Robert Cazimero will be the big draw on Lei Day, when island residents make a lei, wear a lei, and give a lei.
May 1 is Lei Day, or May Day, and this year there are options.
Cazimero’s biggie will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. May 1 at the Bishop Museum, where a pageantry of hula, mele and oli will flourish beneath a huge tent. Keauhou, the award-winning powerhouse trio comprised of Zachary Alaka‘i Lum, his brother Nicholas Keali‘i Lum and their Kamehameha Schools chum Jonah Kahanuola Solatorio, will assemble to vocalize and dance, but also perform on instruments. Zachary is producing the event, which will feature pre-show festivities and entertainment from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a two-hour revue from 7 to 9 p.m.. that will be streamed live on Mele.com, the evening’s presenters.
Cazimero, pictured, who is kumu hula of Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehua, will be at the keyboards and his halau gents, and other guest dancers, will harmonize and hula.
Tickets: $35 for general admission, and patrons can buy dinner and snacks from vendors; $50 for the show and a provided Hawaiian plate dinner, and $135 for a VIP package.
Reservations: visit mele.com …
Other Lei Day attractions:
Karl Veto Baker and Michael Lanakila Casupang, pictured, kumu hula of Halau I Ka Wekiu, will stage a concert at 7 p.m. May 1 at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell. The event will salute their kumu hula from the past, Robert Cazimero.
“But I won’t be there,” Cazimero said, when asked for comment.
Tickets: $35 to $93 at the Blaisdell Center box office at (808) 768-5488.
Kuana Torres Kahele, pictured, will front two May 1 concerts, at 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Blue Note Hawaii, at the Outrigger Waikiki resort with guest dancers Teva and Amberlee Medeiros. Doors open at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; dinner and beverage will be available. Tickets: $35 to $45, at www.bluenotehawaii.com or call (808) 777-4890.
A belated Lei Day show starring Kalani Pe‘a, pictured, three-time Grammy winner, will unfold at 7 p. m. May 4 at the Hawaii Theatre. Guests will include vocalist Weldon Kekauoha, kumu hula Sallie Yoza and Halau ‘O Napuala‘ikauika‘iu, kumu hula Leina‘ala Pavao Jordan and Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina‘ala and kumu hula Keli‘iho‘omalu Puchalski and Halau Kawai‘ulaokala. Tickets: $45 to $55; VIP package, $250, at www.hawaiitheatre.com or (808) 528-0506…
Hawaii Theatre events
“Music & Memories,” featuring Jerome Koko, pictured center, and the Makaha Sons, will be staged at 3 p.m. June 2 at the Hawaii Theatre.
The event is a benefit for the Alzheimer Assn. of Hawaii.
Participating island talent includes Robi Kahakalau, Kawika Kahiapo, Kimo & Kaimi Artis, Pomaika‘i and Malie, and Kamuela & Ka‘ihi Kimokeo.
“Croce Plays Croce,” at 8 p.m. May 16 at the Hawaii Theatre, features the musical legacy of the late Jim Croce.
His son, “A.J. Croce,” will share his dad’s musical hits, which includes “Time in a Bottle,” “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” and “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song.”
Ezekiel Kekuna, the Kaneohe lad performing the role of Young Simba in Disney’s “The Lion King,” Broadway in Disney’s hit show, has been extended through Aug.18.
His original closing performance was to be on June 2, but he was offered to continue his role at the Minskoff Theatre, and Zeke, pictured, decided to stay.
“We are very proud of Zeke and left the decision up to him to accept or decline the extension,” said Sarahlea Gamiao Kekuna, his mom who’s been very much a part of the Broadway experience.
The extension is not related to Zeke’s injury earlier this year when he was on sick leave to mend. But clearly, the lad was determined to return to the Pridelands undergoing rigorous PT and occasional rehearsals, to rejoin his acting ‘ohana in Broadway’s No. 1 hit, week after week.
A continuous flow of islanders has been flocking to the family favorite to catch Zeke in action. But he’s double-cast in the role, so it’s pertinent to know when Zeke’s in the show.
For early summer travelers, for instance, Zeke will be in costume, singing and dancing, on these June dates:
Wed, June 5 at 2 p.m.
Fri, June 7 at 8 p.m.
Sat, June 8 at 8 p.m.
Sun, June 9 at 3 p.m.
Martin to lead ‘Salesman’ cast
Dwight Martin, pictured, former executive director at Manoa Valley Theatre, is returning to the fold – to star as Willy Loman, in Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” playing May 23 through June 2.
The profound drama deals with a struggling salesman seeking the American Dream, but success and happiness evade him.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and at 3 p.m. Sundays, with an additional matinee at 3 p.m. June 1.
Al Waterson, a prolific veteran in Hawaii’s entertainment community, died from cancer Sunday night (April 21) at his Moili‘ili home, with his wife Nancy Bernal at his side. He was 77.
