Big Hair - Big Dreams: Dorothy Collier Best plays Velma Von Tussle in HAIRSPRAY

Photo by Jordan Spears

When a teenager with unstoppable spirit takes center stage, she shows the world that size doesn’t matter when you have courage and heart. Hairspray is a high-energy celebration of self-confidence and change.

Welcome to the 60s! With a Tony Award-winning score by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Shaiman & Scott Whitman, Hairspray brings charm and change into the Jeffers Theatre now through September 20th.

Veteran performer and recipient of numerous awards, Dorothy Collier Best, returns to the Pamela Livingstone stage as the villainous Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray.

Best began her acting and performing career in Los Angeles at age 3. She later relocated to Hickory, where she found good fishing and a better change of seasons. She also fell in love with the productions and mission of HCT. Hairspray is her 17th production

She is the recipient of two Kay Awards for Outstanding Character Actress, two for Outstanding Supporting Actress, one Pamela Livingstone Ensemble Award, and most recently was the recipient of the Charles E. Jeffers Award for ongoing contributions to Hickory Community Theatre. Those contributions include her work behind the scenes at HCT, whether as part of the stage crew, or serving on the Board of Directors.

Hairspray is suitable for ages 10 and up. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students/youth 18 & under, available at hickorytheatre.org or 828-328-2283. Hairspray is produced in association with MoreRon Productions.

Hickory Community Theatre is a Funded Affiliate of Arts Culture Catawba and receives sustaining support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The 77th season is supported by The City of Hickory, A Cleaner World, Shurtape Technologies, Acuna & Acuna Dentistry and BelleAge.