Hickory – Performances for The Hickory Community Theatre’s long-awaited production of the musical Hairspray begin this Friday, September 5 at 7:30pm and run through September 20 in the Jeffers Theatre. Audiences can expect dazzling choreography, unforgettable songs, and Tracy Turnblad’s unstoppable courage.
Set against the backdrop of 1960s Baltimore, Hairspray follows a teenager with big hair and an even bigger heart who dances her way onto local TV and into the fight for equality. With laughter, romance, and showstopping music, it’s a joyful reminder that one person really can change the world.
Opening night will feature a display of classic cars and photo ops with fabulous 1960s hairstyles!
Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:30pm, and Thursday, September 18 at 7:30pm. The show is suitable for ages 10 and up. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students/youth 18 & under, available at hickorytheatre.org or 828-328-2283. Hairspray is produced in association with MoreRon Productions.
Classes Now Enrolling: Fall Theatre Education
Registration is open for fall theatre classes at Hickory Community Theatre! Programs are designed for all ages, encouraging creativity, confidence, and connection. A limited-time flash sale offers $10 off the Body Positivity class if you register by September 12.
More details and class descriptions can be found at hickorytheatre.org/classes.
Upcoming Auditions: Hangmen in the Firemen’s Kitchen
Auditions for Season 77’s first Firemen’s Kitchen production, Hangmen, will be held Monday and Tuesday, September 22 and 23 at 6:30pm. Readings will be from the script.
Set in 1965 after the abolition of the death penalty in the U.K., the play follows Harry, the country’s second-best hangman, whose pub becomes the center of local and media attention. When a stranger arrives, the laughs mix with menace in this ruthlessly funny dark comedy.
Recognizing Excellence: Award Nominations Announced
Hickory Community Theatre has received 15 nominations—including Theatre Company of the Year—in this year’s Metrolina Theatre Association Awards. Nominations span both musical and non-musical categories (full list available at: metrolinatheatreassociation.net/awards/2025).
The awards ceremony takes place Sunday, October 5 at the Carolina Theatre in Uptown Charlotte. Red carpet arrivals begin at 6:30pm, followed by the ceremony from 7:30–9:30pm. General Public tickets are $50 and must be reserved via Ticketmaster at TheCarolina.com/Events.
Photo: The set for Hairspray is going to be the essence of 60s modern design. Pictured here are the building crew (clockwise from bottom left – John Almeida, John McDonough, Sean Arbuckle, Brittany Kosterlytzky, and David Williams. Photo by John Rambo.
