Photo Flash: Ruthless! The Musical Opens at the ProArts Playhouse in Kihei

ProArts, Inc. is set to present "Ruthless! The Musical", the witty, campy, and hilarious off Broadway comedy hit, as the final show of their Fall/Winter season.

Ruthless! is the story of a naïve 1950s housewife, Judy, and her adorable but sociopathic 8-year-old daughter Tina. Encouraged by her manager, Tina will do anything to get the lead role of Pippi Longstocking in her school play – including doing away with the leading lady! Judy discovers that her birth mother was a famous actress, so she decides to be equally famous and becomes a Broadway diva. Inspired by The Bad Seed, All About Eve, and Gypsy, Ruthless! is…"A spoof that has enough absurd plot twists and multiple identities to fill several old movies.... The fun comes from the sheer brazenness!"-N.Y. Times

"Ruthless!" features the best of Maui talent including Lina Krueger as Judy Denmark, Heidi Turner as Tina Denmark, Kristi Scott as Miss Thorn/Miss Block, Dale Button as Sylvia St. Croix, Alison Mikes as Louise/Eve, and Rose Roselinsky as Lita Encore.

The show is directed and choreographed by ProArts newcomer Aly Cardinalli ("Cats, Chicago"). Musical direction is provided by Anne Durham and Marti Kluth. The colorful retro costumes are designed by Sarah Loney; with scenery by Caro Walker and lighting created by Bonnie Prucha. ProArts productions are produced by Jonathan Lehman.

Opening night is December 9 and the show runs until December 18, takes a holiday hiatus, and returns January 6-15, 2012. It plays Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm (no show on December 11). ProArts offers reserved seats for adults at $25.00 and for students 18 & under at $20.00. Kama'?ina nights are scheduled for Saturdays October 8, and Thursdays, October 13 and 20. Hawaiian residents get a discount for those performances.

The intimate ProArts Playhouse is located at the Azeka (Makai) Shopping Center, 1280 S. Kihei Rd. in Kihei. The Playhouse is air conditioned with 80 reserved seats. There is free parking, plenty of nearby restaurants, and an art gallery inside currently featuring the art of Marjorie Tyler and Ed Lane.

"Ruthless! The Musical" contains mild adult content.

Call 463-6550 for tickets or more information.

Photos by Matthew Wilkins