Robert Cazimero will be in Santa Claus mode, minus the red suit and white beard, this holiday season, making the rounds at two venues.
He has two separate shows – a pair of major performances, with his hula halau involved, at Leeward Community College this weekend (Saturday night and Sunday afternoon – Dec. 9 and 10) – plus five more intimate performances, when he’s at the piano at Chef Chai Dec. 13 to 17.
“‘Tis the season,” Cazimero said, in an email from Tokyo. “I can’t believe the Christmas concert is almost here. I’ve been working on it since July.”
He added, “I’m excited for it (the Leeward production) and nervous at the same time. What makes things solid for me is the fact that I am surrounded with great people. The crew at Leeward Community College, my cast of dancers, singers, and musicians, as well as good friends and family members never go unappreciated. It is my life, and I am loving it.”
The theater at the Leeward campus, has been a viable showcase for his singing from his keyboard and spacious enough for his singing/dancing Hālau Nā Kamalei o Līlīlehua.
“The concert will be full of wonderful things that most people would expect. Great singing, dancing, fun things, surprises, and opportunities to reflect on gratitude and wonder.”
The key to the annual Kalikimaka spectacle – besides kumu hula Cazimero—is the versatile ensemble of male dancers who can sing beside dance and also play drums.
Another watchable element is the array of costumes – ancient and contemporary Hawaiian as well as casual attire, dependent on the ‘olelo – and if you’re seated near the stage, a photo op for sure.
Because it’s the Christmas season, the concert will engage familiar carols.
Cazimero is keen on themes, so the first half is themed Green, the second half is White.
As for the Chef Chai shows, the format is casual and commonly unscripted. His gig here usually is one-nighter, themed Full Moon Concert, with two hula dancers. But because of demand, the booking was expanded to five nights.
It’s a dinner show, so plan to eat while watching.
“A Robert Cazimero Christmas”
What: A celebration of the holidays, featuring Hawaiian and holiday music and dance
When: At 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 2 p.m. Dec. 10
Where: Leeward Community College Theatre
Tickets: $30 to $55, available at the Leeward box office at (808) 455-0385 or online https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=leecc
“Full Moon Christmas Concert” “
What: a casual show with Robert Cazimero at the keyboard.
When: Dec. 13 through 17, with dinner from 5:30 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Chef Chai
Tickets: $99, includes a hearty meal, at cheffai.com/chai-reservations/ or (808) 585-0011
Meanwhile, on Broadway, the ‘Lion’ roars
Looks like “The Lion King” will be king of the Broadway jungle, as it continues to occupy No. 1 on the weekly gross compilation, courtesy The Broadway League.
The top 10 grossing shows:
1—”The Lion King,” $2,399 million.
2—”Wicked,” $2,109 million.
3—“Hamilton,” $1,972 million.
4—”Merrily We Roll Along,” $1,833 million.”
5—“MJ The Musical,” $1,643 million.”
6—”Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,”
7—”Aladdin,” $1,499 million.
8—”Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” $1,402million.
10—“Back To The Future: The Musical,” $1,191 million.
The complete run-down:
And that’s Show Biz…