WAILUKU - Comic-turned-movie star Augie T is going check out his performance in "Get a Job" for the first time tonight when the rollicking made-on-Maui comedy opens a 13-show run in the Historic Iao Theater.
He'll probably have something to say about it.
"There's pretty much going to be a live entertainer before each show," confirmed writer-director Brian Kohne about the weekend engagement of the film.
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A montage of tickets will be on sale as collectible artwork from this unique production
It stars musical headliners Willie K and Eric Gilliom in comedic roles -Willie plays a harried employment counselor, Eric plays an unemployable client - in a series of misadventure over the space of one madcap week.
The film also boasts a who's-who of island musical artists, including Jake Shimabukuro, Henry Kapono, Willie Nelson, Pat Simmons and Mick Fleetwood in cameos, as well as local theatrical performers like Kathy Collins, Marcia Kelly and Vinnie Linares in supporting roles.
Maui audiences will also spot numerous friends and family as extras in the slapstick antics on-screen, filmed last spring at very recognizable locations around the island.
Produced by Stefan Schaefer, the film pulses to an original soundtrack full of music by the two stars in their Barefoot Natives days, as well as other island-produced music.
Kohne, who grew up on Maui and remembers attending films at the Iao as a boy, is turning the theater back into a movie venue, and will spread the fun across the street to a beer-garden, which will also include food and merchandise sales and an area for families (For event details, see Week at a Glance).
Members of the cast will be around all weekend to sign autographs, and Q&A sessions will follow screenings throughout the weekend.
"Get a Job" sold out when it premiered in Castle Theater in November, and Kohne anticipates that its special connections with local audiences will continue.
"From an audience standpoint, it's going to be another one of those 'Wow, this is cool' events," he says, promising to even show up in the film's signature banana costume at some time during the fun-filled weekend.
- Rick Chatenever
Showtimes:
* Tonight: 5 p.m (all tickets $5, Q & A to follow); 7:15 p.m. (KAOI 91.5 show); 9:15 p.m. (Q103 show).
* Friday: 5 p.m. (Q & A to follow); 7:15 p.m., 9:15 p.m.
* Saturday: 3 p.m. (all tickets $5); 5 p.m. (Q & A to follow); 7:15 p.m.; 9:15 p.m.
* Sunday: 3 p.m. (all tickets $5); 5 p.m. (Q & A to follow); 7:15 p.m.
Tickets are $10; $5 for matinees.
The box office will be open one hour before the first show. Tickets are also on sale at Maui Thing in Wailuku and online at the film's website, www.getajobthemovie.com.
