Take a Peek Behind the Curtain

HCT is thrilled to be bringing you a World Premiere with BY THE BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL SEA, the newest play from Caitlyn Waltermine. The production currently in rehearsal with HCT Artistic Director Eric Seale. Opening Night is Friday, February 18.  Waltermire says she writes plays “primarily for ingenues who want something to do.”  She says her lionhead dwarf rabbit, Hildy is her primary antagonist.  She admits that she loves Roger Miller and iced Earl Grey tea.  She is also a member of the Dramatist Guild. BY THE BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL SEA, her world-premiere play about family and identity with an otherworldly twist, begins its run at Hickory Community Theatre in mid-February.  It's the story of Laura, a woman coping with tragedy and transformation. In the weeks following her sister’s funeral, mysterious scales begin to appear on Laura’s legs. Memories of their father’s book “Captain Peabody’s Fabulous Logbook of Nautical Creatures” lead her to suspect that she and her sister may not be

Bethany Spears is part of the ensemble cast in THE COLOR PURPLE.  Spears, a recent graduate of CVCC and South Caldwell High School, is employed by Frye Care Family Physicians in Hickory.  Her theater experience includes roles in the ensemble of SOMETHING ROTTEN and EVITA at HCT, and as Mayzie La Bird in SEUSSICAL JR. and Vanessa in THE LITTLE MERMAID JR., both at Creative Arts Show Time. her most recent theatre experience, prior to THE COLOR PURPLE, was being stage manager for PUFFS last October at HCT. “My favorite thing about HCT is the friendships and Sir Samuel the dog,” Spears says.  “I have loved THE COLOR PURPLE since I saw it in Charlotte when I was a kid.”   Spears notes that she loves kids, baking, singing, and being helpful to others.  Performances of THE COLOR PURPLE will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, January 28 through February 5, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, January 30, 2022, at 2:30 p.m., and Thursday, February 3, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10

Longtime Hickory resident, and proud mother of four and grandmother of five, Darlene Horne is making her theater debut as a Pants Dancer in THE COLOR PURPLE.  She moved here from Washington, D.C., with her family when she was 10 years old.  She attended WSSU and CVCC.  She is currently a host at Captain’s Galley Seafood.   “The thing I love about HCT is the live performances,” Horne says.  “THE COLOR PURPLE is an African-American classic that I could not pass up.  Also, I wanted to experience being a part of an all-Black cast and crew, especially working with the directors and choreographer.”  Of her role, Horne says, “I love the music and the choreography.” Horne was a Hickory Public Schools Golden Apple Award Nominee in 2013.  She serves as secretary on her church’s administrative council.   She enjoys writing, reading, and learning Spanish.  She also hosts an All Things Hospitality podcast. She and her husband Kinson have four children and and five grandchildren. Performances of THE

Jazmin Fox, a scientist from Lenoir employed in the pharmaceutical industry, is part of the ensemble cast in THE COLOR PURPLE, notably as a "Hell No Sister."  A native of New Mexico, she moved to the area with her mother more than 25 years ago. “My favorite thing about HCT is that it feels like a family,” Fox says.  “I chose THE COLOR PURPLE to get back into musical theater.” Fox’s hobbies include playing the piano, writing, and singing. Performances of THE COLOR PURPLE will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, January 28 through February 5, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, January 30, 2022, at 2:30 p.m., and Thursday, February 3, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for youth and students.  CLICK HERE to purchase tickets online or call the box office at 828-328-2283. Weekday box office hours are 12-5, Wednesday through Friday, or one half-hour before any performance. Due to the rising rate of Covid-19 cases in Catawba County HCT is now requiring that patrons wear a

Lynn Crawford appears as the Church Soloist in THE COLOR PURPLE.  This dental hygienist originally from Belmont now lives in Conover.  She attended King’s College and Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte.  Her theater experience includes roles in SKELETON CREW, DREAM GIRLS, SISTER ACT, and CROWNS. “My favorite thing about HCT is that they do everything in excellence,” Crawford says.  “I chose THE COLOR PURPLE because it was a great movie.  Also, it has a lot of singing in it, and I love to sing.”  What she likes about her specific role: “She is soulful, energetic, and free.” Crawford’s hobbies include playwrighting, directing, singing, and acting. Performances of THE COLOR PURPLE will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, January 28 through February 5, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, January 30, 2022, at 2:30 p.m., and Thursday, February 3, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for youth and students.  CLICK HERE to purchase tickets online or call the box office at

