Upcoming Events
Hilo Community Players Present: The 48th Annual Shakespeare in the Park Festival featuring
William Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale
This summer, step into a story of jealousy, loss, love, and miraculous redemption under the stars! Join Hilo Community Players for their beloved tradition of free Shakespeare in the Park with one of the Bard’s most enchanting plays, The Winter’s Tale. Set against a backdrop of courtly drama and pastoral joy, this tale reminds us that even the coldest winters can give way to spring. The production is directed by local Shakespeare expert Theon Weber who has brought Hilo such past productions as Romeo & Juliet and Julius Caesar.
Featuring a vibrant cast of local performers:
Allan Anderson as Camillo
Valhalla Kalvaitis as Archidamus / 2nd Lord / Shepherd
Odysseus as King Leontes
Sarah Elliott as Queen Hermione
Ray Ryan as King Polixenes
John Douglas as Prince Mamillius / Shepherd
Salome Douglas as 1st Lady / Mopsa
Marin Peterson as 2nd Lady / Dorcas
Jie Brigoli as 1st Lord / Shepherd
Sean Douglas as Antigonus / Autolycus
Gregorius Venturius as Gaoler / Officer / Bohemian Servant
Melinda Polet as Paulina
Kali Peterson as Emilia / Time / Shepherd
Zoe Douglas as Sicilian Servant / Steward / Shepherd
Percival Best as Cleomenes / Shepherd
Zee Anderson as Dion / Shepherd
Bruce Mirken as Shepherd
Thayne Wagner as Clown
Tarani Best as Princess Perdita
Justin Martin as Prince Florizel
BEAR as itself
🗓 Performances:
July 5–20, 2025
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30 PM
Sundays at 2:30 PM
📍UH Hilo Performing Arts Center Lawn
🎟 Free and open to the public!
Bring a chair, bring your friends, and experience the magic of Shakespeare under the Hilo sky.
Kid-Shake Presents: The (Wacky) Winter’s Tale
An Adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale by Alya-Joy Kanehailua
Get ready to giggle, gasp, and cheer as Shakespeare gets a playful twist in The (Wacky) Winter’s Tale! Adapted especially for young performers and audiences by playwright and director Alya-Joy Kanehailua, this kid-powered production takes the classic tale of royal mix-ups, wild journeys, and magical surprises and turns it into a fast-paced, family-friendly romp full of heart and humor.
Whether you’re a Shakespeare newbie or a longtime fan, this lighthearted version will have you smiling from start to finish — with plot twists, surprises, and maybe even a bear or two!
👑 Performed by the talented keiki of the Hilo Community Players
🗓 July 5-20, Saturdays at 4pm and Sundays at 12pm
📍 UH Hilo Performing Arts Center Lawn
🎟 Free for all ages!
Come support our youngest stars as they bring Shakespeare to life—wackier and more wonderful than ever! Don’t forget to bring your seat! Donations appreciated!
🎉 Get ready for a fabulous night of glitter, games, and glamour at DRAG BINGO hosted by the stunning Palehua with special guest co-host Karizma Mirage! Join us at The Keawe Theater on Monday, July 7th at 6PM for a dazzling evening of outrageous fun and fierce performances.
🎟️ Tickets are just $10, with additional bingo boards available for $5 each.
Hosted by Hilo Community Players, this is your chance to laugh, cheer, and win with your favorite queens. Don’t miss it—because bingo is better in heels! 👠
🌺 Get ready to slay your Thursday nights! 🌺
Join us for The Pre Pau Hana, a fabulous weekly drag show hosted by the dazzling Palehua and featuring a rotating lineup of fierce guest queens from across Hawai‘i and beyond. Presented by Hilo Community Players, this show serves up laughter, glamour, and high-energy performances that are the perfect kickoff to your weekend.
✨ Every Thursday at 8PM
🎭 The Keawe Theater – 280 Keawe St, Hilo, HI
🎟️ Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door
Come early, grab a drink, and get ready to live your best life at The Pre Pau Hana — where every week is a celebration of drag, community, and unapologetic joy!
Get ready for a night of side-splitting laughs, quick-witted improv, and endless creativity at our Improv Comedy night, a hilarious show presented by Hilo Community Players & Big Island Comedy Theater! Join us on July 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM at The Keawe Theater (280 Keawe St, Hilo) for an unforgettable evening featuring hilarious skits, audience-driven antics, and top-notch comedic talent. Whether you’re a fan of spontaneous humor or just looking for a great night out, this show guarantees plenty of laughs, improv, and creativity!
Doors open half an hour before the show. Drinks and snacks will be available. Tickets are $5 more at the door.
Parental Advisory: may contain mature content; discretion is advised.
Get ready to sweat, sparkle, and slay at Pink Zumba with Keliko & Friends — for one night only! 💖
Join us on Saturday, July 26th from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at The Keawe Theatre (280 Keawe St.) for a high-energy Zumba class led by the fabulous Keliko, all to benefit the Hilo Community Players. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just want to move to the beat, this fun-filled fundraiser is the perfect way to show your support and your best PINK outfit!
Admission is just $15 at the door — come get your cardio with a side of camp and community! 💃🎀
TREADING THE BOARDS: EXPLORATIONS INTO THE CRAFT OF ACTING
For those who missed our TREADING THE BOARDS performance, please enjoy one of the monologues entitiled Suddenly Last Summer, featuring Dayva Summer Escobar
⚠️ Accessibility Note: The Keawe Theater requires ascending one large flight of stairs. Those needing special accommodations should contact Hilo Community Players (hilocommunityplayers@gmail.com) at least five days in advance of the event.