There is only one way to describe “Message in a Bottle” … it’s an experience. When composer Elijah Lenhart wed his musical talent with that of accomplished stage actor Thalyn Nikolau, the offspring was a rhythmically-driven theatrical piece. “Message in
There is only one way to describe “Message in a Bottle” … it’s an experience.
When composer Elijah Lenhart wed his musical talent with that of accomplished stage actor Thalyn Nikolau, the offspring was a rhythmically-driven theatrical piece. “Message in a Bottle” is an amalgam of Shakespearean banter, rock ‘n’ roll and cosmic time travel where characters Ray (played by Lenhart) and Quick Silver (played by Nikolau) take the audience on a journey of self-discovery, treasure hunting and riotous pirate adventure.
At 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center, music, story and video special effects transport the audience into a mythical realm that transcends genre. The world created by these two self-described “insPirates” is one set on their radio ship, “Lucinda.” Traveling the radio waves, Ray and Quick Silver quest for personal freedom and metaphorical treasures.
“The booty is love-rich experiences,” Nikolau said. “Jewels we can share with others.”
While the over-arching message is of a spiritual bent, the playful story line and rich orchestrations make “Message in a Bottle” entertainment for the whole family.
“Message in a Bottle” utilizes the radio band to remind the audience of their freedom to choose.
“(In life) we are bombarded by frequency transmissions — from the media, our families, friends,” Nikolau said. “We are a radio station transmitting and receiving.”
Like a radio receiver, humans are wired to download information. The premise of the play is that there are many sources for content and as listeners we can choose.
“The theme is frequency control,” Nikolau said. “The transition is from what we don’t want to what we do want.”
“This is a reminder that we are conscious choice makers,” Lenhart added.
Where there are good guys, there must be bad. In the world of radio transmissions, the bad guys are the FCC — defined here as Frequency Control Corporation.
“The FCC is the part of our self that limits ourselves,” Lenhart said.
Lenhart and Nikolau began collaborating three years ago on Maui when they recognized a similar spiritual theme in their art. “Message in a Bottle” is the first chapter — or ray, as they refer to it — of what they intend to make into a 12-ray series of music and theatre pieces. Earlier this year they co-founded the production company Central Sun Creations located in Kilauea on the old Guava Kai property.
“Message in a Bottle” is one part of a three-fold experience called the “Yes Fest.” The theatre production on Thursday and Friday will be followed by a workshop and concert Nov. 1 at Malama Kaua‘i in Kilauea. The workshop begins at 1 p.m., followed by the concert at 7 p.m.
Suggested ticket price for “Message in a Bottle” is $35; the workshop, $55; and the concert $22. There is a sliding scale for purchase of tickets.
“We don’t want anyone left out,” Nikolau said.
To learn more or to order tickets visit centralsuncreations.com or call 635-9731.
“This ‘Yes Fest’ is a proclamation of what we’re saying yes to,” Nikolau said.