They have been partners and teammates in work and life for 46 years, Waterson as a versatile, beloved singer, recording artist, host, emcee, voice-over specialist and wedding officiant, appearing in such varied events Bernal was promoting, including fashion shows, circuses, and TV programs and commercials, collaborating with her role as a talent manager of such show biz personalities as jazz man Michael Paulo and Miami-based TV anchor Jordan Segundo.
Bernal called Waterson “the best husband in the world” and “the love of my life.” In preparing and releasing details for his obituary, Bernal said: “This is the most emotional press release that I have ever written and I never thought I would need to do this.”
Al Waterson, consummate entertainer, has died at age 77.
Waterson was born in Honolulu on Aug. 30, 1946 and launched his entertainment career in his early 20s here, initially as a vocalist and continued performing last year, till his cancer worsened. He lived in the Midwest for some of his teen years, but otherwise resided in Honolulu for his entire life. He served in the Marine Corps in 1966.
The couple met years ago at Opus 1, a nightclub at the Ilikai Hotel, where he was subbing for a vacationing Rene Paulo. “He was sitting at the bar, and my eye caught him, and I became a regular watching him perform,” said Bernal, who came to Hawaii from Chicago. They finally met and were together for 22 years before tying the knot, becoming lifetime friends and supporters of the Paulo family because of their significant role in their meeting.
Waterson performed nationally and internationally, bringing his voice and talent well beyond the reefs of the islands he loved. He was the featured singer for iconic band leaders like Del Courtney and Willie Barton at the icon Monarch Room of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and he was a card-carrying member of SAG-AFTRA, enabling him to land principal roles before the CBS cameras of “Hawaii Five-O,” the original with Jack Lord and the reboot with Alex McLaughlin, and other locally-filmed shows as “Magnum P.I.” and “North Shore.”
His hosting ledger included scores of pageants, galas, festivals, craft fair shows and corporate conventions, including the likes of the Hawaii Woman Expo, Honolulu City Lights tree-lighting and Christmas parade, and “The Celebrities and Their Pets Fashion Show.”
He loved pets, especially dogs, and for 20 years, owned a food service/food truck called “The Singing Chef Munch Wagon.’
A skilled handyman, Waterson also worked on renovation projects for homes and apartments in-between entertainment jobs.
He was also a passionate videographer and enjoyed filming restaurants, parades, and other events to create and edit for viewing on his YouTube channel.
Waterson’s and Bernal’s entrepreneurial ventures included their “Al Waterson and You” talent competition for singers at old Fisherman’s Wharf for 11 years and at Don Ho’s Island Grill for 10 years. They supported mentored, and managed aspiring artists.
A skilled handyman, Waterson also worked on renovation projects for homes and apartments in-between entertainment jobs.
He was also a passionate videographer and enjoyed filming restaurants, parades, and other events to create and edit for viewing on his YouTube channel.
Al Waterson and wife Nancy Bernal: Work and life partners.
The couple supported non-profit organizations by emceeing their events and Waterson was the sole emcee for The Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii Annual Gala for years. They were saluted for their charity work in 2019.
“Al always had a smile and a joke to share,” said Bernal. “It brought him so much joy to see people laugh at his jokes and enjoy life. His positivity was contagious.”
A new generation of theater spectators is being introduced to the spectacle of Japanese kabuki, a centuries-old tradition dating back to 17th century Japan that still enchants and educates.
To mark a milestone of 100 years of English translations of traditional kabuki productions at the University of Hawaii’s Kennedy Theatre, “The Maiden Benten and the Bandits of the White Waves” — also known as “Benten Kozō” —was staged this past weekend and will continue this coming weekend on the Manoa campus.
Young and old alike – newbies as well as seniors who recall the infrequent and astounding tradition from yesteryear – are flocking to experience Eastern theater you won’t see on Broadway. Go, see, listen, learn, and applaud the artisans who’ve mounted this rarity.
I was a student at UH, back in the ‘60s, when the late drama and theater professor, James Brandon, used to mount this precious jewel, in alternating stagings of Peking (Beijing) opera, directed by Elizabeth Wichman-Walczac. This practice and profound vision made Kennedy the hub of the Pacific for Japanese kabuki and Chinese opera. I covered several kakuki and Beijing operas during my 45-year tenure as entertainment editor and columnist at the Honolulu Advertiser.
“Benten Kozō” was composed by Kawatake Mokuami and translated and directed by Julie A. Iezzi (superb job, in a challenging mission). It takes a small army – a village, really – with masters from Japan coming to Hawaii to mentor and train actors so they learn all the trademark of kabuki. They spend months, often a full academic year, to teach and prep so the on-stage cast, as well as the backstage musicians, costume and wig designers, makeup specialist, and sundry other creators of sets, sound, and light designs.
