An upcoming cooking competition becomes a raucous exploration of race, masculinity and family obligation. Sizzling with spice and joy, Katori Hall’s Pulitzer-winning play THE HOT WING KING plays on the Pamela Livingstone Stage at HCT from January 24th through February 8th.
Returning to HCT in this production as TJ—a father struggling to do right by his son and himself—is Kay Award winner Jairo A. Pereira.
A resident of Morganton, Pereira is a Certified Peer Support Specialist for A Caring Alternative, as well as a student at Appalachian State University. When not working, studying or performing, he enjoys writing and pulling pranks on his wife with the help of their dog, Buddy. Pereira most recently appeared at HCT as Kevin Rosario and The Piragua Guy in last season's IN THE HEIGHTS, for which he received a Kay Award for Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Musical. Other Hickory Community Theatre credits include JUNK, THE FULL MONTY, and SHREK THE MUSICAL. Other area credits include LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET at The Green Room Community Theatre, where Pereira was a MVP Award recipient.
For Periera, the role of TJ in THE HOT WING KING is another example of the diversity of shows and opportunity for growth he finds at HCT. "TJ isn’t one dimensional. You see his exterior and think you know everything about him, and most people would write him off or be afraid of him. But he has a big heart and proves it. A younger Jairo had a lot in common with the character. It’s nostalgic getting to portray this persona again...except this time without getting in trouble!"
Performances of THE HOT WING KING are Fridays and Saturdays, January 24th through February 8th at 7:30 PM; Sundays, January 26th and February 2nd at 2:30 PM; and, Thursday, February 6th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $16 for adults, $10 for youth and students.
Tickets are available online at hickorytheatre.org, or by phone at 828-328-2283. The theatre box office is open from 12-5 PM Wednesday through Friday, or one half-hour before a performance.
THE HOT WING KING is rated R. Audience under 17 requires adult guidance.
THE HOT WING KING is produced in association with Arts Culture Catawba. The Hickory Community Theatre’s 76th season is sponsored by A Cleaner World, Bella Age, Covington Dental, LifeRootz, Protection Products, Inc., and Shurtape Technologies. HCT is a Funded Affiliate of Arts Culture Catawba and receives additional support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
(Photo by Lauren Albers)
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