Take a Peek Behind the Curtain

 THE CAKE, a dramatic comedy with modern relevance, is coming to the Hickory Community Theatre, April 22 through May 7 in the Firemen’s Kitchen.   Della’s North Carolina bakery is legendary! She is overjoyed when Jen, her best friend’s daughter returns from New York to get married and asks Della to make her wedding cake. Della, a sweet-natured Christian, is forced to re-examine her deeply-held beliefs and her own marriage when she realizes there is not one bride, but two. Faith, family, and frosting collide in this timely new play by Bekah Brunstetter, writer and producer for the NBC hit “This is Us.” The Hickory production has a talented ensemble with Cara Vander Wiel as Della, Katie Stone as Jen, Dior Scott as Jen’s fiancée Macy, and William Parrish as Della’s husband Tim.  Performances of THE CAKE are Fridays and Saturdays, April 22 through May 7 at 7:30 pm; Sunday, May 1 at 2:30 pm and Thursday, May 5 at 7:30 pm in the Firemen’s Kitchen. Opening night, April 22, ...

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 ...

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...

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 reno...