Hickory – Lynn Crawford is returning to the stage at Hickory Community Theatre after a four-year absence. She joins the cast of Skeleton Crew, a drama about Detroit auto workers during the recession. The play runs May 13–23.

Crawford’s last stage role at HCT was in 2017 when she played Michelle in Sister Act. Most recently she was a member of the directing team of Dreamgirls in 2018. Her HCT debut was in the 2015 production of Crowns. Originally from Belmont, NC, Crawford now lives in Conover and is a registered dental hygienist for Drs. Jerry Sowers and Jason Sain.

She says her favorite thing about the Hickory Community Theatre is that it, “gives me a place to do what I love.” When asked about her role as Faye, the union rep at the auto stamping plant, she said, “I love playing roles that are absolutely opposite of my personality.”

Joining Crawford on stage is Jordan Randall from Granite Falls. Skeleton Crew is his third play in a row this season at HCT. He says he chose to audition for this particular show because of “its depiction of relevant, real-world circumstances and issues.” Randall is working extra hard for this one, since he’s pulling double duty by also playing the title role in The Wizard of Oz with the Old Colony Players in Valdese.

Skeleton Crew is a deeply moral and deeply American play. The times are tough in 2008 Detroit, but there’s still one working auto plant. The long hours and demanding shifts have turned the line workers into a family. The firm, compassionate Faye holds them together, and she’s only months away from retiring with her full pension. But when she discovers that management has a new plan, she’s torn between self-preservation and allegiance to her coworkers.

Performances of Skeleton Crew are Thursdays through Saturdays, May 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22 at 7:30 pm and Sundays, May 16 & 23 at 2:30 pm in the Jeffers Theatre.

Tickets for all seats are $18 per person and may be purchased online at hickorytheatre.org or by calling the box office at 828-328-2283 between 12 pm and 5 pm, Wed–Fri. Seating is limited in compliance with the governor’s executive order, so advance purchase is strongly recommended. Per the executive order, patrons must wear face coverings at all times while in the building.

Skeleton Crew is produced by The United Arts Council of Catawba County. A Cleaner World, Paramount Automotive, the City of Hickory, Sunbelt Xpress, and Dr. George Clay, DDS are the sponsors of the 2020–2021 Season. The Hickory Community Theatre is a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County.

PHOTO: Lynn Crawford and Jordan Randall.