The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Performing Arts Center is set to showcase the comedic play “Inspecting Carol” this weekend, bringing a dose of humor to its 2025-26 season. The play, written by Daniel J. Sullivan in 1991, originally premiered at the Seattle Repertory Theatre. Directed by Justina Mattos, this production cleverly reflects the financial challenges faced by many theaters today.
The plot centers on a struggling theater company preparing for its annual performance of “A Christmas Carol.” As highlighted by Lee Dombroski, the manager of the Performing Arts Center, the characters grapple with funding issues reminiscent of recent federal cuts to the National Endowment of the Arts. “They’re facing some funding issues and they have an NEA inspector coming,” Dombroski explained. “But they mistake a random person for the NEA inspector, and they’re trying to impress the wrong person.”
The comedic chaos unfolds as the company strives to impress the supposed inspector, utilizing costumes and scenery that have been in use for decades and managing only four days of rehearsal. “Everything that can go wrong does, and it all happens in front of the real NEA inspector,” Dombroski said. “It’s a real hoot.”
Performance Details and Ticket Information
“Inspecting Carol” will be performed at 7 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, with a matinee scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices are set at $20 for general admission, $15 for faculty, staff, alumni, and kupuna, and $10 for children aged 17 and under, as well as students from UH Hilo or Hawaii Community College with a valid ID.
To purchase tickets, interested attendees can visit https://tinyurl.com/2v9jduyt or contact the box office at (808) 932-7290. This production promises a delightful blend of laughter and relatable challenges, making it an engaging experience for all attendees.
