ART COMES TO EHCC – “ART” the play, that is – IN SEPTEMBER

Can art come between friends?

That’s the question – and not the only question – raised in an award-winning one-act comedy called “ART,” starring three of Hilo’s veteran actors.

When Serge [Jake McPherson] buys a modern painting that’s essentially all white, Marc [Saul Rollason] is astounded, calls it “a piece of [bleep]” and wonders why his friend has spent a fortune on something so foolish.  Yvan [Steve Peyton] sees Marc’s point, but has always trusted Serge’s taste in modern art.  Things can only get worse!

Director Ken Elliott has lived in Hawai’i for four years, following a two-decade acting career in Los Angeles. He recently co-starred on the final season of the television series “Lost”, and can also be seen portraying Little RIchard on “Cold Case”. In 2009 he directed “The Laramie Project – Ten Years Later” at the Performing Arts Center at UH-Hilo, and starred in and directed the play “Tape,” at EHCC in 2008.

“ART,” by Yasmina Reza, translated (from French) by Christopher Hampton, won Broadway’s highest honor in 1998 – the Tony Award for best play – after winning the equivalent – the Olivier Award –  for its London production in 1996.

“ART” will be presented by the Hilo Community Players over the first two weekends in September, in the upstairs theater at the East Hawaii Cultural Center (EHCC), which is also Hilo’s modern art gallery!  Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday September 3, 4, 10 and 11; with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on September 5 and 12.  All tickets are $10 (EHCC members pay $8).  The EHCC is at 141 Kalakaua St. – across from Kalakaua Park – in downtown Hilo.

For tickets, phone the EHCC Box Office at 935-9085.

2009 was a great year for the Players, and we’re looking forward to an exciting, creative 2010!  With upcoming productions of “Bat Boy, the Musical,” the 33rd Annual Shakespeare in the Park production of “Loves Labors Lost,” and a Fall production of the Tony Award winning “Art,” we are planning a diverse and challenging year!  Come be a part of it!!

Auditions for “Bat Boy” will be announced very soon.  Keep your eyes peeled!

Auditions for “Love’s Labour’s Lost” will be held April 3 and 4 and then again on 10 and 11, at the Pueo Community Center. The times are to be announced.

We have a newly elected, invigorated Board of Directors to lead us with clear vision and focus.  We are discovering new funding opportunities, and exploring new ways of reaching our members.  Change is in the air!!  It’s a wonderful time to be a member of the Arts community in Hilo!