The Hilo Community Players present “Bare” in the upstairs Kahua ‘Elua Theatre at the East Hawaii Cultural Center for 10 performances from Sept. 13-29.
Directed by Rachel Klein, with musical direction by Kanako Okita and vocal direction by Rachel Edwards, “Bare” is a full-length, coming-of-age rock musical in which a group of high school seniors at a Catholic boarding school faces issues of sexuality and personal identity.
As they struggle to come to terms with who they are and who the world thinks they should be, they seek answers from their church, their friends and, ultimately, from within themselves. As their final year of high school draws to a close, they attempt to navigate the complex road from adolescence to adulthood and deal with the consequences of their choices as they prepare to take the next step in their lives.
The book is by Jon Hartmere and Damon Intrabartolo, with music by Intrabartolo and lyrics by Hartmere.
The world premiere of “Bare” was Oct. 14, 2000, at Hudson Mainstage Theater in Hollywood. It opened off-Broadway in 2004 and a Los Angeles revival was staged in 2013 after multiple productions in cities around the world.
The popularity and power of “Bare” lies in its honesty. It resonates with audiences as it provides truthful accounts of the common complexities young people face. The show inspires by showcasing the ability to break past the institutions of religion, education and family that can sometimes force us to conform and hide behind a mask, rather than live a fulfilled life.
The production contains mature language and themes and is not recommended for young children. Parental discretion is advised.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13-14, 19-21 and 26-27 and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 15, 22 and 29.
There is no show Sept. 28.
Tickets are $20 advance and are available online at hiloplayers.org. Door admission is $25.