Hickory – Spice up your January with Katori Hall’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, The Hot Wing King, coming to Hickory Community Theatre’s Jeffers Theatre from January 24 through February 8.

Set in the vibrant city of Memphis, Tennessee, this comedic and heartfelt story follows Cordell Crutchfield and his team—Big Charles, Isom, and Dwayne—dubbed the “New Wing Order” (NWO). Together, they aim to claim victory at the annual Hot Wang Festival, where the coveted title of “Hot Wing King” awaits. But with Cordell and Dwayne navigating relationship challenges, Dwayne’s nephew Everett seeking refuge, and the fiery competition looming, the kitchen heats up in ways no one anticipated.

Making his theatrical debut in the role of Cordell is Hickory native Zakyus Carson, a 2022 graduate of Hickory High School and current team lead at Chicken Salad Chick. Carson, an aspiring writer, steps into the spotlight with gratitude and excitement.

“I’m very grateful to Tatum [Director Robert “Tatum” Terry] for choosing me to bring Cordell to life,” Carson shares. “I love walking into the theatre where everyone can be anything, and I wanted to be part of a production that speaks to themes I connect with.”

Performances of The Hot Wing King run January 24 through February 8, with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:30 PM. An additional performance will be held on Thursday, February 6, at 7:30 PM. The play is rated R and strongly recommended for adult audiences due to profanity.

Tickets are available online at hickorytheatre.org or by phone at 828-328-2283. Prices are $18 for adults and $12 for youth/students.

The Hot Wing King is produced by Arts Culture Catawba. The 76th season at Hickory Community Theatre is sponsored by A Cleaner World, Protection Products, Inc., Shurtape Technologies, BelleAge, Covington Dental, and LifeRootz. 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.

PHOTO: Zakyus Carson plays Cordell in The Hot Wing King, coming to Hickory Community Theatre January 24 through February 8, 2024. Photo from subject.