Happy Solstice

  (originally published 12/21/21)

It’s officially the first day of winter, and Christmas is just around the corner. It’s a special time of year and traditionally one of the busiest for us at Hickory Community Theatre. One evening last week we had literally every space in the building full of activity. There was Bugsy Malone in the Jeffers Theatre and The Color Purple in the rehearsal hall. Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells was in the council chamber and the Holiday Cabaret was setting up in the Firemen’s Kitchen. It’s usually like that during the period from mid-November through Christmas and we love it! I say "usually like that" because, of course, last year was different. One difference was that we couldn't put on a Christmas show for school field trip groups. This year though, we got to bring back Junie B. Jones and it was so delightful to see hundreds of first and second graders get their first taste of live theatre and to see the joy on their faces. Then there's the excitement of watching young actors putting on a show. Theatre for young audiences is a special thing, and when it's "by kids for kids" it is doubly so. So the story I have for you today comes from Wendy, the mother of one of HCT's young actors, Hannah, who played Matilda two years ago.

“During this time and season of giving, I want to express my gratitude to HCT for the opportunity given to my daughter, Hannah, to play Matilda in Matilda the Musical. We have traveled across the Carolinas to find quality theater experiences for our girls. Playing the part of Matilda at HCT was an amazing opportunity in our own backyard. The experience really did change Hannah’s life. It was her first significant role and she was treated with such respect by the entire staff. She was treated not as a child, but as a fellow actress. HCT provides the children of this community with the opportunity to come together as a team with other theater enthusiasts under the guidance of professional directors to create a polished performance. The camaraderie between the children from our diverse community will benefit Hannah and the Hickory community for years to come.”

Hannah was back on stage again just now, in the ensemble of Bugsy Malone, this time alongside her big sister Abigail, who played Blousey Brown. It’s wonderful to have young people back on stage, and in the audience again, and it’s all because of you. Theatre, particularly theatre for children, fires the imagination, it gives our children the skills and the creativity necessary to face the world, to understand it and perhaps to change it too. Your support makes that possible, and - with uncertainty rearing its head again - we need you now more than ever. Will you click the lik below and give your support today?

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