From 18th-century intrigue

Advertiser Staff

Megan L. Patton is the title character in the Christopher Durang farce "Betty's Summer Vacation," beginning tonight at UH's Kennedy Theatre. Andrew Shimabuku

Todd Evans, left, is Wolfang Amadeus Mozart, Paul Palmore is Antonio Salieri in Diamond Head Theatre's production of "Amadeus." Brad Goda Creative differences A directors' battle is brewing next week at Kumu Kahua. "The Work" takes the stage as part of Kumu's Dark Night Series, but with an "Iron Chef" twist. Christy Hauptman and Troy M. Apostol will compete as directors of the same unrehearsed scene, written by Eric Yokomori, with the same actors. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Kumu Kahua, 46 Merchant St. Tickets: $5. 536-4441.

"Amadeus," written by Peter Schaffer, is the not-particularly-fact-based tale of the rivalry between established court composer Antonio Salieri and the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 18th-century Vienna. Salieri's jealousy rages into obsession as he plots Mozart's destruction. The 1984 film, based on the stage production and brimming with glorious music, won eight Academy Awards, including best picture.

This Diamond Head Theatre production is directed by Bill Ogilvie.

• 8 p.m. today; repeats at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 22, Diamond Head Theatre. Tickets: $12-$42; discounts available for students, seniors and military. 733-0274.

"Betty's Summer Vacation," written by Christopher Durang, is a rollicking roller-coaster ride that addresses society's indulgence in "reality" TV. Shocking things happen, characters perform extreme atrocities, and you'll still laugh despite yourself. This is a play that's really for mature audiences. Betty Burdick directs.

• 8 p.m. today, Saturday, and Feb. 12-14; and 2 p.m. Feb. 15; Kennedy Theatre mainstage. Saturday's show will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Tickets: $15 general, $12 seniors, military, UH faculty/staff, $10 students and $3 UHM students. 956-7655.

"The Most Massive Woman Wins" employs humor and poignancy as it confronts society's obsession with the "ideal" body image. Four women discuss what brought each of them to the waiting room of a liposuction clinic. The play, written by Madeleine George, makes its Hawai'i debut under the direction of University of Hawai'i-Manoa graduate student Jennifer Bolieu.

• 11 p.m. tomorrow, 8 p.m. Sunday and 11 p.m. Feb. 13-14, Earle Ernst Lab Theatre, UH-Manoa. There's a rap session after the Feb. 13 performance. Tickets: $8 general, $7 students, seniors, military, UH faculty/staff, $3 UHM students. 956-7655.