The "Star of Bethlehem: The Magi's Story" will be presented by Windward Community College's new $4 million Imaginarium this week as its first full public show. Imaginarium’s first show to
be story of 3 wise menStar-Bulletin staff
The show will start at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. tomorrow and Friday, and at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday.
Joe Ciotti, astronomy professor who developed and manages the facility, said the show is patterned after a popular one he used to do at the Bishop Museum Planetarium. It captures the wonder surrounding the star that was said to have led the Three Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus, he said.
"It offers some possible astronomical explanations for this event, as well as some history about who we think the Magi were. We'll explore comets, supernova, shooting stars and the close positions of planets, using the Imaginarium high-tech imagery."
Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for University of Hawaii system students, faculty and staff and military, and $3 for children 12 and under. Discounts apply to only those with valid identification.
Tickets are being sold in advance through the college's Office of Continuing Education in Hale Kuhina building on campus until 4 p.m. daily. Cash or checks will be accepted for amounts under $10. Credit cards will be accepted for amounts $10 and above during pre-sale only.
Tickets also can be purchased at the Imaginarium box office half an hour before each show, but visitors are encouraged to get them in advance because of limited seating. For tickets and more information, call 235-7433.
The Christmas production is partially funded with a grant from the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation. "Billy V" (VanOsdol) of radio station KCCN provided the narration.