LIHU‘E — “It’s a comedy, but it’s not,” Dennis McGraw said with a hardy laugh as he explained the plot of the comedic murder mystery he is directing for the Kaua‘i Performing Arts Center. Students from Kaua‘i, Kapa‘a and Waimea
LIHU‘E — “It’s a comedy, but it’s not,” Dennis McGraw said with a hardy laugh as he explained the plot of the comedic murder mystery he is directing for the Kaua‘i Performing Arts Center.
Students from Kaua‘i, Kapa‘a and Waimea high schools star in Billy St. John’s play “You Could Die Laughing,” which opens tonight and runs for two weekends at the Kaua‘i Alliance for the Performing Arts Warehouse Theatre in Puhi.
The play begins with millionaire television mogul, Jacque St. Yves, flying 11 washed-up comics to his remote lodge located on an island off the Canadian coast.
The comedians are meeting at the lodge to audition for the starring role in St. Yves’ new television series.
It’s a role to die for, and that’s exactly what happens. One by one, people being to turn up dead.
“The fact is, it’s a comedy and a murder mystery,” McGraw said.
“It’s not a pure comedy at all. People are dead, and everyone’s wondering who did it?”
After reading a half-dozen other plays, McGraw selected “You Could Die Laughing” as this year’s production.
McGraw serves as director of KPAC, an after-school theater program located at Kaua‘i High School with students from the island’s three public high schools participating. The islandwide theater program is sponsored by the state Department of Education.
“The kids have done a fantastic job and worked really hard,” McGraw said.
“This program gives the opportunity to do things that gives you an amazing level of confidence. They’ve conquered the largest fear, speaking in public.”
In addition to memorizing their lines, an added challenge was given to the students — becoming stand-up comedians.
“The play is turning out to be difficult because it’s quite sophisticated. Comedy is hard,” McGraw said. “They need to deliver the routine in a particular way or it’s not going to be funny.”
The students have been rehearsing after school since August for their December debut. The cast includes a small flight crew who find themselves stranded on the island, two surly lodge caretakers and the stand-up comics.
“The message of this play is to laugh and have a good time,” McGraw said.
Performances are Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m.; and Dec. 12 and 19 at 4 p.m. at the KAPA Warehouse Theatre located at 4411 E. Kikowaena St. in Puhi. All tickets are $15 and are available from cast members or at the door.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@thegardenisland.com.