Myles McMillan, a theater/acting student at UNC Greensboro, is making his HCT debut in the ensemble cast of THE COLOR PURPLE as Grady, Bartender, and Young Harpo.  Originally from Maryland, he moved to the area when his father retired from the military, after having lived in Guam and England.  He currently lives in High Point.  McMillan’s theater roles include Adam in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE at Guilford Technical Community College and Max Halliday in DIAL M FOR MURDER at the Green Room Community Theatre. “My favorite thing about HCT is that I adore the extravagant atmosphere that it is able to create.  I chose THE COLOR PURPLE because this show does a phenomenal job at portraying realistic stories of Black men and women during the 1900s.”  About his roles, McMillan says, “I like the versatility in the multiple roles I have.” McMillan’s hobbies include theology, visual art (especially oil painting) and reading plays. Performances of THE COLOR PURPLE will be held on Fri

Raylen Christian, a sophomore at Watauga High School in Boone, is part of the ensemble cast of THE COLOR PURPLE alongside his twin sister who plays Olivia/Young Celie and his older sister who plays Celie.  Christian’s theater experience includes roles in BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at The Rock Boone Church in 2021, NEWSIES at HCT in 2019, and BEANSTALK and SHREK THE MUSICAL at WHS in 2015.  He will be onstage again at WHS in April 2022 as Horton in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL. “My favorite thing about HCT is that it has fun shows with good roles for teenage boys,” Christian says.  “I auditioned for THE COLOR PURPLE with two of my siblings.  It’s a great show.”  He says about his role, “I like the variety.”   Christian is a member of the D&D Club and his hobbies include game design. Performances of THE COLOR PURPLE will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, January 28 through February 5, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, January 30, 2022, at 2:30 p.m., and Thursday, February 3, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. T

Renetta Hamrick, longtime Hickory resident, mother of two, and ISS Coordinator with Hickory Public Schools, plays the Preacher in THE COLOR PURPLE.  Hamrick’s past theater experience includes roles in CROWNS and AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’.  Hamrick is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in Education at Gardner-Webb University. “My favorite thing about HCT is that creativity is freely expressed through what God has given us,” Hamrick says.  “I chose THE COLOR PURPLE because of how the strength and power of a Black woman is shown through her beauty from the inside out.”  When asked what she likes about her role, Hamrick answers, “Music being shown as a solace for all to find your way to peace.” Hamrick is a member of the Ridgeview Student Leadership Program.  Her hobbies include reading, singing, cooking, traveling, and enjoying life. Performances of THE COLOR PURPLE will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, January 28 through February 5, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, January 30, 2022, at 2:3

Dakota Armstrong, a music major with a business minor at Appalachian State University, plays Church Lady Jarene in THE COLOR PURPLE. "I chose this show because I grew up on Alice Walker’s novel," Armstrong says. "I like my role becase of the comedy." Originally from Pinehurst, she now lives in Boone with her partner, Jay. She relocated there to attend ASU, where she is a music major, with a business minor. Performances of THE COLOR PURPLE will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, January 28 through February 5, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, January 30, 2022, at 2:30 p.m., and Thursday, February 3, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for youth and students.  CLICK HERE to purchase tickets online or call the box office at 828-328-2283. Weekday box office hours are 12-5, Wednesday through Friday, or one half-hour before any performance. Due to the rising rate of Covid-19 cases in Catawba County HCT is now requiring that patrons wear a mask or other face co

Tatum Terry has dual roles as Pa and Ol’ Mister as part of the ensemble cast in THE COLOR PURPLE.  This Mooresville native and high school student portrayed Bobo in A RAISIN IN THE SUN in 2020 and was in the ensemble of HAIR in 2019, both HCT productions.  He has also acted in the ensembles of CHICAGO, ON THE TOWN, and 42ND STREET. “My favorite thing about HCT is the professional and fun environment the theater invites.  I chose THE COLOR PURPLE because the music is amazing and the story is very interesting,” Terry says.  “I like the dynamic differences in my roles.” Performances of THE COLOR PURPLE will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, January 28 through February 5, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, January 30, 2022, at 2:30 p.m., and Thursday, February 3, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for youth and students.  CLICK HERE to purchase tickets online or call the box office at 828-328-2283. Weekday box office hours are 12-5, Wednesday through Friday, or one half-hour b

