Take a Peek Behind the Curtain

Chrissy Colavecchio will play The Woman in White in RIPCORD. Her most recent outing on the HCT stage was as part of the Outstanding Ensemble of EXIT LAUGHING, in the role of Millie. Her previous HCT credits include THE KITCHEN WITCHES and END DAYS. Colavecchio has a degree in theatre from the University of Florida. She moved to the Hickory area about 20 years ago. When asked what her favorite thing about Hickory Community Theatre was, Schramm said, “The dedicated and talented people.” RIPCORD will play in the Jeffers Theatre Fridays and Saturdays, March 25 through April 9, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 3 at 2:30 p.m.; and Thursday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. Opening night, March 25, 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

Longtime Hickory resident and 7-time Kay Award recipient Connie Bools will play Abby in RIPCORD.  Bools previously has appeared on the HCT stage as Betty in THE FOREIGNER, Jann in JUNK, Aoife in OUTSIDE MULLINGAR, and Sonia in VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE.  Bools, her husband, John, and their 3 children relocated to Hickory 34 years ago for John’s job.  Originally from Bellevue, Bools is retired and holds a B.S. in Biology.   “My favorite thing about HCT is that it’s a wonderful community of theater people who are dedicated to bringing the most professional theater to the most people.  I chose this particular show because I was part of another David Abaire play, and it was my favorite show.  I wanted to be part of another of his shows.”  When asked what she likes about her role, she says, “Abby does not suffer fools.” RIPCORD will play in the Jeffers Theatre Fridays and Saturdays, March 25 through April 9, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 3 at 2:30 p.m.; and Thursday, April 7 at 7:30

Dorothy Collier Best will portray Marilyn in RIPCORD. This HCT Board member is the recipient of 5 Kay Awards, including 3 for best character actress in WHITE CHRISTMAS, MUSIC MAN, and LEND ME A TENOR.  Best’s other HCT performances include roles in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, FLANNIGAN’S WAKE, MAMA MIA, EXIT LAUGHING, 9 TO 5, ON GOLDEN POND and NOISES OFF. “My favorite thing about HCT is the diversity and equity that HCT strives for in play selection, casting, and patrons.  Everyone involved works as a team to support the theater and each other.”  When asked why she chose this particular role, Best cites the “wonderful over-55 female roles, the challenge of great comedy moments, but also the heartfelt moments … the challenge of comedy and drama combined.”  What she likes about her character is her joyfulness.  “Even though she can be quite competitive, she tries to truly help others to be happy.” Best moved here 16 years ago from Los Angeles, where she attended the renowned L.A. City College T

Eric Seale, HCT’s artistic director, will portray dual roles of Lewis and Benjamin in RIPCORD.  Seale has also appeared as Lloyd in NOISES OFF at HCT, Jim in DEPARTURES at Scarlet Cup Theatre, Dr. Watson in ICE PALACE MURDERS at Pioneer Playhouse, and Damocles Cole in WHODUNNIT, DARLING? at Studio Players. “My favorite thing about HCT is the fantastic job they gave me and the dedicated community of artists,” Seale says.  He chose this particular show because, “I don’t get many chances to appear on stage, so getting to play two roles, one highly comedic and one highly emotional, in the same show is a great opportunity.”   Seale is a relative newcomer to Hickory, moving here from Lexington, KY, in 2020 to take the position of HCT artistic director.  He attended the University of Kentucky.  His hobbies include archery and baking.  He is a member of the distinguished group Kentucky Colonels.  When asked about his family, Seale says, “I’m married to the sea.” His fur son, Sir Samuel, is a f

Allison Finch will portray Colleen in RIPCORD.  Finch has also had roles in THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, NOISES OFF at HCT; A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at The Green Room; and ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST at Foothills Players.  She was stage manager for HCT’s THE COLOR PURPLE. “My favorite thing about HCT is that it always has such a high caliber of performances, thanks to its dedicated volunteers.  I chose this particular show because it has a lot of unexpected turns to keep the audience guessing and laughing.”  When asked what she likes specifically about her role, she says, “I don’t usually get to play such a bubbly character or jump out of an airplane.” Finch has a B.A. in Drama from University of North Carolina Greensboro.  Her hometown is Connelly Springs and she currently lives in Conover.  She works as a jeweler’s assistant, and her husband is an English instructor.  She lists among her hobbies attending sci fi conventions and renaissance festivals in costume,

Donovan Harper will portray Scotty in RIPCORD.  This actor/writer from Conover has also had roles as Gary in NOISES OFF, Coalhouse in RAGTIME, James “Thunder” Early in DREAMGIRLS, and Roger in RENT, all at HCT.  He has earned awards as Outstanding Character Actor for DREAMGIRLS and Outstanding Supporting Actor in HAIR. “My favorite thing about HCT is the people.  Wonderful artists doing wonderful shows.”  He chose this particular show because it is different from the shows he’s been doing.  Of his particular role, Harper says, “I used to do Scotty’s job, so I’ve got a lot to pull from.” Harper is originally from Washington, D.C. and relocated to the area because his dad’s family is from Lenoir. RIPCORD will play in the Jeffers Theatre Fridays and Saturdays, March 25 through April 9, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 3 at 2:30 p.m.; and Thursday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. Opening night, March 25, features reduced-price tickets at $12 for adults and $10 for youth & students. Tickets for all oth

Taylor Kerr will portray Derek in RIPCORD.  Kell’s past theater experience includes a role as Mr. Krabs in SPONGEBOB, THE MUSICAL, and P.T. Barnum in BARNUM, both at BST; and Maurice in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at LTG.  He received an award for Best Floater for 2021 . “My favorite thing about HCT is the community.  I chose this particular show because I wanted to do a show in Hickory, and it looked fun.  I get to skydive.” The Miami native moved to the area with his family a year ago.  Kerr is an Eagle Scout.  He currently works as a server in a local eatery.   RIPCORD will play in the Jeffers Theatre Fridays and Saturdays, March 25 through April 9, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 3 at 2:30 p.m.; and Thursday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. Opening night, March 25, 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-

Diane Albers will portray Creepy Clown in RIPCORD.  Albers’ past theater experience includes roles in ELF, 9 TO 5, MUSIC MAN, SHREK, DR. DOLITTLE, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, WILLY WONKA, and GAMES AFOOT.  She won an ensemble award for EXIT LAUGHING. She is a member of the Encore Players, and has experience as stage manager and back stage crew. “My favorite thing about HCT is the people, the mission of the theater, and the friends I have made.”  She says she chose this particular show as a chance to work with her friend who plays Marilyn in RIPCORD, and because she loves the story.  When asked what she likes about her particular role as Creepy Clown, she says, “People may not know who I am.” Originally from Fairfield, CT, Albers moved to this area 25 years ago.  She is a mother of 2 grown children and a published author.  Her first job after high school was with the U.S. Marshal’s Service.  Her hobbies are reading, camping, and crocheting. RIPCORD will play in the Jeffers Theatre Fridays and S