Month: August 2024

It’s a party ’neath the stars.

With a jamfest of jazz, featuring some of Hawaii’s best.

And this year, it’s a milestone 60^th anniversary for the host school, LaPietra’s Hawaii School for Girls.

So “Sunset Jazz: A Note to the ’60s,” set for Sept. 17 on the lawn of the school campus in the shadows of Diamond Head, will be a festive way to commemorate La Pietra’s birthday.

Doors open at 5 p.m., and music begins at 5:30 p.m.

Sunset Jazz was founded 24 years ago by jazz singer Shari Lynn, who was La Pietra’s director of music, before she retired a few years ago. She was in the first jazz show on campus, and once again will be among the troupers in this year’s production. And while jazz is the core music genre, the event will embrace Broadway favorites, salsa and big-band sounds.

The slate of troupers includes Eddie Ortiz and Son Caribe featuring Cynthia Romero, Hot Club of Hulaville, Kip Wilborn, and the Mike Lewis Big Band.

“In 1999, Sunset Jazz was created to bring live music and performance to the students at La Pietra,” said Shari. “We hoped they would enjoy and be inspired by the experience. We had no idea that it would become a favorite community event, selling out year after year,” she said.

Tickets: $75 each, which includes wine and dessert. Those attending may opt to bring their own picnic suppers, and purchase a basket for two for $125, available on site.

Details: lapietra.edu/SunsetJazz …

Michael Paulo’s ‘Smooth Jazz Nights’

Home-grown jazz star Michael Paulo will stage “Smooth Jazz Nights,” at 8 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Hibiscus Ballroom of the Ala Moana Hotel.

The concert will have a sentimental undercurrent; it will remember the late Al Waterson, a regular emcee of Paulo’s jazz endeavors here. Waterson, a popular host, singer, actor and entertainer, died April 21.

Apaulo Productions, saxophonist Paulo’s company, will also showcase Mindi Abair, saxophonist, and Peter White, guitarist, along with Paulo’s All-Star Band comprising Arthur Thompson, a drummer from Los Angeles, along with Hawaii musicians Michael Grande on keyboards, Zanuck Lindsey on guitar and Bruce Hamada on bass.

The event also will mark the release of Paulo’s new album, “Here Is Happiness,” titled after his late dad Rene Paulo’s hit from the past. The recording will be available at the concert.  

Tickets: $75 for reserved table seating, $65 for general admission, available at tix.com or (951) 696-0184 …

 ‘Newsies’ closes on a high

I took in the final performance of I’m a Bright Kid Foundation’s hit show, “Newsies,” this past Sunday (Aug. 25) at Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College.

I had seen, and reviewed, the opening night show (Aug. 9) and knew I had to return for the finale. Yeah, worth seeing it again!

Over 10 performances, the kids and adults – 35 of ‘em, but notably the kids — had become so ingrained in their roles that you could sense  and see the pride and joy in their faces. Mission accomplished.

Happily, IAMB executive director Ligaya Stice and the show’s director, Mary Chesnut Hicks, could sit and fully watch the show for the first time. Surely, it’s way different to see it from the backstage wings of the theater.

I sat next to Hicks, who was all smiles and was a generous hand-clapper especially when the newsies were soaring and leaping and dancing. You could sense the energy. “They’ve become one family, sharing their love of theater,” she said at intermission. Indeed, the mentor was joyous and both happy and sad – happy that the journey was incredible, sad because soon it would be over.

Also a happy camper, er, clapper: Auntie Mo (widow of Ron Bright), who has seen all performances. It’s a tradition, from way back. Besides, her son Clarke Bright, maestro for the orchestra, and grandkidS Caity Bright and Drew Bright were onstage newsies, and Christopher Bright on drums in the ork.

At the final curtain, everyone in the cast had lei. Hicks named all the backstage crew to come out for a bow, and a lei, if they didn’t have one; Clarke Bright, musical director, asked all his musicians to leave the pit and take an onstage bow. I’ve not seen such outpouring of goodwill and aloha. Do other theater groups do something similar on closing night?

