Auditions slated for Hilo Community Players production of ‘The Last Princess’

Auditions are set for the Hilo Community Players production of “The Last Princess,” a full-length drama about the life of Crown Princess Ka‘iulani, written by Hilo playwright and owner of Sweet Cane Cafe Jackie Prell.

The play will be directed by retired University of Hawaii at Hilo drama professor Jackie Pualani Johnson for a series of weekend performances from April 5-23 in the East Hawaii Cultural Center’s Kahua ‘Elua theatre, with the final two performances scheduled during the first two days of the Merrie Monarch Festival.

Auditions are slated for 10 a.m. Feb. 16 and 3 p.m. Feb. 17 at the cultural center, located at 141 Kalakaua St. in Hilo. Auditioners need only attend one session, and are asked to report at the start of the session and remain for a two-hour time slot. During the auditions, there will be an opportunity to read from the play and work with other potiential actors to explore situations in this re-telling of Hawaiian history.

The pivotal lead role of Ka‘iulani requires an actress age 12-21 to portray the princess. Additional roles will include members of the royal family, including King Kalakaua, Queen Lili‘uokalani, Princess Likelike and Archibald Cleghorn.

A number of other roles will be available that represent people close to the princess, along with an array of school girls, reporters, soldiers and government agents also being cast.

Rehearsals will be scattered through evenings and weekends, with actors in larger roles scheduled more frequently through the week. Reading copies of the script are available before auditions by calling 937-6600. They also can be perused outside the EHCC office during regular center hours.

For more information, contact Pualani Johnson at 937-6600 or puahiloone808@gmail.com, or production manager Randal McEndree at rmcrmc1@hotmail.com.