Karese Kaw-uh, as Benten Kozō, is accused of shoplifting.
Clearly “Benten” has updated its storytelling to keep up with the times. The central character, Benten Kozō (Karese Kaw-uh, riveting and convincing, in whiteface makeup), is bound for the altar and is accused of shoplifting at the Hamamatsu-ya dry good shop, which she denies. The shop staff and owners get involved in throwing the books at her, and there are threats and denials in somewhat cordial Japanese tradition, with constant bowing and gentle friction.
Later, in another room of the store, Benten unloads a bomb, when the store staff asks her if she’s a guy. Spoiler alert: yes, she admits being a he, and proceeds to disrobe her kimono top to confirm her secret, but not to worry. She’s donned in a beige body suit, festooned with tattoos, so there’s no nudity, only implied. It’s clearly an LGBTQ moment, which today’s audience will recognize, but there’s no such actual reference here.
While traditional kabuki in Japan features all-male performers, the Kennedy endeavor does a few gender-bending casting to enable actors to assume roles and nurture the experience. Thus, the role of Nango Rikimaru, a male who is Benten’s assistant/companion, is played by IsabellaO’Keefe, clad in male kimono regalia, who does a suitable and credible performance. The nature of the kimono – not full-bodied – is a clue.
One of the powerful and fascinating roles is that of Nippon Daemon (Robert Morris III, whose body language and head-and-neck posings are memorable). He’s taller than most, and makes his role dominating and assertive.
The plot embraces masquerades enhanced by costuming, makeup, and movement. Lines in English are often spoken-sung, with background music of taiko and shamisen providing aural signals. One moment, in scene two plotted in another room of the dry goods store, there’s a clever back-and-forth comedy of a who’s daddy are you, where giddy revelations surface from sons who ID their fathers from earlier confusion.
There are elements of theater exclusive to kabuki:
The Joshikimasu, a tri-colored stage curtain manipulated by hand.
— The joshikimasu, a huge, eye-filling manipulated-by-hand stage curtain in wide stripes of persimmon orange, black and purple. The unseen stagehand pulls the curtain from right to left, to open, and from left to right to close.
The hanamichi is a functional exit-entrance walkway.
— The hanamichi, a ramp for stage entrances and exits, generally is situated from stage left to a side doorway in the auditorium. The space also features a scene or two, including a notable moment, close to the finale, where five actors, donned in vibrant purple kimono and carrying kasa (umbrellas), appear one by one, like contestants in a pageant.
— Kata and mie, stage movements of stylized poses and gestures to punctuate attitude. These actions include choreographic fighting moves (tate), actions during entrances (tanzen) and exits (roppo) commonly unleased on the hanamachi. The most notable kata is the mie, a declaration of attitude with firm head-and-neck lurches toward the audience.
The Hawker (Maggie Ivanova, adoringly funny) should be nicknamed Hustler since she sold show merchandise in the aisles to raise funds for the show. Folks flashed bills to buy something; queues snaked up the aisles. The fare included paper posters of the show, with cast images, for $1, and also a fabric version, for $20, before the opening curtain and during two pauses for scenic updates. She had to trek backstage several times to secure more product. In the final hawking mission, another actor added a new component: $5 for a selfie.
I recall, in a modified kabuki performance in Tokyo years ago, hawkers sold bento and snacks, because of the long durations of the shows.
Scenic design, with pink cherry blossom trees, is eye-filling
The scenes are pristine; the first two are inside the dry goods store (the second time in another room), with blonde IKEA-like shoji doors and shelves, but the finale is darling in pink – five trees festooned with cherry blossoms along the Inase River; you’d almost expect a Barbie appearance. Local set designers should check this out!
The dry goods shop looks like it has IKEA shelves and shoji doors.
The behind-the-curtain credits are uniformly astounding. Japan actor Ichikawa Monnosuke VIII, two of his apprentices, Ichikawa Takisho, and Ichikawa Utaki, joined the production team, in addition to Ichikawa Komazō XI – a fourth actor joining this April.
Born into one of the oldest acting lineages in kabuki theatre, Monnosuke is an eighth-generation actor in a familial line that traces its roots to kabuki in 1713.
Kabuki percussionist Kashiwa Senjirō conducted an intensive residency in February. Wig master Nagano Isamu and costumer Oguri Sachie also led workshops during the fall and spring semesters, advising students and faculty behind the scenes.
Honolulu-born shamisen musician and guest artist Kineya Sakio (Bryson Teruo Goda) and embraced UH kabuki percussion veterans Kenny Endo and Professor Kirstin Pauka, bring traditional sounds of kabuki to life. Twelve musicians backstage provide the atmospheric soundscape. After the Kennedy run, “Benten” will be in Japan, the birthplace of kabuki, at the Seiryu-za (Gifu City) on June 1, and the historic Aioi-za (Mino City) on June 2, 2024. The Gifu Prefectural Government and the Minō Kabuki Preservation Society invited this milestone in UH’s first-ever kabuki staging in Japan.