Sharon Clark, a Kay Award winning member of the ensemble cast member from HCT's 2014 production of CROWNS, returns as Daisy in THE COLOR PURPLE.  This fraud analyst and mother who has a bachelor’s in Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counseling has also portrayed Armelia McQueen in AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ and a role in DUELING DIVAS, also HCT productions. “My favorite thing about HCT is the freedom to be yourself without questions,” Clark says.  “I chose THE COLOR PURPLE because it’s my favorite movie.  Through hurt, disappointments, and trials Celie didn’t give up.  She had faith, and she trusted one day things would be better.”  When asked what she likes about her role, Clark says, “singing the various songs in the production.”   Clark's hobbies include traveling, reading, singing, and spending time with family. Performances of THE COLOR PURPLE will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, January 28 through February 5, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, January 30, 2022, at 2:30 p.m., and Thursday, Fe

Thelma Eley plays Church Lady Darlene in THE COLOR PURPLE.  This HCT veteran and Kay Award winner for Outstanding Character Actress 2014-2015 has appeared in CROWNS, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, and THE WIZ.  A Garysburg native, Eley landed in Hickory in 2005 as the result of an employment transfer.  She is a wife, mother, and Strategic Sourcing Manager with a bachelor’s in Business Administration. “My favorite thing about HCT is that it allows folds to explore their creativity and be free.  It offers the opportunity to play,” Eley says.  “I chose THE COLOR PURPLE because it’s a story of overcoming and triumph.”  When asked what she likes best about her role, Eley says, “I get to be sassy and that behind-the-scenes instigator.” This current HCT Board of Directors president is also a member of Morning Star First Baptist Church and the Hickory Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.  Eley’s hobbies include hiking, reading, listening to music, and playing games with family. Performances of T

Alana Patterson, a science teacher from Boone, is part of the ensemble cast in THE COLOR PURPLE.  Patterson’s acting experience includes roles as The Princess Who Kissed the Frog in DISENCHANTED at HCT, Miss Ruby in WILD WEST TRAIN SHOW at Tweetsie Railroad, and runs as Miss Ruby in DIAMOND LIL’S CAN-CAN REVUE and in HOPPER AND PORTER’S MUSICAL CELEBRATION, both from 2012 through 2021 at Tweetsie Railroad. “My favorite thing about HCT is that I love the welcoming atmosphere and that HCT provides everyone with the chance to perform!” Patterson says.  “I fell in love with THE COLOR PURPLES after seeing the Broadway cast perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade a few years ago.  I became obsessed!”  About her role, “I love the ability to be in multiple scenes throughout the story!” Patterson is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.  Her hobbies include teaching hip hop dance, ballet, tap, competitive clogging, and Disney Parks trivia. Performances of THE COLOR PURPLE will be held on Fr

Senquajja Hardeman, from Newton, plays young Nettie in THE COLOR PURPLE. Currently a Junior at Newton Conover High School, Hardeman’s substantial acting experience includes roles in SHINE and EVIL IDOL at Tractor Shed Theatre, as well as CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, ROMEO AND JULIET and PRINCESS MERMAID at The Green Room. Her very first stage experience though was playing an angel in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT here at Hickory Community Theatre in 2017. “My favorite thing about HCT," Hardeman says, "is that it was the startup of my acting career.  I love the positive energy and experience,” Hardeman says.  I chose to audition for THE COLOR PURPLE to explore my ethnicity.  My favorite thing about this role is that Nettie is young, energetic, and driven.” She received an Excellence in Drama certificate from the John Casablanca Modeling and Career Center in 2019 and is a member of Young People of Integrity. The HCT’s 73rd season is sponsored by Paramount Automotive and Sunb

Rayna Christian, from Boone, plays young Celie in THE COLOR PURPLE.  The Watauga High School sophomore has performed most recently in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at The Rock Boone Church in 2021.  She also acted in the WHS productions of BEANSTALK and SHREK THE MUSICAL as the Fairytale Creature in 2015.  She will be onstage again at WHS in April 2022 as a member of the ensemble for SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL.   “My favorite thing about HCT," she says, "is the chance to do shows that tell stories of Black women. I'm acting in THE COLOR PURPLE alongside two of my siblings. It’s a great show and I also likes that the songs are really pretty.” Rayna plans to become an orthopedic surgeon and belongs to the Health Occupations Student Association at her school. Her hobbies are digital drawing and animation. The HCT’s 73rd season is sponsored by Paramount Automotive and Sunbelt Xpress. THE COLOR PURPLE is supported by a grant from the United Arts Council of Catawba County through

