Hickory – The central characters in End Days, a new comedy that examines human anxieties in the post 9/11 world, are the Stein family, who are each coping with their own fears in unique ways. Mom Sylvia Stein has embraced Christianity, even though she’s Jewish, and Dad Arthur hasn’t left the house or changed out of his pajamas since the attacks.

The Hickory Community Theatre’s production of the play, which opens on March 1 in the Firemen’s Kitchen, features two local actors, Chrissy Colavecchio Schramm and David J. Ingle, who are known for playing unusual and challenging characters. Schramm has a BA in Theatre from the University of Florida and was most recently seen on the Firemen’s Kitchen stage as Dolly in the smash hit comedy Kitchen Witches.

Although equally well regarded for drama and comedy, she tends to gravitate toward unique characters in off-the-wall comedies, like Masha in the 2014 production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Originally from West Palm Beach, FL, she has resided in Hickory for 19 years and is currently the manager of Café Rule.

Ingle came to HCT after a 30 year hiatus from theatre for the powerful musical Les Miserablés, in which he played Brujon and other roles in the ensemble. He has since played major roles, most recently as Tateh in the HCT production of Ragtime last spring.

Other roles include the Wiz in The Wiz at HCT and the Baron in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The Green Room. Originally from Cherryville, Ingle has been in Hickory for 26 years and is currently the IT Manager for King Hickory Furniture.

Performances of End Days are March 1-17, 2019, Fridays and Saturdays (Mar 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16) at 8:00pm, Thursdays (Mar 7 & 14) at 7:30pm and Sundays (Mar 10 & 17) at 2:30pm. Tickets for Fridays through Sundays are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors (60 and over), and $10 for students and youth 18 and under. Tickets for Thursday night performances are $14 for adults and $10 for students and youth 18 and under.

Call the box office at 828-328-2283 or visit hickorytheatre.org to purchase tickets or get more information. HCT is a Funded Affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County.

The Theatre’s 2018-2019 Season is sponsored by Paramount Automotive and A Cleaner World. End Days is produced by Robert Abbey, Inc. and Dr. George Clay, III, DDS.

Photo: Chrissy Colavecchio Schramm and David J. Ingle play Sylvia and Arthur Stein in End Days.
The quirky and unique comedy runs March 1 – March 17 in the Firemen’s Kitchen. Photo by John Koval.