Theaters do extra duty for military families
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Hawai'i cares.
With Hawai'i's military experiencing the largest deployment since Vietnam, some are concerned that the families left behind could be taken for granted.
With their theatrical productions, Army Community Theatre and Manoa Valley Theatre are doing extra duty to reach out and embrace the military community at home, while loved ones serve the country in Iraq and Afghanistan.
At Army Community Theatre, where "Camelot" previews tonight at Richardson Theatre at Fort Shafter, Army spouses and children are being invited to a private premiere. The play opens to the public tomorrow.
The guests will largely come from Schofield Barracks. Guests will be served pupu at the opening-night party.
"The commander has deemed the preview a high priority and has arranged to bus the dependents in from the base so they can enjoy the strains of Lerner and Loewe's ever-popular music," Smith said.
Smith said the theater group long has been meeting the needs of the military and its dependents with upbeat revivals of classic musicals, which add to morale.
"These families are serving their country, too," said Vanita Rae Smith, the civilian who has headed ACT for decades. "They are keeping their seats warm until Johnny comes marching home again.
"Camelot" opens at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, then repeats at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through May 29. Tickets are $14 and $17 for adults, $8 and $10 for children. Information: 438-4480.
At Manoa Valley Theatre, Mark Medoff's "Gunfighter," a play about a friendly-fire tragedy during the Gulf War, premieres May 19. Those with valid military ID will qualify for $5 off for all seats during the play's run.
On May 20 and May 21, military patrons may purchase two tickets for the price of one.
For "Gunfighter," curtain time is 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays, through June 6. Tickets are $25 for plays, $30 for musicals. Information: 988-6131.
Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, or fax 525-8055.