Michael Stoudmire, who plays Harpo in THE COLOR PURPLE is a newcomer to HCT with several prior performance credits. Most of those credits are from theatres in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he lived for eleven years. He moved to Fayetteville in 2017 to be closer to his parents and just relocated six months ago to Mooresville, where he is a head cashier for Lowe’s Home Improvement. His past roles include Uncle Fester in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Pablo in SISTER ACT, and Telly in GODSPELL. While living in Hawaii he worked at the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States. “Being in THE COLOR PURPLE has been a dream of mine since I saw it on Broadway in 2008,” he said. “I relate to Harpo’s struggle with the concepts of masculinity. The Hickory Community Theatre is a beautiful place and the production team is so welcoming to new talent.” Performances of the color purple will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, January 21 through February 5 at 7:30 pm; Sunday, January 30 at 2:30 pm, and T

Shar Marlin, who plays Sophia in THE COLOR PURPLE, may be new to HCT but the Charlotte actor brings a wealth of experience to her role. She has acted in 19 productions in the Charlotte area, with nine different theatre companies. Her resume includes a previous production of THE COLOR PURPLE with Piedmont Players in which she played Shug Avery. In 2017 she received a Broadway World Best Actress award for her role in MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM. Like her costar, Harper, Marlin is also originally from Washington, DC, and relocated to Charlotte to attend college. She currently works as an accounts receivable associate with US Radiology Specialists.  “THE COLOR PURPLE is my favorite musical,” she says. “The thing I like best about playing Sophia is her song ‘Hell No’.” Performances of the color purple will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, January 21 through February 5 at 7:30 pm; Sunday, January 30 at 2:30 pm, and Thursday, February 3 at 7:30 pm. Opening night, January 21 features reduced-pr

Kayla Harper, who plays Squeak in THE COLOR PURPLE, made her HCT debut in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN as a member of the ensemble. She returned three months later in THE WIZ and has since gone on to play roles in RENT, DREAMGIRLS, AS YOU LIKE IT, RAGTIME, and HAIR. She also played Ursula in THE LITTLE MERMAID at The Green Room. Harper, who is originally from Washington, DC, relocated to Hickory about eight years ago and currently works for MDI. She was the first runner-up in the Hickory Rotary Club’s singing contest, Rotarian Idol, last March. “My favorite thing about Hickory Community Theatre,” she said, “is the diversity and how the people become like family. I love the music in THE COLOR PURPLE. What I enjoy about playing Squeak is that she’s cute and enjoys being seen— just like me.” Performances of the color purple will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, January 21 through February 5 at 7:30 pm; Sunday, January 30 at 2:30 pm, and Thursday, February 3 at 7:30 pm. Opening night, January 21

Eric Seale, the Artistic Director of the Hickory Community Theatre, has gathered an experienced and talented creative team to stage the upcoming production of the powerful Broadway musical the color purple. The team includes guest director Tiffany Christian, music director LaKeisha Ross-Johnson, choreographer Anyea Gibson, and stage manager Allison Finch. The show begins performances in the Jeffers Theatre on January 21. THE COLOR PURPLE is Christian’s fifth time in the director’s chair at HCT. Her previous credits include SKELETON CREW in 2021, A RAISIN IN THE SUN in 2020, I AND YOU in 2019, and DREAMGIRLS in 2018. Her other stage work includes roles in RAGTIME, NUNSENSE, THE REVOLUTIONISTS, and NOISES OFF. This is Ross-Johnson’s second outing with HCT. She directed last season’s smash production of EVITA. She began pursuing her dream of a musical career at Lenoir- Rhyne University. She has created a soundtrack for Hickory Museum of Art’s digital presentation called “Rhythm &

One of the central stories in THE COLOR PURPLE – THE MUSICAL, which is coming to the stage at the Hickory Community Theatre on January 21, is about the relationship between the main character Celie and her sister, Nettie. In the Hickory production, the role of Nettie is played by Kayla Ferguson. Ferguson first came to HCT in 2018, as Sarah in RAGTIME, for which she received a Kay award as Outstanding Supporting Actress. Three months later she returned as Deena Jones in DREAMGIRLS. Her last Hickory appearance was in 2019, when she played Dionne in HAIR. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Ferguson relocated to Charlotte in 2012. She has acted in several roles there, including Karla in THE INVISIBLE BOY and Cora in THE GHOST AT SPLINTER COVE at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. She kept busy while theatres were closed by appearing as a frequent performer in Theatre Charlotte’s “Quarantine Concerts.” Her other Charlotte theatre credits include Adele in Die FledermAus with the Little Opera Com