Kaua‘i Community Players is currently presenting “Edges: A Song Cycle,” a four-person musical play that empowers their audience, having them feel activated by the end of the show.
If you walked into the theater feeling like a zombie or someone who is just going through life’s routine, then this show will be tugging at your heart, your mind, your soul, and activating your old dreams before you go home.
Throughout the entire performance, I felt like the writer addressed every flaw, insecurity, and every egotistic thought that one person could go through during a lifetime. The show touches on every stage of life — when you are single, in a relationship, personally growing, dreaming, or when you are running away from fears.
This play makes you relive your hidden demons and reflect on your own life choices.
Lastly, this play will have you leaving refreshed and empowered to be the best and most confident you, no matter what situation you’re in. It teaches you how to learn, grow and forgive yourself.
There is something for everyone, including teens ages 15 and older. I attended “Edges: A Song Cycle” with my daughter Aaliyah Nero, who said she learned some things from the show. It brought us closer, and there is something for everyone to connect with.
The cast and the crew was about 12 feet in front of us. It felt very intimate,and you felt like you were a part of their world.
I felt alive for the first time in a long time.
My emotions followed the cast’s emotions, and I was blown away by the sound they made with just four singers: Juno Apalla, Erin Gaines, Billy Quebido and Neil Yukimura. There was a single pianist, musical director Nina Saraos, and one drummer, Benzelle Bersamira. The room was perfectly built for this play to shine, thanks to lights and sounds manager Sam Whitney.
The lights really set the mood. It felt like a place where young ones came for a date night. We were seated evenly spaced six feet from others in the audience. There were about 15 of us in KCP’s Puhi Theatrical Warehouse theater during their Friday performance.
Chris Alderete, the director of this play, will get you excited to see it, as he opens the show with a moment of gratitude. The pandemic put a halt to live shows for a while. This is the first on Kaua‘i in about a year for KCP, so he made sure he enjoyed every moment. You can see his passion for what he does, and for his team.
Behind the scenes is producer Bailey Hutton. The program creator is Erin Gaines, and set design and construction were beautifully done by Donnie Maione and Jarhett Gaines.
If you know me, you know I am picky. If I like something, I like it. If I love something, I really love something, and if I don’t, I won’t even mention it.
So with that said, I rate this the best play I have ever seen on Kaua‘i thus far. Five out of five stars from me. My coworker agreed. If you think I am biased, go check it out if you can find tickets — the show is sold out.
However, the crew said individuals can always check 15 minutes before the show starts to see if anyone canceled their tickets. Be prepared to be blown away. You will feel everyone’s raw, real and passionate feelings. We all can relate to a scene. There are two acts, and you will want to be singing after you leave.
From the director to each cast member, to the crew working so hard backstage, on the side of the stage, and behind the audience, you can feel their excitement and their passion for theater. If you got a ticket, I can reassure you, it will be well worth it.
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Stephanie Shinno, education, business, and community reporter can be reached at 245-0424 or sshinno@thegardenisland.com.
