The East Hawaii Cultural Center is hosting a play this weekend staged by a new nonprofit.
Directed by Samantha Shea, four actors are performing “Rose’s Dilemma,” the last play written by Neil Simon.
The play follows Rose Steiner, a washed-up writer living on Long Island, as she suffers from severe writer’s block, among other afflictions, and is facing financial ruin.
A figure from her past hatches a scheme to help ensure her financial security, but Rose is her own worst enemy, and the people in her life must save her from herself.
Lead actors Michelle Kratel and Michael Kealoha Stevens performed the play virtually over Zoom about two years ago and were passionate about putting on the play in front of an in-person audience.
“We did this virtually, and I said to myself, if there is ever a chance to put this live on stage, I will do whatever I can to make it happen,” Kratel said. “I wanted the ability to pick the people working on this project, and in order to be able to do that and get the rights to the show, we had to have an organization.”
That is why Kratel decided to start the nonprofit Eastside Actors Studio Theater to help other independent producers, directors and actors develop shows they are passionate about.
“I didn’t expect to have to take it that far, but once I realized it was a necessary part of the process, I thought this organization could help other artists,” Kratel said. “I have a strong affinity for this script, and I’m so glad we could make this show happen.”
With a cast of four characters playing on the small EHCC stage, the play is quite intimate and allows for all the actors to shine.
“I love this play, because there aren’t many roles for women of a certain age, especially dynamic roles,” Kratel said. “Everybody has their own story arc. There are no minor characters, and everyone has their own important outcome. It’s a very genuine show.”
Community theater has come back to life after being shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For some actors, this will be their first performance back on stage.
“I was in a number of shows before the pandemic and haven’t done anything since,” said actor Reece Naukana-Christensen. “This is my first show back, and it’s been a fun time. I love how intimate the show feels with our small cast. I’m nervous, but I think it’ll be great.”
Stevens has been acting in community theater in Hilo for 12 years and is excited to be back on stage in front of an audience.
“The Hilo theater community is very welcoming, and all of us were very committed to performing until the pandemic shut that all down,” Stevens said. “Michelle and I were in the last live performance before the pandemic started, and it’s great to be back with this show we love.”
Celaney Carpenter is the fourth actor taking the stage in the play and is returning to one of the first stages she ever performed on.
“I’ve been acting since I was 7, and I think my first production was here on this stage (EHCC). It’s familiar, but I haven’t been here in a while,” Carpenter said. “I love the adrenaline rush you get while being on stage and in this room in particular, it’s great that the audience can see those details of your face and realy hear you.”
“Rose’s Dilemma” will be at the EHCC theater on the second floor of the gallery at 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketsource.us/eastside-actors-studio-theater.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com