THE PIRATE QUEEN, a rousing musical adventure based on legendary Irish pirate Grace O'Malley, plays at Hickory Community Theatre through June 18th.
Storming the stage in song, step and sword is Lucy Weaver as the show's indomitable heroine, Grace O'Malley.
A homegrown Hickory resident, Weaver's ties to theatre trace back to her grandparents' support for HCT's predecessor, The Hickory Little Theater. Weaver's HCT stage debut came while in middle school—as Dizzy in THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS—and was followed by such roles as Rabbit in WINNIE THE POOH, and Violet Beauregard in WILLY WONKA JR.
Weaver began studying Vocal Performance and Music Therapy at UNC Asheville, where she also appeared as Little Red Ridinghood in a production of INTO THE WOODS. She returned to Hickory due to the pandemic, and promptly reconnected with HCT in the role of Snow White in a virtual production of DISENCHANTED. Since then she has also appeared as an Ensemble member in EVITA and SOMETHING ROTTEN.
“My favorite thing about HCT are the opportunities," says Weaver, who was named 2021 Volunteer of the Year. "I’ve learned so many skills from volunteering and working here." For Weaver, playing Grace O'Malley—whom she describes as a "feminist icon"—is one part dream role, one part wish fulfillment. "I mean, who doesn’t want to be a pirate at some point in their life?”
Performances of THE PIRATE QUEEN are Fridays and Saturdays, June 3rd through June18th at 7:30 PM; Sunday, June 12th at 2:30 PM; and, Thursday, June 16th at 7:30 PM. Opening Night, June 3, features reduced-price tickets: $12 for adults, $10 for youth and students. Tickets for all other performances 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.
Due to the continued risk of COVID-19 in Catawba County, and in accordance with the latest guidance from the CDC, the Hickory Community Theatre encourages patrons to wear a mask or other face covering while inside the building.
THE PIRATE QUEEN is rated PG for on-stage combat, and moments of adult language and sexual insinuation.
THE PIRATE QUEEN is produced by Dr. George Clay, III, DDS and CommScope. The Hickory Community Theatre’s 73rd season is sponsored by Paramount Automotive and Sunbelt Xpress. HCT is a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County.
(Photo: Hickory Community Theatre)