Acting Themselves

MHS theatre prepares for upcoming play.

The Molokai High School Theater Group is getting back in the acting groove and preparing for its upcoming play, “The Princess and the Pea.”

The group started getting together for practice after school four days per week in January, preparing a play that will take the stage on May 2, 3, 5 at the MHS cafeteria-turned-theater.

Theater used to be offered as a class at MHS, when the funds were available, but now, the 21st Century program supports the acting club as an after-school program.
With the help of 21st Century, they are able to buy costumes and stage supplies.

Nancy Lawrence took over the almost-defunct acting program seven years ago when MHS ceased to offer it as a class.

The Princess and the Pea
Lawrence said the kids are “charmed by fairy tales.”  In the past, they  have performed plays such as “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves“ and  “Alice in Wonderland.” The most recent play was last year when they performed the “Frog Prince.”

Prince of this year’s play, sophomore Ehiku Arnold, is experiencing his first acting endeavor in the “Princess and the Pea.” Lawrence, who also teaches English at MHS, asked Arnold to play the part, noting that she recognized his princely qualities.

“It’s cool to be another person,” Arnold said of acting.

The prince plays a pivotal role in the play, as he searches for his princess throughout the story. His journey ends when he lays eyes on Princess Olivia, played by junior Kayla Matson.

Key to the scene is the famous bed of blankets and single pea upon which Princess Olivia rests during her slumber. A bed frame was specially crafted for the group by the MHS woodshop class.

“[The play is] a lot of fun,” said Matson. “I like bonding with new people. Its fun getting out there and doing something you wouldn’t normally do.”

An actress new to theater group, senior April Aquino, plays the part of Esmeralda Smythe, joined the group this past January. She said acting has helped her build upon her confidence and break out of her shell.

She said it has also allowed her to have fun more than ever  at school.

“At first, it’s hard to be loud, project yourself and remember lines, but once you get that, it’s an awesome feeling I can’t describe,” Aquino said.

Tickets are available now for “The Princess and the Pea” on May 2-3 and 5 starting at $3 and $4 at the door.  Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the performance will begin at 7 p.m. Contact Nancy Lawrence at MHS – 567-6950 after 2 p.m. for ticket sales or any student involved in Molokai Theater Group.