The Eastside Actors Studio Theater will be presenting “The Marijuana-Logues” at KukuAu Studio this weekend.
This will be the first theatrical performance at the studio space in Hilo, which can seat about 50 to 80 people.
“The Marijuana-Logues” is a comedy show developed off-Broadway in New York City. It is originally a four-man stand-up comedy show, with the majority of the humor centered on marijuana and the culture surrounding it.
After watching the Hilo Community Players present the show in its traditional fashion a few years ago, director Samantha Shea was inspired to direct it one day.
“When the Community Players put on the show, it was so amazing, hilarious and fun, and it really inspired me to put on the production with my own twist,” Shea said. “After one of the co-creators reached out to me to give his blessing, I felt great about putting this show together.”
While the original show features actors sitting on stools in all-black clothing as they read monologues from the page, Shea’s rendition features six actors sitting on a coach in a basement with memorized monologues and vignettes.
“I think this format gives the show a more intimate feel. It’s more relaxed and relatable to people who smoke or who are around smokers,” Shea said. “The script is similar, but there are is also stand-up, some theatrics, added twists and characters. The actors are very excited about it and are able to bring more of their personalities into the show.”
This will be some of the actors’ first performances in front of audiences. Rahman “Blue” Uhuru, Nani Milimilianalani, Matthew Stratton, Lowden Borgens, Ray Ryan, Anna Javier and Matt Bash will be featured in the show.
“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know new people in community, who maybe haven’t acted before, and watching them really shine,” Shea said. “Seeing them bring their personalities to the characters, laugh together and feel comfortable has been fun. I think the show provides a real relatable and inviting environment.”
As the Eastside Actors Studio Theater continues to develop, they are looking forward to continually staging performances and “passion projects” for the community.
“This is our second show, and everything has been going really well. We want to keep the ball rolling with new projects and ideas while also being supportive of all the art organizations,” Shea said. “There is so much going on in the theater and art scene on the island and at the end of every show, we’ll give an announcement about everything going on this season.”
“The Marijuana-Logues” premieres this weekend with show times at 7:30 p.m. today, Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are $16 online and are available at tinyurl.com/mudcy6ds. There will be tickets at the door available for $20.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.