The 2000-2001 season at the University of Hawai'i [sic] at Manoa's Kennedy Theatre opened with Michael Elliot Brill and David Jackson's musical comedy, No One Will Marry A Princess with a Tree Growing Out of Her Head!. Now the follow-up production, David Hirson's La Bête (The Beast/The Fool), is ready to settle Nov. 19 as well.
La Bête, which can literally be translated as either 'the beast' or 'the fool,' lets the audience decide which makes more sense. When a trained thespian meets a vulgar but successful street clown, an argument over art ensues. The play is a tribute to the comedies of Molière and features juggling, clowning and fast-paced rhyming verse.
Director Lurana Donnels O'Malley helms the production. Joseph Abraham will tackle the role of the thespian while Mark Branner juggles the part of the clown.
The season continues with Machinal (Nov. 28-Dec. 2), Umbuik Mudo and The Magic Flute (Feb. 2-11), Pharaoh's Daughters (Feb. 21-25), and a double bill of Faust I and Faust II (April 19-29).
For tickets, call the Kennedy Theatre Box Office at (808) 956-7655. Visit the UHM's Department of Theatre and Dance website for more details at www.hawaii.edu/theatre.