KALAHEO — Poor Prince Nicholas has been to the altar one too many times. If only his mother, Queen Minerva, wasn’t so hard on his would-be brides. Talk about high expectations. The queen would cast out would-be princess after would-be princess,
KALAHEO — Poor Prince Nicholas has been to the altar one too many times.
If only his mother, Queen Minerva, wasn’t so hard on his would-be brides.
Talk about high expectations.
The queen would cast out would-be princess after would-be princess, stating they are just not good enough.
It’s not until King Reginald convinces the queen to devise a new, smaller, less-complicated test for the prospective princesses, that a worthy candidate emerges.
The queen would simply place a small pea under the next princess’ mattress, and if the princess feels the pea and has a hard time sleeping, then will it prove she is good enough to marry the prince.
Such is the premise for Kalaheo School’s production of the musical comedy “The Princess & the Pea.”
The show starts off with lively prologue by the prince, as the chorus of villagers dance in for “It’s Time for a Wedding.”
There is a slight twist to the traditional story in this particular production written by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher.
The keen audience member will be able to predict the twist coming early on.
The show’s entertaining and relatively short, almost like a one-act.
Co-Director Marly Madayag must really know her drama students, because each student stuck to their characters real well. She co-directed the show with Laine Griffith.
“We have such a talented cast this year,” she said. “I picked the show because we needed a play that would serve as a stepping point as the shows get more complicated and take the experience one step further along the line.
“It’s my way of stepping it up, scaffolding it for them as the experience is building up.”
The show opens tomorrow, with the last two performances May 12 and May 13, all at 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Admission is $3 for adults, with children admitted free. Tickets are available at the door.
Emma Sloan is delightfully intolerant as Queen Minerva. Brandon Elwin fits the bill as the nice Prince Nicholas. Leina Rose Fune is superbly subservient as the chambermaid. Kezya Rego is funny as the ditzy Princess Gillian.
Look for a great performance by Joshua Herr as the court jester. He practically steals every scene he’s in.
Herr was the perfect choice for the jester role, because he’s so over-the-top hilarious to watch.
Also keep a close eye for a special appearance made by a secret guest.
Don’t count out the supporting villagers. They put out a good performance as well.
This truly was a complete production at a recent dress rehearsal, with the students and parent volunteers helping out with all aspects.
And they all lived happily ever after.
Want to Go?
What: “The Princess and the Pea”
Where: Kalaheo School
When: Tomorrow, May 12, May 13, 7 p.m.
Admission: Adults $3, children free
• Lanaly Cabalo, lifestyle writer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or lcabalo@kauaipubco.com.