Noticeable in the curtain bows: Genesis Kaeo, who played Jack Kelly, the lead newsie, tried to hold back tears, but it flowed – a natural response, again of happiness and sadness. Note: his singing voice had become so powerful and his delivery with co-star Seanlei Nishimura (Katherine) was impeccable.

Maybe it was not a surprise, but the houses have been filled with youngsters (with parents, of course), perhaps eager to see school chums on stage, or simply moms and dads felt the message of “Newsies” – stand up for what you believe, don’t be bullied by others, fight for what’s right – is a lesson worth experiencing together.

So: This was the right show at the right time. IABK had been saddled – like the rest of the world —  by the devastating pandemic affecting everyone several years ago; and it was unable to produce a legit show till this season. Patience paid off…

And that’s Show Biz…

Bruno Mars has produced a lively, catchy ad — with the flavor and finesse of a music video — for Don Quijote, the Japanese retailer with everything from fun souvenirs, groceries, and – in Japan only, not here – a range of Kit Kat candy flavors you can purchase nowhere else.

So Mr. Uptown Funk is being hyped as the Kawaii King, for creating, and performing in, his flashy new bop.

Mars clearly did the jingle at the Mega Donki branch, in Shibuya, dancing and prancing up and down the aisles, laden with rows of merchandise.

Donki, as Don Quijote is widely known (shorthand for the store’s name), is one of my favorite go-to places in Japan, whenever I visit, with a major pause in the Kit Kat aisle.

The music video – already drawing a million-plus views – clearly depicts joy and delight, as Mars sings the lyrics, “Donki iku yo” (meaning “I’m going to Donki”) – with a contagious tempo. It’s quite logical that the jingle will be viewable for quite a spell, at the Shibuya Donki, and should emerge as a landmark attraction for fans and shoppers alike.

The Donki mascot, Donpen, romps alongside Mars, and in case you didn’t know, he’s an identifiable blue penguin wearing a red Santa cap. Not seen here, however, is Donpen’s pink female equivalent, Donko.

View the video at httpsn://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpaMpp17w-g …

Jazz Quartert at new waterfront lounge

John Kolivas brings his Honolulu Jazz Quartet to a new Hawaii Kai venue, The Lounge at Island Sound Studios, on the waterfront in Hawaii Kai, on Sept. 7.

The Lounge is located to the right of Longs, nestled within the recording studio, and a stone’s throw away from the Hawaii Kai Marina. The space can accommodate 50. Further, a smaller upstairs space, the Velvet Monkey, a Speakeasy, can accommodate 25.

The HJQ recorded its second album, “Tenacity,” at Island Sound.

Its concert, themed “Modern Storytelling in Jazz,” will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m., preceded at 6 p.m. by Lovejack, the opening act, who’s a cellist formerly with Streetlight Cadence.

“When people hear instrumental music, they often wonder what is the story or inspiration behind the tunes,” said Kolivas. “We are happy to share some tidbits from our original compositions and arrangements of fun cover tunes.”

The studio was purchased two years ago by brothers Kyle and Bryan Spicer, and have reimagined the site as a special boutique performance space. On event nights, Chef Karol provides a gourmet menu and signature drinks…

 ‘Lovey Lee’ at Kumu Kahua

Moses Good’s “Lovey Lee,” a drama about a young queer Hawaiian in the 1970s, is now in production at Kumu Kahua Theatre.

The play is about a pioneering youth trying to find his place in life, amid Hawaii’s changing cultural renaissance.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, now through Sept. 21, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, now though Sept. 22.

Subscription admission prices are not affected but Kumu Kahua has increased single ticket admissions, as follows: $28 for general admission, $23 for seniors and military, and $13 for students – Fridays through Sundays; Thursdays will continue to have special pricing of $23 for general admission, $18 for seniors and military, and $8 for students. Reservations:  (808) 536-4441…

And that’s Show Biz…

The Actors Group – TAG – is conducting its own awards list from performances in its now completed 2023-24 season.

Deliberately, the entire slate is wholly TAG-inclusive, with results to be unveiled this weekend.

