Kauai Community Players presents an American classic, “The Rainmaker” by N. Richard Nash, directed by Bard Widmer. “The Rainmaker” opens May 6 and plays for three weekends through May 22, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 4
Kauai Community Players presents an American classic, “The Rainmaker” by N. Richard Nash, directed by Bard Widmer. “The Rainmaker” opens May 6 and plays for three weekends through May 22, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. at the Puhi Theatrical Warehouse.
“The Rainmaker” is a dramatic comedy taking place on a ranch at the time of a paralyzing drought. It focuses on Lizzie Curry (Rebecca Hanson), a plain girl whose brothers (Jim Warrack and Bailey Hutton) try every possible scheme to marry her off, but without success. Nor is there any sign of relief from the dry heat, when suddenly from out of nowhere appears Starbuck (Ian Foster), a charismatic, sweet-talking man with quite the sales pitch. Claiming to be a “rainmaker,” Starbuck promises to bring rain for $100. He is so refreshing and persistent that the family finally consents.
Foster, who plays Starbuck, has been performing since he was 5.
“I’ve acted throughout my life, college, after college. I wanted to get back into theater,” Foster said.
Getting into character can be hard.
“Starbuck and I relate to a general sense, we both are a people person and interact well with people,” Foster said. “It allows me to expand on my range of character development.”
Hanson hasn’t been on stage for years.
“I’m very excited to get back out there. To be on stage with such a talented staff and director,” Hanson said.
Meanwhile, the rainmaker also turns his magic on Lizzie, and persuades her that she has a very real beauty of her own. She believes it, just as her father (Morgan Liddell) believes the fellow can actually bring rain.
Rain does come, and so does love. Fili Lasau is File, the deputy sheriff and admirer of Lizzie, and Bruce Fehring is the sheriff.
“Everyone has hopes and dreams and that’s what I love about playing Lizzie,” Hanson said. “I feel that everyone can relate to her some how and shes trying to find her dreams that she feel will never come true. We all have times of dought and push to fullfill our dreams.”
Tickets are $20, $5 off opening weekend with discounts for KCP members, seniors and students.
For info and tickets go to www.kauaicommunityplayers.org or call 800-838-3006. There is a Pay-What-You-Can Preview on Thursday, May 5 at 7 p.m., admission at the door by donation.
