MACC adds 2 productions: The Conversion of Kaʻahumanu and Stars of American Ballet

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center has added two productions in March with Kumu Kahua Theatre’s production of Victoria Kneubuhl’s historical drama The Conversion of Ka‘ahumanu and the Maui-debut of the Stars of American Ballet.

The Conversion of Ka‘ahumanu was postponed in 2020 due to the start of the pandemic. The rescheduled performances will be March 5 at 7:30 p.m. and March 6 at 2 p.m. in the McCoy Studio Theater.

The Stars of American Ballet, composed of principal and soloist dancers from New York City Ballet and other comparable companies, will take place March 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Castle Theater.

Tickets for both events went on sale today and can only be purchased online.

The Conversion of Ka‘ahumanu was written by Kneubuhl, a playwright of Hawaiian and Samoan descent. It tells the story of three Hawaiian women and two missionary women as they experience personal and cultural changes in response to Western contact in Hawai‘i.  

The play, directed by Harry Wong III, depicts the arrival of missionaries Lucy Thurston and Sybil Bingham on the shores of O‘ahu in 1820, a year after Queen Ka‘ahumanu overthrew the traditional Kapu system in ancient Hawai‘i.

Queen Ka‘ahumanu is more interested in the missionaries dresses than a new god and has no desire for new religion. Sybil and Lucy persevere, and so begins the slow, gradual process of Ka’ahumanu’s conversion. This complex historical drama explores different perspectives on Hawai‘i’s official adoption of Christianity — from the caste system to notions of monogamy. 

Tickets are $28 plus applicable fees with a 10% discount for MACC members. UH Maui College students are eligible for discount tickets and must be purchased by calling the MACC Box Office at 808-242-7469 Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

The Stars of American Ballent was praised by The Boston Globe as “An unapologetic showcase of virtuosity.” It was founded and directed by Daniel Ulbricht, and brings together today’s most remarkable ballet talents. Ulbricht has been a principal dancer with New York City Ballet since 2007, and was lauded as “one of the best male ballet dancers in New York” by Dance Magazine’s Wendy Perron.

Since it began, Stars of American Ballet has presented over 90 works including repertory by Petipa, Balanchine,  Robbins, Millipied, Wheeldon, Peck and more. Stars travels all over the United States and abroad to places that are hungry for world-class dance.

Stars also sponsors dance education programs, consisting of master classes, pre performance lectures and community outreach projects, to build a better awareness and overall experience with the art form. The mission of Stars of American Ballet is to see people entertained, educated, uplifted and inspired by the art of ballet and great dancing. 

Tickets are $35, $50, $65 plus applicable fees with a 10% discount for MACC members. UH Maui College students are eligible for discount tickets and must be purchased by calling the MACC Box Office at 808-242-7469 Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

COVID-19 related policies for these shows: All ticket holders are required to show proof of full vaccination, with a  booster recommended for those eligible. Eligibility is at least five months after the second Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or  at least two months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. All must show a valid photo ID. Printed or digital  documentation acceptable to show for admittance. Masks required at all times except when actively eating and  drinking. 

Policies will be adjusted accordingly as state and county mandates evolve. Current COVID related health and safety protocols are available at here.