The only community theater competition – the Hawaii State Theatre Council’s  Po‘okela Awards – was terminated several years ago, so TAG is honoring its own in a ceremony at 4 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 25) at the Brad Powell Theatre at Dole Cannery. Light refreshments will be served.

The nominees were chosen by select adjudicators, so there was no formal voting. Since nominees appear in multiple categories, it’s quite certain that everyone goes home with an accolade or two or three.

The categories and nominees are:

• Outstanding Achievement – Actor: Eric Nemoto, “Building Permit;” Dann Seki, “Building Permit;” Michael Donato, “Mynx & Savage;” Maseeh Ganjali, “Mynx & Savage;”Justin Strain, “Perfect Arrangement;” Jeffrey Souza, “Jake: The Yellow Bench.”
• Outstanding Achievement – Actress: Romyn Sabatchi, “Mynx & Savage;” Juvy Lucina, “Mynx & Savage;” Shervelle Bergholz , “Letters from Zora;” Shannon Patalano, “Perfect Arrangement;” Logan Tegler , “Perfect Arrangement;” Carolyn Corley, “Perfect Arrangement;” Mary Ann Shirley Gray, “Jake: The Yellow Bench.”Logan Tegler,  “Olive’s Lover.”
• Outstanding Achievement – Supporting Actor: Charles Timtim, “Building Permit;” Eric Mita, “Building Permit;” Allan Okubo, “Building Permit;” Keith Ordonez, “Perfect Arrangement;” John Knox, “Perfect Arrangement;” Michael Linnet, “Jake: The Yellow Bench;” ChrisWindnagle;“Jake: The Yellow Bench;” Allan Okubo, “Olive’s Lover.”
• Outstanding Achievement – Supporting Actress: Virginia Jones, “Building Permit;” Marty Wong, “Building Permit;” Lyana Atsumi, “Building Permit;” Cathy Roberts, “Building Permit.;” Ana Jiminez, “Perfect Arrangement;” Nerrie Navarro, “Olive’s Love.;” Lore Vines, “Olive’s Lover.”

Outstanding Achievement – Director: Eric Nemoto, “Building Permit.”      Betty Burdick, “Mynx & Savage.”      Shervelle Bergholz, “Letters from Zora.”      Bro Gary Morris,  “Perfect Arrangement.”      Betty Burdick, “Jake: The Yellow Bench.”      Peggy Anne Siegmund, “Olive’s Lover.” Outstanding Achievement – Stage Manager: Christine Tsuzaki, “Building Permit.”       Cindy Meiers, “Mynx & Savage.”       Mary Ann Shirley Gray, “Letters from  Zora:” Liz Kane and Daisy Kim Murakami, “Perfect Arrangement:.” Jackson Murphy, “Jake: The Yellow Bench:” Kati Wolfsen and Mary Ann Shirley Gray, “Olive’s Lover.” Outstanding Achievement – Set Design: Eric Nemoto and Pedro, “Building Permit;”  Betty Burdick and Andy Alvarado,  “Mynx & Savage:”  Kati Wolfsen and Laurie Tanoura, “Letters from Zora:”  Bro. Gary Morris, Pedro and Laurie Tanoura, “Perfect Arrangement:”  Betty Burdick, “Jake: The Yellow Bench:” Brad Powell, “Olive’s Lover.” Outstanding Achievement – Costume Design: Kula Pang, “Mynx & Savage;”  Chris Valles, “Perfect Arrangement;”  Chris Valles, “Jake: The Yellow Bench;”  Peggy Krock, “Olive’s Lover.” Outstanding Achievement – Light Design: Eric Nemoto and Charles Wade, “Building Permit;” Betty Burdick and Charles Wade, “Mynx & Savage;”   Bro. Gary Morris and Charles Wade, “Perfect Arrangement;”  Charles Wade, “Jake: The Yellow Benc.;” David Hunt, “ “Olive’s Lover.” Outstanding Achievement – Sound Design: Eric Nemoto and Charles Wade, “Building Permit;”  Betty Burdick and Charles Wade, “Mynx & Savage;”   Bro. Gary Morris and Charles Wade, “Perfect Arrangement;”  Betty Burdick and Team Valasek, “Jake: The Yellow Bench;”  David Hunt and Charles Wade, “Olive’s Lover.” Overall Play: “Building Permit,”   “Mynx & Savage,” “Letters from Zora,” “Perfect Arrangement,”  “Jake: The Yellow Bench,”   “Olive’s Lover.” …

Some ‘Newsies’ tickets remain

If you’re interested in securing tickets to the mostly sold-out I’m a Bright Kid Foundation’s box office hit, “Newsies,” check available pronto.

