Hickory – What do a heartfelt comedy and a timeless biblical musical have in common? They’re both coming soon to Hickory Community Theatre!
First up, opening this Friday, Feb 28, in the Firemen’s Kitchen: The Book of Will by Lauren Gunderson.
After Shakespeare’s death, his friends Henry Condell and John Heminges vow to collect and publish his plays. But they face many challenges—rival publishers, personal loss, and the chaos of Elizabethan London. The Book of Will is a funny, heartwarming story of friendship and dedication.
The show runs from Feb 28 to March 15, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:30 PM, and Thursday, March 13, at 7:30 PM. It is rated PG and will be performed in the Firemen’s Kitchen.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students (18 and under). Call 828-328-2283 or visit hickorytheatre.org to purchase. The Book of Will is produced in association with Alice and John McDonough and David and Maria Williams.
Next up: Jesus Christ Superstar, featuring award-winning actor Cole Thannisch in the lead role.
This iconic rock opera by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber has thrilled audiences for over 50 years. It tells the story of Jesus Christ’s final days through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, exploring his relationships with Judas, Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and the Roman Empire.
Thannisch, originally from Alpharetta, Georgia, studied commercial music at Belmont University. Before moving to Charlotte, he worked as Vocal Programming Director at School of Rock Nashville. Last fall, he won a Metrolina Theatre Association award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical for Death Takes a Holiday.
Jesus Christ Superstar runs April 4-19 in the Jeffers Theatre. The show is rated PG-13.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students (18 and under). To purchase, call 828-328-2283 or visit hickorytheatre.org. Jesus Christ Superstar is produced in association with MOReON Productions.
There are also more ways to get involved at Hickory Community Theatre!
HCT offers a variety of educational programs led by Education Director Kelsey Kott. The Broadway Body Positivity Workout is a free, drop-in class held every Thursday from 5-6 PM. No registration is required—just come ready to move.
On March 15, two free workshops will be available. The Summer Musical Audition Workshop, designed for ages 8-18, will be held from 1 to 2 PM. Later that day, the Learning Laban Workshop for adults 18 and older will take place from 4 to 7 PM. While both classes are free, space is limited, and advance registration is required.
For those interested in improv comedy, the third edition of IMPROVAGEDDON offers a four-week comedy workshop for adults 18 and older. Tuition is $75 per person, and space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
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: Angel Rojas as Isaac Jaggard in The Book of Will, opening this weekend at the Hickory Community Theatre. Performances run February 28 through March 15 in the Firemen’s Kitchen. Photo by Ethan Fite.