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‘The Maiden Benton and the Bandits of the White Waves’
What: A Japanese kabuki production composed b Kawatake Mokuami, with English translation by director Julie A. Julie A. Iezzi
Where: Kennedy Theatre, at the University of Hawaii
When: Opened April 19; repeats at 7:30 p.m. Friday (April 26), Saturday (April 27) and at 2 p.m. Sunday (April 28)
Tickets: $8 to $25, unreserved seating; $8 for UHM Student with current valid ID; $15 for non-UHM student/youth; $22 for UH faculty/staff, military, seniors; $25 for other adults; available at manoa.hawaii.edu/liveonstage/benten or ktbox@hawaii.edu or at (808) 956-7655
The Honolulu Jazz Quartet, led by bassist John Kolivas, will celebrate 100 Years of Jazz at 7 p.m. June 4 at the Blue Note Hawaii club at the Outrigger Waikiki resort.
The HJQ, who won a Na Hoku Hanohano Award in 2023, also includes Noel Okimoto on drums, Tim Tsukiyama on saxophones, and Dan Del Negro on piano.
Special guests in the salute to jazz’s 100th birthday will include DeShannon Higa on trumpet, Jeannette Trevias on vocals, Kainalu Kolivas on vocals and guitar, and Robert Pennybacker on vocals and narration. Kainalu is John Kolivas’ son and Pennybacker is Kolivas’ brother.
The HJQ, from left: Okimoto, Tsukiyama, Kolivas and Del Negro.
Jazz, considered the only truly original art form, dates back to 1924, becoming a popular genre of music in such cities as New Orleans, Kansas City, Chicago, and New York, according to Wikipedia.
During the same year, George Gershwin penned “Rhapsody in Blue,” a milestone of the 20th century, elevating jazz to new heights and acclaim, with a growing coterie of jazzdom giants such as Duke Ellington and Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong launching careers with recordings of jazz.
Fletcher Henderson’s Big Band in New York City also established his jazz style that would influence others adopting the “new” music.
Fast forwarding 100 years, The Honolulu Jazz Quartet is approaching its quarter century of jazz performances, putting its own mixed plate mojo on jazz, embracing ragtime of the 1920s, swing of the 1930s, to be-bop of the 1940s, the “cool” phase in the 1950s, the funk of the 1960s, the fusion jazz of the 1970s and beyond, creating ever-changing motifs with a jazz foundation.
Kolivas formed HJQ at the urging of his mother, Dolly; its shelf-life longevity can be credited to the democracy within the ranks – there’s no “name” front man in the delivery of the music, with equal-time solo moments common for the members.
The concert will share this format, with a kaleidoscopic glimpse of jazz and jazzmen.
Doors open at 5 p.m. prior to the 7 p.m. show. Drink and food service will be available.
Tickets: $25 to $35 (first-come, first served), at www.bluenotehawaii.com or (808) 777-4890.
Emme’s final moments
A two-day farewell, to bid aloha to the late Emme Tomimbang Burns, will be held downtown at the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, at 1184 Bishop St., where a Catholic mass will be held from 10:30 a.m. April 26. Inurnment will follow at 2 p.m. April 26, at the National Memorial of the Peace at Punchbowl.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. April 27, at the Fil-Com Community Center, at 94-428 Mokuola St., in Waipahu. The event will remember Emme’s extensive accomplishments as a media mogul of Filipino ancestry for nearly 50 years, who made her mark as a radio and television personality, host and producer.
She was a proud graduate of Farrington High School, who died last Feb. 19 at age 76. She was the widow of Judge James S. Burns.
As announced in a sizeable obituary in The Honolulu Star-Advertiser this past Sunday, her family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made instead to scholarship programs Emme and her husband supported. Checks can also be sent to the Hawaii Community Foundation and mailed to 827 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu HI 96813-4317, attn. Kevin Rapp…
Broadway grosses, for week ending April 14
The Lion still is King on Broadway, the lone $2 million achiever.
Yep, Disney’s “The Lion King” again heads the weekly grosses, followed by perennial top three colleagues “Hamilton” and “Wicked.”
The Top 10:
1 – “The Lion King,” $2,050 million.
2—”Hamilton,” $1,972 million.
3—”Wicked,” $1,957 million.
4—”Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club,” $1,731 million.”
5—”MJ the Musical,” $1,473 million.
6—”Merrily We Roll Along,” $1,465 million.
7—”Aladdin,” $1,395 million,
8—”Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” $1,388 million.
9—”Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” $1,331 million.
