In the wake of a horrific roller coaster accident, six teens trapped in limbo are challenged to take account of themselves so that one may return to the land of the living. Darkly funny and subversively poignant, the Off-Broadway cult musical hit RIDE THE CYCLONE plays in the Jeffers Theatre at HCT from January 26th through February 10th.
Returning to the Hickory Community Theatre stage in this production, it's up-up-up and above for Kay Award winner Bethany Spears as Constance Blackwood.
Spears, who has lived in the Hickory area for 25 years, works as a Certified Medical Assistant for FryeCare Generations Family. (We hope that you never need CPR, but if you do then Spears is certified and ready to assist.) Spears holds an Associate in Arts degree from Catawba Valley Community College, and in her free time enjoys singing, baking, crocheting, and giving gifts to friends.
Spears previously appeared at HCT as Regina in ROCK OF AGES, and as Church Lady Doris in THE COLOR PURPLE, for which she won a Kay Award for Outstanding Featured Female Performer. Spears' other recent performances include DISASTER! at Lincolnton Theatre Guild, as well as ONCE ON THIS ISLAND and AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' at The Green Room Community Theatre. She has also appeared in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE WIZARD OF OZ and SEUSSICAL at Creative Arts Show Time.
Says Spears of her RIDE THE CYCLONE character: "I love how Constance is perceived versus who she really is. I relate to her very much." Spears appreciates the support and understanding the characters show each other over the course of the play. For Spears, it conjures the joy she feels hanging out and performing with friends at HCT, including canine ambassador Sir Samuel.
Spears would like to dedicate her performance to her cat Mikey Mouster. And to the hawks.
Performances of RIDE THE CYCLONE are Fridays and Saturdays, January 26th through February 10th at 7:30 PM; Sundays, January 28th and February 4th at 2:30 PM; and, Thursday, February 8th 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.
RIDE THE CYCLONE is presented without intermission. It is rated R for mature subject matter.
RIDE THE CYCLONE is produced in association with Sandra Clay and George Clay III. The Hickory Community Theatre’s 75th season is sponsored by Paramount Automotive, SunBelt Xpress and Green Park Dentistry. HCT is a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County.
(Photo by Eric Seale)
Comments