Auditions begin soon for an eclectic and entertaining lineup of productions.

aui OnStage (MOS) is proud to announce its production lineup in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Historic ‘Iao Theater. MOS is holding general auditions for the 2008-09 season on Saturday, July 12, at ‘Iao Theater. (See “Audition Guidelines” sidebar.)

Opening the season in September is an original piece written by Joel Agnew entitled Not As Seen on T.V., ‘Iao Theater’s 80th Anniversary Show. This original musical comedy revue celebrates the history of ‘Iao Theater through the use of songs from shows performed there by Maui Community Theater (doing business as Maui OnStage). It will feature popular performers who have appeared in shows over the years. The revue is a lighthearted comedy featuring an original storyline and the “Spirit of the ‘Iao,” with a romp through musical history—and fun for everyone. Not As Seen on T.V. will run weekends from Sept. 19 through 28.

MOS is searching for pictures, film clips, posters and other memorabilia from the past 80 years at the theater to incorporate into the production. If you can help, call the theater at 244-8680, ext. 23.

Haunted Theater III will be back by popular demand in October. The super-frightful Halloween maze, full of tricks and treats will return for its third run—this time on Halloween! A family favorite at a super-reasonable price gives the entire family a chance to get out and have some fun. Come in costume, or better yet, volunteer to be a scary character in the haunted maze! The Haunted Theater III will be open Oct. 24 through 31.

It’s Christmastime and no Christmas is complete without A Christmas Story. MOS is starting a repertory Christmas show—and this is it! Jean Shepard’s hilarious tale of Ralphie, a young boy growing up in the ’40s, who dreams of owning a Red Ryder BB gun and sets out to convince the world this is the perfect gift. Along the way, he must endure opposition from his parents, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself. A Christmas Story will run on weekends from Dec. 5 through 14.

The big spring musical is The Sound of Music. This Rodgers and Hammerstein classic set in 1930s Austria, is about a young woman named Maria failing miserably in her attempts to become a nun. When the Navy captain Georg Von Trapp writes to the convent asking for a governess who can handle his seven mischievous children, Maria is given the job. The musical will be performed on weekends from Feb. 27 to March 22.

In May, Maui OnStage will perform Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias. This wonderful comedy-drama romance tells the tale of a close-knit group of six Southern women (of varying ages) in a small Louisiana town. The film gives us a glimpse into their daily lives over a period of several years, their laughter, their joy, and their tears, all through the lens of their enduring friendship. The play will be performed on weekends from May 1 through 17.

Rounding out the season next summer is The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. The book is by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson; music and lyrics by Carol Hall. This happy-go-lucky view of small town vice and statewide political side-stepping recounts the good times and the demise of the Chicken Ranch, known since the 1850s as one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas. Governors, senators, mayors and even victorious college football teams frequent Miss Mona’s cozy bordello until the puritan nemesis Watchdog focuses his television cameras and his righteous indignation on the institution. The musical will run weekends from July 10 until August 2.

Call 242-6969 for more information, or go to www.mauionstage.com.

Audition Guidelines · Vocal/Acting Notes

Maui OnStage is holding general auditions for the 2008-09 season (appointment required, otherwise anticipate a wait) on Saturday, July 12, at ‘Iao Theater. Attending this audition automatically places the performer into callbacks for other shows that are of interest to the artist.

• Auditions will be broken up into five-minute time slots.
• Non-singing performers acting auditions are from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Musical theater vocal/acting auditions are from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Be prepared for your audition by bringing a current resume (required) and headshot (if you have one) if you are not already on file with MOS.
• Prepare a dramatic or comedic monologue no longer than one minute. Short stories and jokes are also acceptable.
• For musical theater performers only: Prepare to perform a song on top of your monologue. An accompanist will be provided, so bring complete sheet music plus lyrics (no fake books) or bring a CD.
• For an audition appointment, call 244-8680 ext. 21.