Hickory – The first line of dialogue in Selina Fillinger’s political farce, POTUS – “or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive” is a single, culturally taboo four letter word that has just been uttered by the Commander-In-Chief at a diplomatic gathering. At the center of the ensuing PR crisis are Jean, the presidential press secretary who’s trying to keep a lid on the story, and Chris, a political reporter trying to get at the truth.

Making her HCT debut is newcomer Jordan Spears as Chris. Spears is a native of Hickory but relocated to Lenoir last year to start a new career as a Validation Specialist for Exela Pharma. POTUS isn’t Spears first theatrical adventure. She’s been with Foothills Performing Arts in Caldwell County for some time, portraying Queen Alonza in THE TEMPEST and a Fairytale Creature in SHREK, for which she was also part of tech crew.

“I wanted this part in POTUS because Chris’ situation is very familiar to working women in real life,” Spears says. “She’s a new mother who’s also working to build a career, much like my mom had to do when I was growing up.”

The role of Jean is played by Holley Dagenhardt, who made her HCT debut in 2020 for the live-streaming production of JUNGLE FUN ROOM. Her most recent role was playing Cynthia Weil in BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at the Green Room just a few weeks ago. Prior to that she played the Milan Stage Manager/Ensemble in KINKY BOOTS at HCT, for which she received a Kay Award for Outstanding Character Actor in a Musical.

“I chose to audition for POTUS to push myself artistically” she said, “and do an edgier, adult, fast-paced comedy. Jean is sassy and always tries to put a positive spin on things. I like HCT because its local, with a fantastic space and people.”

Performances of POTUS are Fridays and Saturdays, October 20 through November 4 at 7:30pm; Sundays, October 22 and 29 at 2:30pm; and Thursday, November 2 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for students. POTUS is not recommended for children. Tickets may be purchased online at hickorytheatre.org/box-office of by phone at 828-328-2283.

POTUS is rated R for strong language and adult situations. Consider yourself warned. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The Hickory Community Theatre’s 75th anniversary season is sponsored by A Cleaner World, Green Park Dentistry, Paramount Automotive and Sunbelt Xpress. POTUS is produced in association with Dad’s Garage. The Hickory Community Theatre is a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County.

PHOTO: Holley Dagenhardt plays Jean and Jordan Spears plays Chris in POTUS, coming to the Hickory Community Theatre October 20 through November 4. FPhoto by Eric Seale.