Some seats remain for the 7:30 p.m. performance today (Aug. 22), tomorrow (Aug. 23) and Saturday (Aug. 24). The closing show, at 4 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 25), is sold out.

To see if seats remain, visit  https://cur8.com/24380/project/85292 or www.imabrightkid.org/tickets …

‘The Wiz’ posts $1.9 million in its finale

“The Lion King” is the lone Broadway musical reaping weekly grosses of more than $2 million this week.

The big surprise: “The Wiz,” which closed its run on Aug. 18, posted a rousing $1.9 million, on its last appearance on the weekly grosses monitored by the Broadway League, good for No. 3 on the weekly rundown.

The Top 10:

1—”The Lion King,” $2.107 million

2—”Wicked,” $1.981 million

 3—”The Wiz,” $1.945 million

4—”Hamilton,” $1.778 million

5—”Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club,” $1.520 million

6—”The Outsiders,” $1.452 million

7—”Hell’s Kitchen,” $1.428 million

8—”Aladdin,” $1.355 million

9—”MJ the Musical,” $1.307 million

10—”Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” $1.220 million

The complete list:

And that’s Show Biz…

The complete list:

Quinn Kelsey, veteran Hawaiian baritone and international opera star, will originate the role of Timoteo Ha‘alilio, in “The Sheltering Tree,” a groundbreaking endeavor in Hawaii Opera Theatre’s history-making Hawaiian opera debuting in the 2025-2026 season.

Kelsey, 48, is a Metropolitan Opera luminary especially noted for his performances in operas by Verdi.

“The Sheltering Tree” will embrace Hawaiian language, chants and hula, in a commissioned opera about Haʻalilio, Royal Secretary and close friend to King Kamehameha III, detailing his mission from 1842-45 to secure international recognition of Hawai‘i as a sovereign nation. Despite immense challenges, Haʻalilio’s efforts brought the Kingdom of Hawai‘i to global attention, and the opera celebrates his lasting legacy.

“The Sheltering Tree” will be staged at the Blaisdell Concert Hall now undergoing renovations. The opera is anticipated to be a significant cultural and historical milestone in the annals of Hawai‘i’s operatic history, and Kelsey in the leading role won’t go unnoticed in the operatic community nationally and internationally.

 “The Sheltering Tree” explores universal themes of cultural pride, identity, and sacrifice, set against the colorful backdrop of mid-19th century Hawai‘i. The fact that it combines island language and culture, with the European operatic tradition, makes it a true hybrid of the highest order.

The creative team includes composer Herb Mahelona, librettist Victoria Nālani Kneubuhl, and director and kumu hula Patrick Makuakāne.

The piece, delivering Hawaii-centric mele and hula, narrates the intertwined tales of two significant historic events: the restoration of the Hawaiian Kingdom following a six-month British takeover and the securing of treaties from America, Great Britain, Belgium, and France, recognizing Hawai‘i as an independent nation.

The production also will explore universal themes of cultural pride, identity, and sacrifice, set against the colorful backdrop of mid-19th century Hawai‘i..

These events, celebrated today as Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea and Lā Kūʻokoʻa, are poignantly told through the story of Timoteo Haʻalilio, a diplomat and unsung hero who dedicated his life to his country, alongside King Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli, and missionary and advisor William Richards.

A workshop reading of “The Sheltering Tree” is scheduled in Honolulu in August, featuring a week of rehearsals culminating in a full musical run-through for key HOT staff and the creative team. This critical phase will refine the opera’s dramatic flow and vocal writing, ensuring a powerful final production.

Also, a panel discussion featuring the creative team will be presented to board members and community leaders.

