Take a Peek Behind the Curtain

Watts Rogers, who plays Angelo (a member of Fat Sam’s gang) in Bugsy Malon e, is a seventh grader at Hickory Day School. His previous theatre experience includes Newsies and Shakespeare in Love at HCT, as well as Snow White and Alice in Wonderland at the Green Room Community Theatre.  “I’m excited to be involved in live theatre again,” he said. “I’m in Hickory Rec Lacrosse, and the Archery Team at Hickory Day School. I love formula 1 racing!”

Karson Byers, who plays Doodle (a member of Dandy Dan’s gang) in Bugsy Malone is in the sixth grade at Hickory Day School. That’s also where she’s had all of his theatre experience so far.  “I auditioned for Bugsy Malone,” she says, “because it ounded like fun and I've been really interested in acting! The character name 'Doodle', it fits me perfect, I love to draw!!" "The people working at HCT are so nice and very supportive!”  Byers is in the National Elementary Honor Society and received an award in the Radiant Piece Art Competition. She fills her free time with drawing, singing, skiing, volleyball, cross-country running and basketball.

Aron Shell, who plays Shoulders (a member of Dandy Dan’s gang) in Bugsy Malone , is an eighth grade homeschooler from Granite Falls. His most recent theatre roles were in Jack Tales at Foothills Preforming Arts and Alice in Wonderland at the Green Room Community Theatre.  “I auditioned for Bugsy ,” he says, “because we're about to move and I wanted to have a last show in North Carolina. Being in the ensemble means I get to be multiple people, and I have some funny lines.”  “The best thing about HCT is our director because she is hilarious.”  In his free time, Shell likes watching anime, drawing, and collecting funko pops.

Carsyn Barry, who plays Laughing Boy (a member of Dandy Dan’s gang) in Bugsy Malone, is a seventh grader at Northview Middle School in Hickory. Her most recent stage experience was in Alice in Wonderland at the Green Room.   “I auditioned for this show,” she said, “because itsounded so fun and comedic and so many great people were auditioning for it. I like my role because we are the villains and get to show a little bit of our evil and mischievous side." "HCT is a great place to make friends, have fun, and put on a spectacular show.”  At school, Barry is in Jr. Beta Club. In her free time she enjoys arts & crafts and skateboarding.

Hannah Morrison, who plays Yonkers (a member of Dandy Dan’s gang) in Bugsy Malone , is an eighth grade homeschooler from Hickory. Her most recent theatre experiences were playing the title characters in Matilda at the Hickory Community Theatre and Alice in Wonderland at the Green Room Community Theatre.  “I auditioned for Bugsy Malone ,” she said, because it sounded like a fun show. I’m looking forward to spluging Fat Sam's gang and maybe even the audience. My favorite thing about HCT is the people." Offstage she enjoys singing and dancing (ballet, tap, jazz and ballroom). 

Gabriella Shell, who plays Benny Lee (a member of Dandy Dan’s gang) in Bugsy Malone is a homeschool sophomore from Granite Falls. Her previous theatrical experiences include playing the Mouse in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe with Foothills Preforming Arts.  “I auditioned for Bugsy Malone ” she said, “because I wanted a last chance to do a show with friends before I moved to SC in January; plus I’ve always wanted to be in a musical. I love the role because as a part of the ensemble I get to be in multiple dance numbers. Everyone at HCT seems super nice.”  Her other hobbies include reading and crafting. She also sells some of her handmade items.

Canah Randolph, who plays Bronx Charlie (a member of Dandy Dan’s gang) in Bugsy Malone , is a Hickory homeschool sophomore. Her previous theatre experience has been with Mountain View Baptist Church’s summer drama camps, as well as with ballet.  “I wanted to audition for Bugsy Malone ,” she says, “because I loved the setting, and it was a kids' cast. I've always wanted to try theatre, and I LOVE the stage! It's interesting to play a side character that doesn't have a set persona that you can help develop." "I love that the Hickory Community Theatre is a historical spot in our city.  There was also a wonderful feeling of no judgement and appreciation for everyone in the audition.”  Her club activities include Civil Air Patrol and The American Adventure Service Corps.

