Guest director Dick Hershberger is conjuring up some theater magic for Aloha Performing Arts Company. ADVERTISING Guest director Dick Hershberger is conjuring up some theater magic for Aloha Performing Arts Company. He has selected his cast for “Bell, Book and
Guest director Dick Hershberger is conjuring up some theater magic for Aloha Performing Arts Company.
He has selected his cast for “Bell, Book and Candle,” John van Druten’s award-winning romantic comedy about love and witchcraft, which is APAC’s next production, premiering Dec. 5 at the Aloha Theatre.
The production, which Hershberger has set in the 1960s, takes place in the New York apartment of Gillian Holroyd, a beautiful young witch played by Dawn Blankenship, a regular participant in Waimea Community Theatre shows. She sets her eyes on her handsome upstairs neighbor, Shepherd Henderson, played by Nick Kern, recently seen as Poole in APAC’s “Jekyll &Hyde.”
Gillian’s feline familiar, Pyewacket, is played by Mia Kriebl-Bruno, also recently seen in “Jekyll &Hyde” as Nellie. The role of Gillian’s mischievous warlock brother, Nicky, is taken by newcomer John Victor Ribeiro, and their often befuddled Aunt Queenie is played by Aloha Theatre veteran Catherine Williams.
Eccentric author Sidney Redlitch is portrayed by Bob Haber, last seen as Katz in APAC’s “The Hot l Baltimore.”
Spells are cast, and love, loyalty and betrayal are hilariously juggled and magically bandied about in this classic of the American theater. Designers include Bob Gage, lighting; Gerald Lucena, set; Paula Cornwell, costumes and props; and Sage Hecht, sound. Gill Pecceu is technical director, Terry Ann Fujioka is stage manager, and producers are Arlene Araki and Jeannie Kutsunai.
“Bell, Book and Candle” runs Dec. 5-21, with 7:30 p.m. performances Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees.
Tickets are available online at AlohaTheatre.com, by phone weekdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or at the theater box office beginning one hour before show time. For tickets or more information, call 322-9924.
