Blog

Apr 08, 2023

History Theatre: Rediscover our past

Karen Valasek portrays Ethel Baldwin during a prior performance of History

Karen Valasek portrays Ethel Baldwin during a prior performance of History Theatre in the Waiola Church Graveyard. Lahaina Restoration Foundation last week announced the next round of performances on July 6 and 7 at Waiola Church.

LAHAINA — Lahaina Restoration Foundation, in collaboration with Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives, will debut a new production of History Theatre on July 6 and 7, 2023 at 6 p.m.

The performances will be held at Waiola Church at 535 Wainee St. in Lahaina.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for students and are available at www.lahainarestoration.org.

In the words of Mike Smolas, Hawaiian Mission Houses director of education, History Theatre: Rediscovering History is a "chance to experience history through the people who lived it in a unique and engaging fashion."

This theatrical performance engages the audience by offering three simultaneous stages that portray three different historic characters at the same time.

Guests are invited to walk through all three performances and enjoy the portrayals of all the characters, one by one.

This year's performance will feature three portrayals focused on the history of libraries, archives and museums in Hawaii.

Robert Crichton Wyllie (1798-1865) – Born in East Ayrshire, Scotland, Robert was the Minister of Foreign Affairs under King Kamehameha III, and his collection formed the basis of the Hawaii State Archives. He will be portrayed by Montana-based performance artist/comedy writer Hamilton Clement.

George R. Carter (1866-1933) – Born in Honolulu, George was Second Territorial Governor and an avid collector. His collection helped form the basis of the Hawaiian Mission Houses Archives. His character will be portrayed by Ron Heller, who recently completed a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. His most recent acting role was a robot in "20,000 Leagues Deep."

Edna Allyn (1861-1927) – Born in Wellington, Ohio, Edna was a teacher and librarian whose work led to what is now the Hawaii Public Library System. The Children's Reading Room at the main library branch of the Hawaii State Public Library is named after her. She will be portrayed by Eden Lee Murray, professional actor/director and producer, artist-educator and published author. Eden recently co-starred in "Constellations" for Kailua Onstage Arts and has earned 16 Po’okela Awards for her artistic work in Oahu since 1992.

The performance will take place in the Waiola Church Cemetery. Gates open at 6 p.m., and performances start at 6:30 p.m.

There will be three performances occurring simultaneously, and guests cycle through all three performances. While there will be seating at each location, there will be some walking across possibly uneven ground after the sun sets.

Water stations will be available, and ample free parking is provided onsite.

For more information or ticket purchases, visit www.lahainarestoration.org.

Lahaina Restoration Foundation was established over 60 years ago with a mission to be stewards and storytellers of Lahaina's historical and cultural heritage.

Today, through donations and membership opportunities, the foundation oversees and maintains 14 historic sites in Lahaina.