‘13 the Musical’ coming to Waimea

Kahilu Theatre presents “13 the Musical” with the Kahilu Youth Troupe on June 17 and 18 in Waimea.

Using the Kahilu Youth Troupe’s youngest rising stars, Beth Dunnington directs this hilarious, coming-of-age musical about discovering that “cool” is sometimes where we least expect it. “13 the Musical” is about fitting in and standing out. Recognized for featuring the only all-teenage cast ever to hit Broadway, it has a powerful rock score and searingly honest high energy story.

The local production is directed by Dunnington (assistant director Sean Dunnington) with musical direction by NYC’s Phil Kadet, choreography by Amanda Trusty (assistant choreographer Noelani Anderson), costumes by Leilani Bostock, tech by Waimea Music, and vocal coaching by HPAF Artistic Director Val Underwood.

The cast of 18 is Grace Bostock, Tyler Bryson, Colby Camero, Stacee Firestone, Lucky Friend, Rose Friend, Eric Gee, Caitlyn Hooley, Ryan Hooley, Benito Mercier, Mako Satoh, Makana Shimizu, Cameron Supplee, Melissa Lynn Threlfall, Grace Todd, AriaMarie Tyau, Ethan Tyau and Alianna West.

The Kahilu Youth Troupe was founded in 2009, after the oldest of these students met during a Waimea Community Theatre production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Since, the Youth Troupe (originally called the Teen Troupe) has gone on to perform “Rent” in Kona (2010), “An Evening of Sondheim and Friends” (2011), “Broadway in Hawaii” (2013), “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (2014), “Back to Broadway” (2015), “Godspell” (2015) and “Grease” in 2016.

Doors for “13 the Musical” open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. June 17 performance, and at 3 p.m. for the 4 p.m. performance on June 18.

Tickets range in price from $16 to $38 and can be purchased online at www.kahilutheatre.org, by calling 885-6868, or at the theater’s box office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays in Waimea.

Info: www.kahilutheatre.org. ■