ProArts to Open THE PLAY'S THE THING, 2/14

ProArts will present "The Play's The Thing" as the first show of their 2014 Spring season. Written by Ferenc Molnar (Liliom) and adapted by P.G. Wodehouse (Jeeves), this artfully constructed romantic farce will have the audience rolling in the aisles. "'The Play's The Thing' is a gem of a show." Oxford Theatre Review

It's the mid 1920's and playwrights Turai and Mansky and their young protégé, composer Albert Adam, have arrived unannounced at a castle on the Italian Riviera to surprise their diva and Albert's fiancé, Ilona Szabo. However, unbeknownst to them, Ilona's former lover and mentor, a pompous actor named Almady, has intruded on her stay there. The trio overhear Ilona and Almady in a compromising moment. Their operetta may be lost as the distraught Albert is ready to tear up his music. In order to save their operetta, Turai will induce Ilona and Almady to pretend that when they were overheard they were actually rehearsing a play. However, in order to accomplish his goal, Turai must first write a play which includes the foolish words of their own creation.

"The Play's The Thing" features the best of Maui talent including Dale Button, Vinnie Linares, Jennifer Rose, Scott Newman, John Peterson, Dylan Bode, and Lee Garrow.

The show will be produced and directed by Jonathan Lehman. The period costumes will be designed by Linda Ewing, scenery created by Caro Walker and lighting provided by Bonnie Prucha.

Opening night is Valentine's Day, February 14. The show runs three weekends until March 2. It plays Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm (no show on 2/16). ProArts offers reserved seats at $22.00. Kama'?ina nights, with discounts for Hawaii residents, are scheduled for Saturday, February 15, and Thursdays, February 20 and 27.

The intimate ProArts Playhouse is located at the Azeka (Makai) Shopping Center, 1280 S. Kihei Rd. in Kihei, Maui. The Playhouse is air conditioned with 82 reserved seats. There is free parking, plenty of nearby restaurants, and an art gallery inside currently featuring the works of Gerard C. Gifford and Caro Walker.

Call 463-6550 for tickets or more information.