The last showing of “Other Desert Cities” by Kauai Community Players was slated last Sunday at the Puhi Theatrical Warehouse. That was going to be the final curtain for the dramatic play directed by Arnold Meister. But such was the
The last showing of “Other Desert Cities” by Kauai Community Players was slated last Sunday at the Puhi Theatrical Warehouse.
That was going to be the final curtain for the dramatic play directed by Arnold Meister. But such was the community’s response to the performances and the storyline that opened Feb. 14, it’s being held over one more weekend.
It will be performed 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. If you can make it, do so.
“I’m honored that Kauai audiences have given the Kauai Community Players a sellout show,” Meister wrote. “I’m not, however, entirely surprised, because Other Desert Cities was a recent big hit on Broadway, and our audience here is attuned to what’s happening in theatre.”
The play tells the story of a family — mom and dad, son, daughter and an aunt — as they deal with the daughter’s book about her family and her other brother’s life and death. It is an emotional ride in the cozy, 60-seat theater as the audience connects with the cast and the plot unfolds, ultimately leading to a poignant, unexpected ending.
There is no clear good or bad here. No absolute right or wrong. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses that come through at the tale builds to its climax. Word of the play’s stellar cast has spread.
“We had turn away audiences every performance so far,” Meister said.
Over this past month’s run, he said the first comment he usually receives is about the brilliance of this acting ensemble.
“That doesn’t surprise me,” Meister said.
The cast features Dorothy Bekeart as Polly Wyeth, Ron Wood as Lyman Wyeth, Laurel Petterson-McGraw ad Silda Grauman, Jennifer Downs as Brooke Wyeth and Caleb Davis as Tripp Wyeth. Each has their own challenges and inner turmoil as they seek some sort of peace within a great deal of conflict.
“All of us in the production are greatly taken with Playwright Jon Robin Baitz’s writing,” Meister wrote. “One of the comments I often hear is that the story reminds audience members of their own families. Sometimes things seem to fall one way, but when truth comes out, life takes a whole different twist. It changes relationships and heals wounds.”
Tickets are $15.
Info: kauaicommunityplayers.org or (800) 838-3006 to reserve tickets.
