Hickory – Spiteful, backstage drama is on the menu when Sophie McIntosh’s dark comedy, macbitches, takes the stage this Friday, May 1 in the Firemen’s Kitchen at the Hickory Community Theatre. Performances will continue through May 16.
The action centers around a college theatre department and the highly anticipated casting announcement of the school’s production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. When Rachel, a senior acting student, learns that Hailey, a freshman, has landed the role of Lady Macbeth she goes a bit off the rails. This sets in motion a chain of events that takes this rivalry down a dark path. As Lady Macbeth says, “what’s done cannot be undone.”
The cast of this sharply witty but dark play includes two newcomers to HCT. Kayla Rivers plays Lexi, Rachel’s contentious friend and Lizzy Raymo plays Cam, who is used to playing small roles.
Rivers, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UNC Charlotte, had this to say about her character. “Lexi has quite the potty mouth, so it’s been really fun to find her acting beats. Like, when is she dropping an F-bomb for fun, or for shock value, or for a genuine emotion?”
Raymo, who is herself a freshman at Catawba Valley Community College, was encouraged by her professor to audition for the role. “I’ve never performed here, but I have seen a couple shows and it seems like they always have a lot of fun.”
Performances of macbitches are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 2:30pm; and Thursday, May 14 at 7:30pm. Due to adult language and content, the production is recommended strictly for ages 18 and up.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for youth and students. Tickets are available at hickorytheatre.org or by calling 828-328-2283.
macbitches is produced in association with Pretty Chicken Productions, with additional support from a Friend of the Theatre. 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 support is provided by the City of Hickory, A Cleaner World, Shurtape Technologies, Acuña & Acuña Dentistry, and BelleAge.
Registration is still open for HCT summer youth theatre camps
Hickory Community Theatre’s 2026 summer camps offer engaging opportunities for students to build confidence and creativity on stage. Registration is now open for all three sessions.
There are two options available for ages 9–11. Broadway’s Boldest Villains, which runs June 15-19, explores the most iconic musical theatre villains. Zero to Hero, running June 22–26, focuses on heroic characters and storytelling. Both camps run from 9 AM to 12 PM. Tuition is $150 and includes a camp t-shirt.
For teens ages 12–14, Teen Improvageddon!, June 15–19, delivers a high-energy experience combining improvisation, teamwork, and performance. This camp meets from 2–5 PM and tuition is $150, including a camp shirt.
For full details and registration, visit hickorytheatre.org/classes.
PHOTO: Lizzie Raymo (left) plays Cam and Kayla Rivers plays Lexi in macbitches, running May 1–16 in the Firemen’s Kitchen at Hickory Community Theatre. Photo by Katie Stone.
