A Cut Above: Lennie Abee is Emma Borden in LIZZIE

It is the summer of 1892, and the residents of Fall River, Massachusetts are shaken to the core when Lizzie Borden is accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe.

A landmark event in American history, law and pop culture, this true crime tale now comes to life in the powerful rock opera (chopera?) LIZZIE, which plays in the Firemen's Kitchen at Hickory Community Theatre from May 2nd through May 24th.

Making her HCT debut as Emma Borden, the stern but steadfast older sister to Lizzie Borden, is Lennie Abee. A Morganton resident, Abee's previous performances include roles in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, THE ADDAMS FAMILY and THE LITTLE MERMAID for the Burke County Public Schools Theatre Company. Abee enjoys pursuing art, singing, and designing wigs in her free time.

"It felt like me," Abee says about what drew her to the story and songs in LIZZIE. "I like how stern and aggressive Emma is." Albee is equally serious in her appreciation of her first experience at HCT, and how "welcoming and accepting it is" of her as a performer.

Performances of LIZZIE are Fridays and Saturdays, May 2nd through May 24th at 7:30 PM; Sundays, May 4th and 11th at 2:30 PM; and, Thursday, May 15th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 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.

CONTENT WARNING: LIZZIE contains loud noises, flashing lights, haze, foul language, blood, and references to murder and sexual abuse. Patrons under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

LIZZIE is produced in association with The Guild at Hickory Community Theatre. The Hickory Community Theatre’s 76th season is sponsored by A Cleaner World, Belle 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.