Hickory – The powerful, iconic, and influential musical Jesus Christ Superstar will premiere in the Jeffers Theatre next Friday, April 4. Tickets are selling quickly, and a sold-out run is anticipated.

A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, Jesus Christ Superstar is a timeless work set against the backdrop of extraordinary and universally known events. Told entirely through song, the story explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire. The iconic 1970s rock score features such well-known numbers as Superstar, I Don’t Know How to Love Him, and Gethsemane.

Portraying two key antagonists in the production are local actors Noah Messick and Peter Liuzzo. Messick plays Caiaphas, the high priest of Israel at the time, while Liuzzo takes on the role of Annas, Caiaphas’ father-in-law and another influential figure within the Jewish religious establishment.

Messick, a Hickory native, is currently a senior at Lenoir-Rhyne University, pursuing dual degrees in Music Performance and Sacred Music. His many academic and performance accolades include an award and scholarship from the Hickory Music Club and two first-place awards at the NC National Association of Teachers of Singing competition in 2022. While this is his first role at HCT, he has previously performed as Escamillo in Carmen and J.P. Morgan in Ragtime. Reflecting on his experience at HCT, Messick shared, “My favorite thing is being able to experience theatre close to home with quality performers and performance spaces.”

Liuzzo is also making his HCT debut in Superstar but is no novice to the stage. His previous theatre credits include Oliver in Puffs, Roger in Rent, and two runs of The Last Five Years, one of which he also directed and produced as a filmed production. In 2023, he received the Metrolina Theatre Association Award for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Gabe in Next to Normal. Originally from New York, he now resides in Mooresville, where he works as a bartender at Scratch Kitchen by GhostFace. Speaking about his role, Liuzzo said, “Annas is truly evil and just fun to play. Plus, Superstar is my dad’s favorite show.”

Performances of Jesus Christ Superstar will run April 4–19 in the Jeffers Theatre, with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m., and a special Thursday performance on April 17 at 7:30 p.m. This show is rated PG-13. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students. Visit hickorytheatre.org or call (828) 328-2283 to purchase tickets. The production is presented in association with MOReON Productions.

Registration is Open for Beetlejuice Jr. Musical Theatre Camp

Hickory Community Theatre and Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts are once again collaborating on a summer musical theatre camp. The 2025 edition will feature the young actors’ adaptation of Beetlejuice Jr., based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon.

This frightfully funny musical brings the ghost-with-the-most to life on stage in an adaptation designed for young performers. Rated PG, the show has struck a chord with young theatre lovers thanks to its unabashed humor and emotional honesty.

Performances will take place on July 26 & 27 at HCT. For registration and info., visit hickoryballetpa.com/summer-camp or call (828) 294-8438.

(L-R) Noah Messick and Peter Liuzzo.