An evening with David Penhallow-Scott

LIHUE — David Penhallow-Scott will take center stage tonight in Hilo on the Big Island.

Only, he won’t actually be on stage.

“They want the play to be a success,” he said, laughing in a phone interview with The Garden Island.

But his writing will be in the spotlight on “Fate: The Plays of David Penhallow-Scott” by the Hilo Community Players at Kahua ‘Elua Theatre at the East Hawaii Cultural Center.

The evening of play readings, including the premiere of Penhallow-Scott’s “Naughty Mele’s Christmas in Hilo,” will be directed by Jackie Pualani Johnson.

“I’m very honored,” said Penhallow-Scott, who grew up on Kauai and how lives in Hilo.

He’s directed and written numerous plays and authored books, including his recent publication, “Murder with Aloha at the Coco Palms Hotel.” He also wrote about the history of Coco Palms, where he worked for a time and he also directed the Kauai Museum for a stint. His career as an actor and director has spanned decades and influenced thousands.

Twelve actors will read five of his plays that he has written over the years, many on Kauai.

• “Lights Out” about Pearl Harbor

• “The Girl Next Door” about God and his existence

• “Lavender and Straw” based on a true story about a person diagnosed with leprosy who then kills his doctor.

• “Bon Vonage” about talking to patients at a hospital

• “Love Story” about two dogs that fall in love at an animal shelter.

“It makes the evening happy,” Penhallow-Scott said.

He’s still writing and working on a biography about his mother. And he’s still acting. He played Theo Davies in “The Last Princess.” He also played Grandpa Joe in a production of “Willy Wonka”.

“They put a harness on me and flew me around,” he said, chuckling. “I did bump into the scenery a couple of time.”

Tonight’s reading of Penhallow-Scott’s plays is a fundraiser for HCP, costs $15 and includes wine and cheese

“Join us to laugh and cry!” reads a flier “These plays are dedicated to all the people living on Hawaii Island.”