Hickory – Exciting things are happening at Hickory Community Theatre, with a critically acclaimed historical drama on stage, a Broadway rock opera in rehearsal, and a thrilling new musical on the horizon.

The Book of Will by Lauren Gunderson returns to the Firemen’s Kitchen this weekend (March 7-9) after a sold-out opening. This semi-biographical comedy tells the fascinating story of how Shakespeare’s plays were collected and preserved for future generations. Performances continue through March 15, with showtimes on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:30 PM, and a special Thursday performance on March 13 at 7:30 PM. Rated PG. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students (18 and under). Visit hickorytheatre.org or call 828-328-2283 to purchase. The Book of Will is produced in association with Alice and John McDonough and David and Maria Williams, with additional support from Steve Austin and Sherry Griffin.

Also on tap for this weekend is Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. in the Jeffers Theatre. This is joint theatre education venture between HCT and Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts. Step into the wacky world of Wonderland in this vibrant new retelling of a Disney classic! Performances are this Saturday, March 8 at 2pm and 4pm, and on Sunday, March 9 at 6:30pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students. Visit hickorytheatre.org or call 828-328-2283 to purchase.

Meanwhile, rehearsals are in full swing for Jesus Christ Superstar, the groundbreaking rock opera by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. This electrifying musical follows the final days of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, set to an unforgettable rock score. Local performer Hannah Pratt stars as Mary Magdalene. Pratt, a theatre and choir teacher at North Lincoln High School, is a Kay Award-winning actress who has previously appeared in The Drowsy Chaperone and POTUS at HCT. “This is a progressive female role,” says Pratt. “She’s a woman on the fringe of society who embodies the compassion and values of all religions.” Set against the backdrop of the Gospels, the show explores the personal conflicts between Jesus, his disciples, the people of Israel and the leadership of Rome.

Jesus Christ Superstar runs April 4-19 in the Jeffers Theatre. Rated PG-13. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students. Visit hickorytheatre.org or call 828-328-2283 to purchase. Jesus Christ Superstar is produced in association with MOReON Productions.

Up next, Lizzie, a hard-hitting rock musical about Lizzie Borden’s infamous trial, will take the stage under the direction of Bethany Spears, making her HCT directorial debut. “After serving as stage manager and assistant director, I’m thrilled to step into the director’s chair for such a phenomenal show,” says Spears, a Kay Award-winning actress last seen as Violet Beauregard in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This show will debut on May 2 and continue through May 17 in the Firemen’s Kitchen. Lizzie is produced by The Guild at HCT and is rated R.

HCT’s Education Program, led by Kasey Kott, is still accepting registrations for upcoming workshops:

Saturday, March 15, there are two free workshops—Summer Musical Audition Workshop (ages 8-18, 1-2 PM) and Learning Laban Workshop (adults 18+, 4-7 PM). Space is limited, advance registration required.

IMPROVAGEDDON, a four-week improv comedy workshop for adults, returns on April 8. Classes will be on Tuesdays from 6-8 PM). Tuition is $75 per person.

More information on these classes, including how to register, is available at hickorytheatre.org/classes.

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: (L-R) E. Schuttenberg as Rebecca Heminges, Bianca Moten as Alice Heminges and Emma Lee Kurts as Elizabeth Condell in The Book of Will. Photo by Ken Burns.