NARRATIVE HISTORY FROM WORLD WAR II TO PRESENT

It was 1942, during World War II, that Maurice Evans, the great American Shakespearean actor, was sent to Hawaii as a Major in the United States Army to create a theatre program for the enjoyment of the troops. He starred in HAMLET, which was the first ACT production in Hawaii. This classic was presented around the islands at various military installations.

During the war and a few years beyond, hundreds of plays, one-acts, and original troop shows were presented. Its final production was the world wide tour of THIS IS THE ARMY featuring Irving Berlin.

About 1949, the theatre program in Hawaii was informally organized and produced shows on an intermittent bases. In 1962 Frank Ceci re-kindled the flames with a production of TRIAL BY JURY during the Vietnam conflict and announced a season of plays. It has remained active and now celebrates it 61st season.

ACT has been through several name and location changes, but its mission to entertain the troops and the general public has been constant since 1942. In 1987, Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter, became its home and old Broadway musicals became its staple.

ACT is an inherent part of the Oahu community and is Open to the Public.

Vanita Rae Smith is the third Entertainment Director. During her two tours of duty in Hawaii (Jan 69-Oct 72 and Jan 82 to present) besides operating one of Hawaii premiere theatres, she has brought in such name entertainers as Bob Hope's Last Christmas Show, Sammy Davis Jr., Nancy Wilson, Joe Namath, Charlie Pride, Mickey Gilley, Box Car Willy, Doobie Brothers, Kansas, and Wayne Newton.

Since 1991, ACT staff comprised of Ms. Smith and Tom Giza, has assisted in the rehabilitation of over 500 prisoners from Oahu Community Correctional Center. Through a special program for non-profit organizations, these individuals have been responsible for constructing, building, painting and decorating the multiple sets for ACT's large Broadway musicals. This assistance from the Department of Safety has been instrumental in making ACT self sufficient. The personal rewards for Vanita Rae and Tom are substantial as men learn a trade, prepare for full employment in the public sector, and gain cultural awareness while providing a great service to the military.

Since 1985 ACT has co-produced the fall and/or winter school productions of Honolulu Theatre for Youth (HTY). Between 40,000 and 50,000 grade schoolers are bused to Richardson Theatre each year and more than 40% of those children are military related. This sisterhood of partnering with such a renowned and internationally known organization has brought prestige and recognition to ACT. ACT presents four major Broadway musicals and four Readers Theatre productions each year with tickets $17 & $15. The cast, crew, orchestra, and ushers are volunteers. Without this wealth of people who love the theatre ACT could not survive.

Contact Army Community Theater by e-mail... Vanita Rae Smith

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