One woman’s inspirational tale of personal discovery through the men and music of her life will be on stage during two original cabaret performances later this month.
“How I Came to Me …” will be presented at the Center for Spiritual Living Kauai in Kapaa. It was created and will be performed by the Rev. Rita Andriello, and produced and directed by Patrick Feren, Andriello’s co-spiritual director of CSL Kauai.
“My goal is to inspire us all to be authentic, embrace and forgive our past, and to be present to all the possibilities in the now moment.” said Andriello, a professionally trained actress and singer with more than 30 years of performance experience. “I’ve had a deep relationship with musical theater since I was 8 years old. I love to sing. I can’t think of a better way to tell my story.”
She and her husband Patrick, who also has an extensive acting background, present shows annually to the public as fundraising opportunities for the center.
Most recently, Andriello performed a revival of her original, one-woman show, “Tomatoes on a Windowsill,” depicting Andriello’s life of growing up in an Italian-American home with a strict Italian father, zany relatives and relations, opera, and pasta.
“Our mission in life has always been to elevate consciousness and inspire,” said Feren.
As the talented couple pursued their theatrical careers, they also studied the works of the great mystics and spiritual teachers of New Thought.
“We realized that we could combine our talents — singing, acting, writing, teaching, directing and producing with our spirituality. When the ministerial path called us to Kauai six years ago, we followed it,” Andriello said. “This show is in celebration of CSL’s sixth year on Kauai.”
The cabaret’s live accompaniment and musical direction will be provided by pianist Carrie Fox.
“How I Came to Me …” will be performed two times, Thursday, Aug. 29 and Friday, Aug. 30. Prior to the performance, between 6 p.m. and 7:15, audience members will enjoy a pupu buffet and drinks, which are included in the ticket price.
Tickets are $45 and must be purchased in advance. Seating is limited.
Doors open at 6 and the show starts at 7:30 both nights.
CSL Kauai is at 4-1579 Kuhio Highway in the East Kauai Professional Building, Suite 101.
For tickets or more information visit www.cslkauai.org or call 431-1700.
