Shawn Forsythe Steps in as Lead in Kumu Kahua Theatre's WILL THE REAL CHARLIE CHAN PLEASE STAND UP

An accomplished Honolulu actor steps into starring role in Will the Real Charlie Chan Please Stand Up last Wednesday, only one week prior to the show's preview audience.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the actor previously cast in the role of Charlie Chan was unable to be in the production. Kumu Kahua Theatre Artistic Director, Harry Wong, consulted with Production Director, Reiko Ho, and later contacted actor Shawn Forsythe about filling the role.

Shawn was most recently seen in the Hawai'i Shakespeare Festival production of Troilus and Cressida, playing the role of Thersites.

Shawn is also the Technical Director and Theatre Manager for Keelikolani Auditorium at the Kamehameha Schools, Kapalama campus. He was already familiar with the show, Will the Real Charlie Chan Please Stand Up?; he is the lighting designer.

'During a staff meeting after I saw Troilus and Cressida, I mentioned that I saw the show and asked about the actor playing Thersites. I had never seen him before and was really impressed with his character work,' said Kumu Kahua Theatre Managing Director, Donna Blanchard. 'When Harry said Shawn was designing lights for Will the Real Charlie Chan Please Stand Up, I was happy to have him onboard, but embarrassed I hadn't recognized him. Now I see that he's one of those actors capable of transforming himself entirely for a role.'

On Wednesday, August 21st, after only one week of rehearsals with Shawn, Charlie Chan had their first audience during Teachers Preview Night, which is sponsored by Hawaiian Electric Company.

'I'm delighted with the opening,' says Director Reiko Ho. 'The show's ensemble work is amazing. Because they are such a wonderful team, they were able to incorporate Shawn and welcome into their midst without a hitch.'

'It's a great honor to get a chance to play such an iconic character and the cast was wonderful, welcoming me in, even through I've only been a part of it for one week,' says Shawn Forsythe.

On Thursday, August 22nd, the show officially opened to a sold-out crowd. Will the Real Charlie Chan Please Stand Up? runs through September 22, 2013. Schedule: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8pm: August 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31; September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 2013; Sundays 2pm: August 25; September 1, 8, 15, *22, 2013 *American Sign Language interpretation available upon request

Tickets can be purchased with a credit card by calling 536-4441, KumuKahua.org, or by visiting our box office at 46 Merchant Street (corner of Bethel & Merchant Streets, downtown) between 11am and 3pm Monday through Friday. Ticket prices range from $5 to $20.

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