This historic production will illuminate pivotal events from the 1840s in Hawaiian history, bringing to life the vibrant story of Hawai’i’s struggle for independence and how a Hawaiian hero sacrificed everything for his love of king and country…

HOT ’24-‘25: TRIO OF SHOWS

The Hawaii Opera Theatre has announced its 2024-25 season, comprising three productions in two venues.

The schedule:

• “Stuck Elevator,” Oct. 18 and 20, at Blaisdell Arena. Based on a true story, performed in English, Chinese and Spanish, with English supertitles.

Plot: A Chinese food deliveryman, struggling for freedom from debt, human strugglers, loud-mouth co-workers, and the temptations of General Tso, is stuck in a Bronx elevator for 81 hours. A drama on the science escape, amid realities of immigration, labor, familial obligations of an undocumented immigrant and an indentured slave in 21^st century America

•  “The Riot Grrrl on Mars,” Feb. 21 and 23 2025, at Blaisdell Concert Hall. An English adaptation of ”Italian Girl in Algiers,” performed in English with English supertitles.

Plot: A space opera about a Punk Rocker chick, crash-landing on Mars.

The King of Mars —  watching American television broadcasts for some time – is fascinated with all things human and searches for a new Earthling queen and captures Mosquito and the Riot Grrrl attempting to rescue her beloved. An exploration of Martian lore the red planet is part of the journey.

• “Carmen: A Staged Concert,” April 11 and 13 2025, at Blaisdell Concert Hall. Performed in French, with English supertitles.

Plot: Bizet’s smoldering tale of seduction, about Carmen and her suitor Don Jose, features some of opera’s most beloved memories. Carmen, a fiery gypsy, abandons Jose for a charismatic bullfighter, triggering a murderous obsession with Jose.

Presented as a staged concert, with the orchestra on the mainstage, fully visible to the audience and part of the landscape of the piece. Performers will be in full costumes, revived from HOT’s 2017 production, so you can experience the depth of each character, minus a set…

And that’s Show Biz…

Two superstars of music – Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga – have collaborated on a new single, “Die With a Smile,” just released last night.

He, of course, is a native son of Hawaii, known for beaucoup chartbusters including “Uptown Funk.” She is not just a queen of song, but a diva on the big screen, notably for her “A Star Is Born” with Bradley Cooper.

The duo describe their new song as “a timeless ballad.” It’s the first new music from either crooner since 2021 and 2022, respectively. It’s No.2 among new trending music (watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPa7bsKwL-c ).

It’s likely to be No. 1 layer today.

 Gaga and Mars have amassed a remarkable 300 million recording globally, with a combined 13 singles that have reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

Gaga will likely be a big screen sensation again, with her co-starring role alongside Joaquin Phoenix, who is returning to his Oscar-winning Joker role in a sequel, “Joker: Folie à Deux.”

Mars has been on a global tour, but has had to skip shows in dangerous hotbed cities. However, as a staple of the Las Vegas Strip, he continues to expand on his residency at the Park MGM,  where he will ring in the New Year with six new shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM on Dec. 18, 20, 21, 27, 20 and 31, the latter performance a New Year’s Eve spectacle with all the bells and whistles. Tickets go on sale Friday (Aug. 16) at https://mgm/parkmgm.com/qq0gogow2n …

Remembering Don Ho

The incomparable Don Ho, who would be 94 if still alive, will be honored in a belated birthday salute today (Aug.16) at the International Market Place.

Ho, who was born on Aug. 13, died April 14 2007 at age 76.

He’s easily Hawaii’s best known entertainer, thanks to such hit songs as “I’ll Remember You,” “Tiny Bubbles,” “Lahainaluna,” “One Paddle, Two Paddle,”  “Pearly Shells” and “Suck ‘em Up,” and appearances at such Waikiki venues as Duke Kahanamoku’s, the Polynesian Palace, the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and the showroom at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel.

A lei-draping ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. at Ho’s statue at the Market Place, with his widow, Haumea Ho, and members of Ho’s family also expected to be on hand. A tribute show at 6 p.m., led by Henry Kapono, will follow.

There is no admission fee…

And that’s Show Biz…