Meet Christy Rhianna Branch from BY THE BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL SEA

Christy Rhianna Branch, 2021 Kay Award winner for lead actress, will portray Mom in the world-premiere play BY THE BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL SEA.  Branch’s past HCT roles include her Kay award-winning portrayals of Valerie THE WEIR (Outstanding Female Lead 2021) and Charlotte in THE REVOLUTIONISTS (Outstanding Supporting Actress 2019). This is also her second time in an HCT world premiere, she had the lead role of Andorra in THE SEAMSTRESS in 2014.  She has also been in several productions with Foothills Performing Arts, where one of her favorite roles was Bella in LOST IN YONKERS.  This Lees-McRae College graduate has is from Morganton and has lived in the area most of her life. In addition to her work on stage, Branch served as the HCT costumer from 2010 to 2015.

“My favorite thing about HCT is the variety of shows each season,” Branch says.  When asked why she chose this particular role, she says, “Mostly it was the challenge of taking on a role never played before.”

The premiere of BY THE BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL SEA will be held in the Firemen's Kitchen Fridays and Saturdays, February 18 through March 5 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, February 27 at 2:30 p.m.; and Thursday March 3 at 7:30 p.m. Opening night, February 18, features reduced-price tickets at $12 for adults and $10 for youth & students. Tickets for all other performances 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 increasing rate of Covid-19 cases in Catawba County, the Hickory Community requires that all patrons wear a mask or other face covering while inside the building.

The HCT’s 73rd season is sponsored by Paramount Automotive and Sunbelt Xpress. HCT is a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County. Photo by Eric Seale.


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