The live ‘Ulalena and Burn’n Love shows at the Maui Theatre have gone dark since May, a general manager with the ‘Ulalena production confirmed Friday.

“We are working really hard to reopen as soon as possible,” said Dennis Preussler, general manager of the show that had been running in Lahaina for nearly 20 years.

‘Ulalena and Burn’n Love performed in the Maui Theatre at the Old Lahaina Center and were under two different leaderships, Preussler said. ‘Ulalena, which shared the history of Hawaii with Hawaiian music and dance, is owned by a group of investors and includes the leadership of Roy Tokujo of Oahu. Burn’n Love, featuring Darren Lee as Elvis in Hawaii, was produced by Michael Kattawar, Preussler said.

The productions stopped in early May when a lighting company came and removed the lights from the theater because “the owner didn’t pay that bill,” Preussler said of Kattawar, who he said was running the theater when the lights were taken out.

Preussler said Kattawar had been leasing the theater from the Weinberg Foundation. A foundation official could not be reached for comment Friday.

Both Tokujo, who has an extensive resume in the Hawaii visitor industry and produced hit local shows including the “Don Ho Show,” and Kattawar of Tennessee, could also not immediately be reached for comment.

The ‘Ulalena show had 55 employees, now all laid off, Preussler said, adding that another dozen people were employed with the Burn’n Love show.

For many, the ‘Ulalena show was a part-time job, Preussler said, although, for a second job, “we paid pretty well.”

For around 20 employees, the show was their only job, he said.

Preussler, too, is looking for work but was still working for free for the show to find a way to “get back to work.”

Preussler started on the ‘Ulalena production in January 1999, and then it began performances in July of that year, he said.

“It’s been a long time, almost 20 years,” he said. “It’s very sad.”

On the show’s website it reads: “Aloha and mahalo for your support! ‘Ulalena is closed at this time.”

The website advises people with reservations to call 856-7900. The website is at www.mauitheatre.com/shows/ulalena/.

The show was named the “Best Cultural Production in Maui” in a Maui News readers’ poll in 2013.

The production focuses on the island of Maui, its creation, transformation and rebirth. Its performances include more than 100 instruments.

On Burn’n Love’s website, fans were thanked.

“It has been a great four years, and we are grateful and proud of our entire team and those who made the show a success.”

The website said the show has received accolades from TripAdvisor travelers as Maui’s No. 1 show.

The site also offers a link for those who may have questions, visit burnnlove.com.

On Burn’n Love star Darren Lee’s Facebook page, he reported on May 11 that his show had ended after a “successful” four and a half year run at the Maui Theatre and thanked everyone in the production and fans.

He said the show is still the highest-rated one in the Hawaiian islands with more than 2,700 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor.

“I will continue to perform in Maui and worldwide. Everything was meant to be,” he wrote.

* Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.