Pro-Arts Opens New Kihei Theatre Space

Pro-Arts of the Pacific is thrilled to announce the opening of a new venue for the arts in Kihei starting in May. Pro-Arts has been presenting productions in Kahului since 2006, at the Maui Beach Hotel and at the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center. Now they are expanding their audience to the south side. On May 1 the group will move into the new Pro-Arts Playhouse, a converted store front at the Azeka (Makai) Shopping Center at 1280 S. Kihei Rd. next door to Taco Bell.

Doug Kendrick, Producer says, "We know that audiences will be excited to experience our new venue at Azeka in Kihei. It is an ideal space for a wide variety of productions. We are so thankful to everyone who has helped make this possible through their donations of time, money and expertise. This is a venture by and for the community that will lift our spirits."

Co-Producer, Jonathan Lehman says, "Up until now, there were no performance venues in Kihei. Thanks to the support of the managers at Azeka Shopping Center and to our devoted company members, that will all change In May. The Pro-Arts Playhouse will open to the public on May 14 with an encore run of our acclaimed production of ‘Cinderella,' a wacky musical adaptation of the beloved fairy tale for kids and adults. Six of our original cast members are returning and we've added three new cast members and done a few rewrites. Very fun for kids and very funny for adults."

Scenic designer Caro Walker and lighting designer Bonnie Prucha are working with Pro-Arts to help design the interior of the new space. Audience members will enjoy the shows in the air-conditioned theatre which will have a seating capacity of 120. Restaurants, shopping and free parking are just steps away.

Cinderella opens May 14 and plays three weekends through May 30. In this "fractured fairy tale", nine actors play all the roles including Cinderella, her devious stepsisters, her arrogant stepmother, the handsome but nerdy prince, a well organized mouse, and, of course, the magical fairy godmother. Brought to life by Maui's finest talent, audience members are equipped with magic wands and are seated right next to the stage for a surround-theatre experience. Recommended for all family audiences: kids, parents, and grandparents will all enjoy this wacky new version of the beloved tale! After the performance, the audience is invited to meet the characters, one-on-one, completing this magical theatrical event.

For more information about Pro-Arts or "Cinderella," please visit the Pro-Arts website at www.proartspacific.com or call 875-4367.

Pro-Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting the highest quality productions for Maui audiences.

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