Joe Moore and Pat Sajak will co-star in a special production of the classic police procedural “Prescription: Murder” at the Hawaii Theatre on July 31, 2025. This performance serves as a significant fundraiser for the Hawaii Theatre Center, with both actors pledging to donate all proceeds to the organization. Moore is also covering the entire production costs, a gesture that comes at a critical time for the theatre.
Gregory Dunn, President and CEO of the Hawaii Theatre Center, emphasized the importance of this support, especially as the theatre faces a staggering property insurance premium exceeding $425,000 for the second consecutive year. “Joe and Pat are certainly helping towards that,” Dunn stated in an interview with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. He added that ticket sales from the two-week run of the show could potentially raise around $500,000, which would help cover the full insurance cost.
Exciting Productions Highlighting Hawaiian Culture
In addition to “Prescription: Murder,” the 2025-2026 theater season in Hawaii will showcase a variety of performances that reflect both local and national talent. From December 2 to 7, the national touring company will present “Chicago” at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. This production marks a significant cultural addition to Honolulu, following nearly $10 million in renovations aimed at attracting Broadway shows to the city. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has called this investment a long-term financial benefit for the community.
The University of Hawaii is also making strides in promoting Hawaiian culture with its ongoing Hawaiian theatre program. “Lele Wale,” a play exploring the experiences of Lahaina residents who survived the catastrophic wildfire of 2023, will open on March 4 at the Kennedy Theatre. This production will feature dialogue in Hawaiian, pidgin, and Standard English, making it accessible to a diverse audience.
The Honolulu Theatre for Youth will present a special production of “Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar” on February 13, 15, and 21 at Tenney Theatre. This multi-media musical biography, crafted by playwright Moses Goods, delves into the life of Joseph Kekuku, the inventor of the Hawaiian steel guitar.
Emerging Local Talent and Community Productions
The season will also spotlight new voices in Hawaii’s theatre scene. First-time playwright Sara Ward, who serves as Kumu Kahua’s office manager, will debut her work “Smother” on August 28 at Kumu Kahua. Meanwhile, Alison Bruce-Maldonado, an MFA candidate at the University of Hawaii and seasoned performer, will address pressing social themes in her play “Dolls: A Toy Story,” scheduled for October 22-26 at the Kennedy Theatre.
Continuing its commitment to enriching the local theatre landscape, The Actors Group (TAG) will present the fourth, fifth, and sixth plays of August Wilson’s “Century Cycle,” starting with “The Piano Lesson” on September 5. This initiative underscores TAG’s dedication to African-American theatre in Hawaii.
Throughout Oahu, audiences can also expect a diverse array of productions, ranging from classic dramas to popular Broadway musicals and original works from local playwrights. For a complete schedule of the 2025-2026 theatre season, interested individuals can visit bit.ly/hawaiishows25 for updated showtimes and ticket information.
As Hawaii’s theatre community gears up for an exciting season, the collaboration between established stars and emerging talent promises to enrich both the cultural and financial landscape of the region.
