Hickory – NEW MODERN MUSICAL COMING TO THE JEFFERS THEATRE

Building on that momentum, HCT turns its focus to the contemporary musical Be More Chill, a high-energy, tech-infused coming-of-age story that blends humor, heart, and self-discovery.

Starring Davis Hickson as Jeremy Heere, the production centers on a teenager navigating identity, belonging, and the pressure to change in order to fit in. Hickson, who hails from Nashville and now lives in Matthews, NC, was drawn to the show’s message of self-acceptance. “At its core, he said, “Be More Chill is about learning to love yourself without changing who you are.”

Opposite Jeremy is the Squip, a sleek, artificial-intelligence guide that promises confidence and popularity at a cost. The role is played by Lark Bodnar, who describes the Squip as “a character without malicious intent, but their lack of human emotion is capable of real harm.”

Together, the cast brings urgency, vulnerability, and edge to a story that resonates strongly with young audiences and longtime theatre-goers alike.

Performances of Be More Chill will be on Fridays and Saturdays, January 23 to February 7 at 7:30pm, Sundays January 25 and 30 at 2:30pm, and Thursday, February 5 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students and youth 18 & under. Be More Chill is rated 13+ and contains moderate adult language and references to substance abuse. Tickets are available online at hickorytheatre.org or by calling 828-328-2283.

IT’S THE FINAL WEEKEND FOR THE BOYS IN THE BAND

After opening to packed houses and enthusiastic audience response, The Boys in the Band concludes its run at Hickory Community Theatre with final performances on January 9 and 10 at 7:30pm.

Produced in partnership with Out There Theatre Co., the production has sparked conversation and reflection among audiences, reaffirming HCT’s commitment to presenting bold, culturally significant work.

Performances of The Boys in the Band are Friday and Saturday, January 9 and 10 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20, available online at hickorytheatre.org This production is rated 18+ and contains adult themes and brief nudity.

THE HCT ANNUAL FUND DRIVE IS REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

As the second half of the season unfolds, HCT is also celebrating tremendous progress on its $150,000 annual fund drive. To date, the fund drive has passed the halfway mark in just over six weeks. The fund drive supports both day-to-day operations and reaching the full goal will also provide for the launch of a new paid internship program. The program is designed to open doors for emerging artists and future arts leaders.

Former intern Autumn Dagenhardt credits her early experience at HCT with helping launch her career. After interning at the theatre for academic credit in high school, she went on to complete a paid internship at Blumenthal Performing Arts in Charlotte and has since begun her professional career in arts marketing.

“Paid internships remove the barrier between passion and practicality,” Rambo said. “They allow young people to discover what’s possible—and give our community theatre the support it needs to thrive.”

To make a donation please visit hickorytheatre.org/support.

PHOTOS: Davis Hickson plays Jeremy Heere and Lark Bodnar plays The Squip in Be More Chill.  Photos by Eric Seale.