Killin' It: Dorothy Collier Best is Miss Shingle in A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER

A hilarious whodunit and winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Musical, A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER plays in the Jeffers Theatre at HCT from September 8th through September 16th.

Returning to the Hickory Community Theatre stage is stalwart supporter and six-time Kay Award winner Dorothy Best as Miss Shingle.

Originally hailing from Los Angeles, where she began acting and performing at age 3, Best moved to Hickory seeking good fishing and a more diverse change of seasons. She found both while also falling in love with the creative production and mission of Hickory Community Theatre. In her sixteen years as a Hickory resident, Best has appeared in 15 shows at Hickory Community Theatre. 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.

"A favorite of mine," Best says about her role A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER. "[Miss Shingle] sets up the entire plot of the show, is very eccentric and a little crazy." An actor who is always ready for a challenge, Best is grateful for the professional attitude found at Hickory Community Theatre, as well as its openness and welcome to all.

Performances of A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER are Fridays and Saturdays, September 8th through September 16th at 7:30 PM; Sunday, September 10th at 2:30 PM; and, Thursday, September 14th 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.

A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER is rated PG. Some material may not be suitable for children.

A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER is produced in association with Ken Wilkinson and Hickory Allergy, Asthma & Sinus. The Hickory Community Theatre’s 75th season is sponsored by Paramount Automotive, SunBelt Xpress and Frye Regional Medical Center. HCT is a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County.

(Photo by Eric Seale)