Paul Mitri

This week's episode of Manoa Valley Theatre's live streaming video series called MVT Live, features two of Hawaii's most prolific actor/directors.

In this time of uncertainty, the best one can do---and hopefully you've been doing so!---is to stay indoors and quarantine. While it's no news that many businesses and industries have been affected by the virus, an industry that has largely been impacted is certainly the arts. With cinemas and theatres temporarily closed, communities are unfortunately unable to attend the venues they frequent in order to be immersed in stories that help them escape reality for two hours. So, through the inability to review shows, I reached out to a friend of mind and collaborator, Alex Munro, whom I worked with on in #MeToo Monologues: Stories for Healing (2019) and the halted Where Words Once Were (2020), to not only do a spotlight but to also get some thoughts on what folks can do in order to help specifically theatres sustain themselves throughout these alarming, volatile times.

The University of Hawai'i at Manoa's Department of Theatre and Dance and Kennedy Theatre are proud to present The Country Wife by William Wycherley. Directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre, Stacy Ray, this comedy of manners written in 17th century England is known for its outrageous characters, bawdiness, and satirical, sometimes farcical, view of sexuality and marriage. This quick, fun, and shameless production runs April 24, 25, 26, and 27 at 7:30 p.m., and April 28 at 2:00 p.m. in the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre; a free post-show rap will follow the April 26 performance. Tickets are $8-$18.

The University of Hawai'i at Manoa's Department of Theatre and Dance and Kennedy Theatre are proud to present The Country Wife by William Wycherley.

The University of Hawai'i at M?noa's Department of Theatre and Dance presents A Midsummer Night's Bollywood Dream on February 1, 2, 8, and 9, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. and February 10, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. on the Kennedy Theatre mainstage. Shakespeare's most popular comedy meets the high-energy song and dance of Bollywood as magic rules the forest and the mischievous creatures play havoc with everyone's love life. The play is co-directed by UHM Professor, Paul Mitri, and Dr. Sai Bhatawadekar, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for South Asian Studies. Original music and lyrics are composed by Ike Webster and Bhatawadekar, who is also the production's dance choreographer. Free pre-show chats will take place at 6:45 p.m. preceding the performances on February 2 and 9. February 2 is also the 'Throwback Saturday' performance featuring prices from the 'good old days' of $5-$15. Regularly priced tickets are $8-$25.

Manoa Valley Theatre is thrilled to announce a star-studded cast for Allegiance, the headliner of its 50th Anniversary season, presented at the Hawaii Theatre March 28th - April 7th, 2019. Allegiance, a musical drama by Marc Acito, Jay Kuo, and Lorenzo Thione, is about the Japanese American internment during WWII and one family's extraordinarily divisive experience, was inspired by the true-life experience of its original star, George Takei. It tells the story of one family's extraordinary experience suffering the wrongful imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II, creating familial turmoil in a troubling time of a nation at war.

UHM Kennedy Theatre presents its 2018/19 season, Let's Play. >From the playfulness of Thing 1 and Thing 2 and The Cat in the Hat to the pranks pulled by Puck in the forests of India to the fun of dance-theatre, Kennedy Theatre's 2018/2019 season is sure to be a good time. So come and play with us!

Manoa Valley Theatre kicks off its 49th season with a rip-roaring musical comedy in "The Full Monty" September 7 - 24, 2017. While spying on their wives at a 'Girls' Night Out,' a group of unemployed steelworkers see how much they enjoy watching male strippers. Jealous, out of work, and feeling emasculated, the men come up with a bold way to make some quick cash by doing their own show. Claiming it will be better, though, because they'll go the "full monty"-strip all the way, these six loveable misfits attempt to conquer their fears, self-consciousness, and prejudices in this heartwarming, upbeat comedy. You'll be wondering, right to the end, if this motley male troupe of amateur strippers will really pull it off!

Manoa Valley Theatre continues its 2016-17 season in a Hawaii premiere with the poignant drama The Elephant Man, by Bernard Pomerance, from the 1979, 2002, and 2015 Broadway seasons. Based on a true story, nineteenth century London's John Merrick, a horribly deformed young man, victim of rare skin and bone diseases, is befriended by a celebrated young physician, Frederick Treves. Rescued from a freak attraction in traveling side shows and introduced to London society, Merrick slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati only to be denied his ultimate dream: to become a man like any other. Awards include Tony Award, Best Play (1979), Drama Desk Award Outstanding New Play (1979), Drama Desk Award Outstanding Revival of a Play (2015).

The world premiere of ICARUS FIGHTS THE MINOTAUR comes to the Tenney Theatre stage next as Honolulu Theatre for Youth continues its 59thseason.

Diamond Head Theatre (DHT) presents the hilarious comedy, Leading Ladies, February 1-17, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the show below.

Diamond Head Theatre (DHT) presents the hilarious comedy, Leading Ladies! Leading Ladies will be playing from tonight, February 1 - 17, 2013.

Diamond Head Theatre (DHT) presents the hilarious comedy, Leading Ladies, February 1-17, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the show below.

Diamond Head Theatre (DHT) presents the hilarious comedy, Leading Ladies! Leading Ladies will be playing from February 1 - 17, 2013.

The Hawaiian sovereignty movement, with its complexities and controversies, takes the stage in Alani Apio's powerful drama Kamau A'e, opening May 31 until July 1 at Kuma Kahua.

Hawaii Theatre Presents THE SNOW QUEEN on March 7, 2010.

Hawaii Theatre Presents THE SNOW QUEEN on March 6 and 7, 2010.

Hawaii Theatre Presents THE SNOW QUEEN on March 6 and 7, 2010.