Diversity and inclusivity will be celebrated with a variety show during Pride month on Hawaii Island Friday.
“Queer and Questioning” is a LGBTQ+ variety show from the Hilo Community Players, which will feature performances by about 15 people of all backgrounds and orientations and will be hosted by popular Hilo drag queen, Palehua.
The show will be one night only at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 16, at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Center.
“This is the Players’ first time putting on a variety show for Pride, and we are really loving it. The idea was sparked out of hearing from some people that they wanted more representation on stage,” said HCP Executive Director Rachel Klein. “The show will represent many different parts of the queer community and doesn’t focus on one thing. The goal is for everyone to feel represented and seen by the community.”
There will be many musical numbers, poetry readings, dances and an aerial performance from an artist. HCP selected pieces that feature queer artists, authors and songwriters and pieces that tell queer stories.
“For example, there will be a song about being asexual or aromantic, a song about coming out, and a poem about being trans in America,” Klein said. “There are numbers that are celebratory, and some that may not be. I hope it’s cathartic for a lot of people.”
Between numbers, Palehua will discuss queer history and tell stories with the audience. Rachel Edwards is directing the musical numbers, and Nadia Schlosser is choreographing the dance numbers.
“There will be performers that people have seen many times before, but we also have a few new performers, which is exciting. I’m glad people feel comfortable getting their feet wet, and this is great time to start,” Klein said. “We decided to do this, because it’s so important, especially now, to show our support to the LGBTQ+ community, and to show that support loudly.”
Performers include, Ricky Alvarez, Hoku Ah Yo, E Burbank, Rachel Edwards, Bridge Hartman, Jas, Rachel Klein, Noel Kim, Alisha Kimie, Chris Kocian, Keira Mazurik, Mia McGrath, Kyzer-Rey Paglinawan and Tash Zarate.
Tickets are $20 online and will be $25 on the night of the performance. A portion of the sales will go directly to Hawaii Island LGBTQ+ Pride to support their programs, Pride parade and other events.
“We’re really excited to be part of this community and so thankful for UH-Hilo for the space and support to put on the show,” Klein said. “We’re excited to have the community come together for our performers of all identities, which will help spread the message of inclusivity.”
Tickets and information about other upcoming Hilo Community Players events can be found at hiloplayers.org.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.