Manoa Valley Theatre presents the world premiere of Unlikely Lawman, a classic tale of good vs. evil in the old West starring Joe Moore, onstage at Mamiya Theatre, June 8 - 17. Bill Ogilvie directs the original play, which was adapted by Joe Moore from the book The Lawmen by Robert Broomall.

		Running from his tragic past, former Confederate officer Clay Chandler (Joe Moore) drifts into a lawless Arizona town and becomes the marshal. He arrests one of the notorious Hopkins brothers for killing a black man. Corrupt town patriarch Wes Hopkins (Matthew Pedersen) gives Clay twenty-four hours to release his brother Vance (Allen Cole) or else! Clay discovers that Wes has the mayor (George O'Hanlon), the judge (Rico Tudor) and town lawyer (Stephen Mead) under his thumb, and most everyone else in town too scared to do anything.
production photos by Brad Goda

Most evil of Hopkins's gang is vicious killer Driscoll (Michael deYcaza), who likes to cut his victims with a straight razor. The editor of the town newspaper (Robert Jones) wants to help Clay, but meets resistance from his wife (Tina Shelton). Unexpectedly, freed slave Essex Johnson (Derrick Brown) volunteers to be a deputy. The ex-rebel and ex-slave seem to have nothing in common, but staying alive. As the deadline for releasing Vance nears, Clay turns to a town prostitute (Katie Doyle) for help. The stage is set for a bullet-ridden showdown.         Completing the impressive cast in supporting roles are Bob Whiting, Dezmond Gilla, Don Pierce, Keith Griffin, Bill Ogilvie, Rick Roper, Sherry Shaoling, Joji Yoshida, Dean Reiners, Colin Fong and Larry Southard. Fong, a veteran stuntman, is also acting as stunt coordinator.

        Show times are Thursdays June 8 & 15 at 7:30 p.m., Fridays June 9 & 16 at 8 p.m. and Saturdays June 10 & 17 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 general admission; $30 senior (age 65 and older) and military; and $25 for patrons age 25 and under. Advance tickets are available through Manoa Valley Theatre only, either by calling the box office at 988-6131, or purchasing online at manoavalleytheatre.com. At the door, tickets are available at Mamiya Theatre, day-of performance only, starting 60 minutes before curtain.

        Mamiya Theatre is located on the St. Louis School/Chaminade University campus, 3142 Waialae Ave.

     Tickets are on sale now!
     Call 988-6131, or purchase online by clicking here.