and BelleAge.
Come Out This Weekend for HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 JR at the Hickory Community Theatre
Hickory Community Theatre and Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts will present a three performance showcase this weekend of the popular Disney show, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 JR. This is the culmination of this year’s musical theatre camp, a collaborative endeavor by HBPA and HCT.
Disney’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 JR. adapts the hit movie for young actors, following the East High Wildcats as they trade the school halls for summer jobs at the Lava Springs Country Club. Packed with upbeat dance numbers and summer-themed hits, it provides a wonderful showcase for Hickory’s young talent.
Performances are at 1:30 and 4:00 pm on Saturday, July 25 and 1:30pm on Sunday, July 26 in the Jeffers Theatre. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students and youth 18 and under. This show is suitable for ages 10 and up.
To purchase tickets visit hickorytheatre.org or call the box office at 828-328-2283.
PHOTO: Cory Bragg is making his HCT directing debut with The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity. For more information visit hickorytheatre.org/chad-deity. Photo by Eric Seale.
