HANAMA‘ULU — When you think “Indestructible Life,” King’s Chapel’s version of the Passion Play, think a reggae-themed John the Baptist, an East Coast mobster and his Mafia crew and a step-inspired dance routine. “It’s a new twist on an age-old
HANAMA‘ULU — When you think “Indestructible Life,” King’s Chapel’s version of the Passion Play, think a reggae-themed John the Baptist, an East Coast mobster and his Mafia crew and a step-inspired dance routine.
“It’s a new twist on an age-old story,” said Vicki Franks, who is co-directing the performance with her husband, Steve Franks, the pastor at King’s Chapel in Hanama‘ulu.
The modern theatrical performance has been performed for more than 20 years in churches on Maui and O‘ahu, and has even been seen in Russia and Japan, Vicki Franks said.
“It’s a different style,” Steve Franks said. “It’s more light-hearted and very family-friendly. It presents a gospel message that’s easy to understand.”
This year marks the first time the show will be seen on Kaua‘i.
“Normally, there are between 150 and 200 people performing, but since this is our first year bringing it to Kaua‘i, we are using about 60 people,” Vicki Franks said.
The Franks moved to Kaua‘i at the end of 2011 and decided to “scale-down” the performance until their Hanama‘ulu church is constructed.
Currently, they hold services in a dome.
The cast features an all local cast of children and adults, including members from King’s Chapel in ‘Ele‘ele, Hanalei and Hanama‘ulu. Vicki Franks noted some of the cast has never acted, sang or performed in front of an audience before.
“Indestructible Life” was written by Chris Davis, who currently serves as pastor at a church in Texas.
The two-hour show features original music and dance routines, with the exception of a “Jesus is Alive” and “Yes, Lord.”
“There’s always something different. It evolves every year,” Vicki Franks said. “It has comedy, it has drama, it’s a musical. It’s really got it all.”
The cast and crew have been rehearsing three times a week for the last couple months preparing for this weekend’s performance.
Everything from the lighting to the sound system, to costumes and props have been donated for the performance.
“Everyone has been really good to make this not cost a lot of money,” Vicki Franks said. “We don’t want to have people pay to see this.”
The first performance was Friday. The next two performances will be Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m.
Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
King’s Chapel Hanama‘ulu is located at 3-3975 Kuhio Hwy.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@thegardenisland.com.