Aubrey Curnutte, who plays Knuckles (a member of Fat Sam’s gang) in Bugsy Malone , is a seventh grader at Granite Falls Middle School. She is originally from Plant City, FL and moved to Hickory nine years ago. Her previous theatre experience includes being the Narrator in Hansel & Gretel at the Green Room Community Theatre.  “I auditioned for Bugsy Malone , she says, “Because I love all different types of music and movies and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to explore different types of characters.  I love that Knuckles has the perfect mixture of serious and comedic." "I like how at HCT all the directors are so bubbly and always excited for the next show." Offstage, and out of school, Curnutte enjoys singing, theatre and reading. 

Mallory Rhoney, who plays Snake Eyes (a member of Fat Sam’s gang) in Bugsy Malone , is a seventh grader at Grandview Middle School in Hickory. This is her first big production, but she has written and directed her own, original plays while she was a student at Oakwood Elementary.  "I auditioned for Bugsy Malo ne, ” she said, “because I thought it would be really fun to be a gangster. I like that Snake Eyes is in a lot of dancing scenes and funny scenes." "My favorite thing about Hickory Community Theatre is that all the people are just so nice and supportive." At school, Rhoney is in Wyldlife and Band.  Outside of school, she enjoys singing, ukulele and piano. “Musical chops run in my family,” she says. “my great grandfather was Loonis McGlohon, a world-renowed pianist and songwriter.”  She also likes rollerblading, hiking, swimming, skiing, art, crafts and traveling. In 2009 she was named "Cutest Baby of Catawba County" by The Observer News and Enterprise

Mollie Johns, who plays Louis (a member of Fat Sam’s gang) in Bugsy Malone , is a seventh grader at Maiden Middle School. Her previous theatre credits include The Hobbit at Hickory Community Theatre and The Taming of the Shrew with the 2018 Summer Shakespeare Camp at the Green Room Community Theatre.  “I chose to audition for Bugsy Malone, ” she said, “after I watched the movie and loved the story. I like that as Louis I get to use a silly voice and make people laugh. I also like that I get to be silly in general." "HCT is a beautiful theater and I always have a fun experience there.”  At school, Johns is Vice President of the student council, and in the drama club, where she is currently running for President. She has received five terrific kid awards and been on the honor roll for eight years.  She is a published writer on Wattpad and says “Marvel movies are life and my favorite thing in the world is my cat Pip.”

Mikayla Lenahan, who plays Ritzy (a member of Fat Sam’s gang) in Bugsy Malone , is a seventh grader at American Renaissance School in Statesville. Her previous theatre experience was The Jungle Book with Theatre Statesville.  “I auditioned for Bugsy Malone ,” she said, “because it is for my age and I like the Hickory Community Theatre. My character also has a solo." "I like HCT because they have Professional shows and everything is organized."  When she was in sixth grade, Lenahan recieved the Character & Good Citizen Award at her school. In her free time she enjoys art, reading and singing.

Braiden Bell, who plays Fat Sam in Bugsy Malone , is a 4th grader at Mountain View Elementary and a Hickory native. His previous theatre credits include  The Wizard of Oz  and  From This Day Forward  with Old Colony Players.  He came out for BUGSY he says, “Because it is all kids and I knew I would be able to make so many new friends. I like that it is fun and I get to try a new accent and boss people around which I don’t ever do in real life. There are a lot of good actors at HCT and I love coming to see shows there with my parents”  Offstage he likes playing piano, singing, and playing video games, 

Katie Grace DeHart, who plays Tallula - Fat Sam's "moll, is a Junior @ Challenger High and Conover native.  Previous theatre credits: The Audition, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Evita at HCT , as well as  Frozen Jr. at The Green Room.  "I was so eager to return to the theatre scene after a long long COVID break," she said. "When this show was announced at the season opener, I started listening to the soundtrack from the movie and absolutely fell in love. I think this is undoubtedly one of the funniest and most entertaining kids shows around.. I love playing Tallulah, because she is an absolute girlboss! She owns every single room she walks into and just naturally commands attention. I love her subtle wit and dominant nature. Playing Tallulah is an absolute dream!" I love how inclusive HCT is. Every show, every audition, every event, everyone here pulls others in and makes people feel valued.”  Offstage, DeHart is a Girl Scout and in her school's

