Hickory Community Theatre actress doubles as choreographer for 'Into the Woods'

The Hickory Community Theatre's upcoming season finale, "Into the Woods," features a large cast of multi-talented performers. One of those is Peyton Walton, who is not only performing in the show, as Rapunzel, but is also the choreographer.

Walton, who made her HCT debut as Amber in "Hairspray," has since served as choreographer for two productions, "Be More Chill" and "The Trail to Oregon." A resident of Boone, her theatrical career has been varied - both in roles and locations. On stage she has played Scuttle the Seagull in "The Little Mermaid," and Babette the feather duster in "Beauty and the Beast," both with Beanstalk Community Theatre in Boone; and Laura in "Happy Birthday Boone" for Blue Ridge Community Theatre. She's also had a theme park career, as a can-can girl at Tweetsie Railroad, and a munchkin at The Land of Oz in Beech Mountain, according to a news release.

"The environment at HCT feels very professional," she says. "Actors and production members are held to high standards, which pays off in the quality of the show that is produced. Everyone cares deeply about making the shows the best (and most fun) that they can possibly be!"

"Into the Woods" is a musical classic, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine. It debuted on Broadway in 1987 and features iconic musical numbers including "Agony," "Giants in the Sky" and "Children Will Listen."

Performances of "Into the Woods" are June 5-20, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and Thursday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for youth and students. Tickets are available at hickorytheatre.org or by calling 828-328-2283. This production is considered suitable for ages 13 and up.

"Into the Woods" is produced in association with Catawba Valley Health System. 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. Season 77 support is provided by the city of Hickory, A Cleaner World, Shurtape Technologies, Acuña & Acuña Dentistry, and BelleAge.

Spots still open for HCT Summer Camps

There's a wide variety of experiences to be had with this summer's camp offerings at the Hickory Community Theatre.

There are two musical theatre camps for ages 9-11, where students will learn the basics of musical theatre performance, including vocal technique, character development, stage presence and beginner choreography.

The first camp is "Broadway's Boldest Villains." It's a fun-filled week exploring the most iconic villains from musical theatre. Why be the hero when the villains often get the best songs? This camp encourages creativity, confidence, and big dramatic choices as we discover what makes a villain so delightfully entertaining. Camp runs from June 15-19 from 9 a.m. to noon. Tuition is $150 per child and includes a camp T-shirt.

Next, it's time for Improv comedy. Fresh off of the success of the first Improvageddon Festival, HCT presents a weeklong class for ages 12-14. This camp is a game show where students will develop their skills as improvisers, including quick thinking, teamwork and storytelling with clear purpose. Camp concludes with a full round of Improvageddon on the last day of camp that family and friends will be invited to attend. This camp runs from June 15-19 from 2-5 p.m. Tuition is $150 per child and includes a camp T-shirt.

Next, you've played the villain, but we're holding out for a hero! Join us for a musical theatre boot camp that will make you into the hero you were meant to be. This camp uses the framework of leading characters with a strong moral compass for students to explore their creativity and confidence in making strong choices that translate into a character that the entire audience can relate to and root for. This camp runs from June 22-26 from 9 a.m. to noon. Tuition is $150 per child and includes a camp T-shirt.

To register your child, visit hickorytheatre.org/classes or call 828-327-3855. Partial scholarships, for up to 90% off tuition, are available.

What would you do with $10,000?

The Hickory Community Theatre's annual fundraiser, the Vacation Extravaganza is coming soon.

This fun-filled event features live entertainment by Ulysses Long, games (with cash prizes), food from Cranford Brothers Barbecue and plentiful beverage service. BUT, the big attraction is the draw-down raffle for a grand prize of $10,000.

Your $150 ticket includes admission for two people and one chance to win either the grand prize or the "second chance" prize of $1,000.

To get your ticket, call the theatre at 828-327-3855 or visit https://hickorytheatre.org/vacex.

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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 5:54 AM.