PTA-to-Hilo convoy planned for today
PTA-to-Hilo convoy planned for today
A Hilo-based military unit will convoy from Pohakuloa Training Area to Keaukaha Military Reserve in Hilo between 8 a.m. and noon today.
The convoy will travel via Saddle Road, Komohana Extension, West Puainakou Street, Kahoelehua Avenue and Hilo Airport Road.
The PTA Department of Army police are working closely with local authorities and military units to coordinate this activity in support of unit training.
APAC holds auditions for ‘The Toxic Avenger’
Aloha Performing Arts Company will hold open auditions Aug. 18 and 19 for the world community theater premiere of “The Toxic Avenger,” a campy rock musical fresh off a successful off-Broadway run. Auditions begin at 2:30 p.m. each day at the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu. APAC is the first non-professional company anywhere to be granted the performance rights to the show, which features music and lyrics by Bon Jovi’s David Bryan and Joe DiPietro.
The musical, an irreverent adaptation of Lloyd Kaufman’s 1985 cult science fiction film, “The Toxic Avenger” is set in Tromaville, N.J., the toxic waste capital of America. The plot revolves around nerdy Melvin Ferd III, who longs to stop political corruption in his neighborhood. The mayor’s goons dump him into a vat of deadly sludge and he emerges as a giant mutant superhero lovingly known as Toxie. Ferd uses his new status and strength to fight the evil forces of greed and impress his new girlfriend, Sarah, the town’s blind librarian.
Five volunteer performers are required for the production; possibly six, if the role of Melvin/Toxie is cast with two people. Whoever is cast as Sarah will be the only performer who plays just one character. One female will play three roles: a nun, Mayor Babs Belgoody and Melvin’s mother, Ma Ferd. Two men, called White Dude and Black Dude, play more than a dozen characters each. According to music director Dale Ross, “All the songs are very challenging, and all five roles require great skill and flexible vocal range.” Joining her in casting the show will be director Jerry Tracy and choreographer Lee Vinson. Audition requirements include a prepared one-minute excerpt of a song which demonstrates vocal range and musical ability. An accompanist will be provided. Sheet music in the correct key must be supplied by the auditionees, who should also be prepared to learn music from the show. No a capella, karaoke or CD-accompanied auditions will be allowed. Each prospective cast member must also perform a one- to two-minute scene or story, in which he or she plays at least three characters, switching back and forth between them. The choreography portion will involve learning a short movement routine; comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes are recommended. Those auditioning need attend only one of the audition days, and will be seen in small groups, in order of arrival. If necessary, an invitational callback audition may be held Aug. 20.
“The Toxic Avenger” will be performed at the Aloha Theatre Oct. 5 to 21. Rehearsals will begin Aug. 26, and will generally be held Sunday afternoons and Monday through Thursday evenings. Audition materials are available for on-site perusal or checkout in exchange for a deposit, by arrangement with the APAC office. For more information, call 322-9924.