Lucas Packard, who plays the role of Bugsy's rival Dandy Dan, is an 8th grader at Grandview middle school. He has lived in Hickory most of his life and loves musicals and comedy. His previous theatre credits include Junie B. Jones, Elf, Ragtime and Lion King, Jr. , all at HCT.  "I love it here, "he says, "because at HCT everyone is welcoming to all."  Offstage, Packard is a Boy Scout and cross country runner. He received an Outstanding Ensemble Kay Award for Ragtime. He attended space camp last summer in Huntsville, AL.

 Abigail Morrison, who plays Blousey Brown in HCT's upcoming production of Bugsy Malone, is a 9th grade homeschooler and Hickory native. Her previous theatre credits include:  Beauty and the Beast   at Mathews Playhouse Summer Program, Cinderella  at the Little Theatre of Winston-Salem Summer Program and Alice in Wonderland at The Green Room.  When asked about the show and her role she replied, “I chose this show because it has fun songs and characters. It's also family friendly and comedic at parts. I like the emotions that I get to put into my character. The staff at HCT is very friendly and responsible." Morrison enjoys spending her free time with dancing (ballet, jazz, tap and ballroom), singing, and playing piano. She has received three awards in piano competition. 

Quinn Mullis, who has the title role in HCT's upcoming production of the musical BUGSY MALONE, is a Hickory native and a sophomore at Hickory Christian Academy. His theatre credits include:  The Lion King Jr.  and ensemble in  Evita  at HCT,  The Adventures of Tom Sawyer  at The Green Room,  The Music Man  and  Crazy for You  at Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts and  Frozen Jr.  at Hickory Christian Academy Drama Department. When asked about the show and the role, he said, "BUGSY looked like a fun way to gain experience and be productive, I like Bugsy’s confidence. I like HCT because of the community it holds."  Besides school and theatre, Mullis stays very busy. At school he's on the ski team and is the choreographer for  Frozen, Jr.  (in addition to playing Olaf in the show.) Outside of school, he enjoys ancing lessons, voice lessons and snowboarding.

In THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, Autumn Dagenhardt plays Alicia, a young Caucasian woman with looks that would have been cast as ethnic in 1950’s movies, she's that actress whose every script note ends with her being allocated more lines.  Dagenhardt  has been acting at HCT for several years, starting with THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. Most recently she was part of the energetic ensemble for SOMETHING ROTTEN.  In 2019, Dagenhardt worked as an intern with HCT’s managing director, John Rambo, during her senior year at University Christian High School. She's now a sophomore at Appalachian State University. 

In THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, Allison Finch plays Logan, the director who's earnest about theater and doing the right thing, but wants everyone to feel part of the collaboration so much that it derails the actual play. Finch  has a BA in Drama from UNC Greensboro and was most recently seen at HCT as Poppy in NOISES OFF.  Other appearances at local theatres include TGR’S Shakespeare in the Park productions of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Don John) and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Helena), as well as HCT’S SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE. (Can you tell she likes the Bard?)  S he lives in Connelly Springs with her husband Matt and works as a jewelry artisan and diamond consultant at Charles Babb Designs.

In THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, Taylor Edwards plays Jaxton, an LA surfer actor, politically correct to a fault, he’s that guy everyone loves, but his logical PC thinking takes weird turns.  Edwards was last seen at HCT in March of 2020 as Adam/Gregory/Benvolio in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE and before that as Woof in HAIR.  His first production was DREAMGIRLS in 2018.  He’s a graduate of Catawba College and currently works at Henry River Mill Village.

Hunter plays Caden, a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School System with dramatic aspirations but no clue how things work on stage.  Hunter is a newcomer to the area, and to HCT, after relocating to Lenoir from South Carolina last summer.  His most recent theatre credits include THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW with Old Colony Players, 9 TO 5 at the Green Room Community Theatre and the outdoor drama, FROM THIS DAY FORWARD with Old Colony Players.