‘MOANA’ SAILS INTO FARRINGTON

“Moana Jr.,” a Disney’s musical about a seafaring young girl with big dreams, opens Friday (Feb. 28) at the Joseph Rider Farrington Community Auditorium in Kalihi.

The musical, about a young girl named Moana from the mythical Motonui village somewhere in the Pacific, has a wide following, thanks to two animated cartoon features.

Moana hopes to hop in a canoe and explore her heritage. And how far she’ll go is the thrust of “Moana Jr.,” a 60-minute live-action stage based on the original “Moana” animated Disney cartoon.

The “Jr.” in the title alludes to the fact that the show, with a high school student cast, involves an abbreviated script, aimed at students in drama, and has 60-minute running time.

But the spirit and aspirations of Moana are not reduced in the retelling of her dream, to discover her heritage.

“Moana” also has had a sequel film, “Moana 2,” released last year in the theaters, and a movie has been shooting in Hawaii, as a live-action film. Further, the Moana legacy is also being developed into what likely will be expanded into a Broadway stage musical, following the Disney tradition of such hits as “The Lion King,” “Beauty of the Beast,” and “Aladdin.”

The ”Moana Jr.” cast:

Heavenlee Botelho-Sarcedo, as Moana.
Dicen Kaahu-Akina, as Maui.
Saphira Cabacongan-Aana, as Gramma Tala.
Anselm Fautanu, Chief Tui.
Natalie Kovach, as Sina.
Marky Rafael, as Hei Hei.
Julian Sanchez, as Pua.
Jo Salazar, as Tamatoa.
Axle Munoz, as Chief Ancestor.
Kiana Ulep-Lambot, as Young Moana.

The ensemble: Chellcee Acosta, Prince Adena, Alexia Afable, Joel Alonzo, Jacy Brown, Joel Cabrales Jr., Wayne Cadoy, Karefullyn Jack, Leihua Kuhaulua, Kalani Milne, Kyle Rieta, Quincy Sablan, Jemima Titania, Kamakea Wright, Barbara Yano, Rain Young

Kirstyn Trombetta is director, Aubrey Lee Staley is choreographer and Justin Gardem is musical director.

The coming-of-age show explores the riches of Oceania history and taps characters, traditions, and beliefs reflecting the cultures of the South Seas and inserts the dynamics of the aspirations of a heroine.

“Moana” has strong ties with the islands, since Auli‘i Cravalho, then a Kamehameha Schools student, was cast to provide the voice of the titular character in the landmark original feature. She delivered the film’s key tune “How Far I’ll Go,” which quickly became a staple on radio playlists.

“Moana Jr.” features the music of Lin-Manuel Miranda, best known as the creator of “Hamilton” and its score. Miranda, a Tony, Grammy, Emmy and Pulitzer Prize-winning tunesmith, collaborated with Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa‘i to create a tapestry of original music for this fantasy about hopes, dreams, bravery and selflessness in the spirit of the proverbial “Disney princess.”

And a footnote: Miguel Cadoy III, an Academy Director at Farrington and a prolific actor in the community, has been on a leave of absence to prep a mainstage “Moana” production aboard Disney Cruise Line’s new Disney Treasure ship.

His skills as a versatile performing artist and musician have been a plus at sea; the show is likely to evolve as a full-fledged Broadway attraction, timetable not certain…

And that’s Show Biz…

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‘Moana Jr.’

A Disney stage musical, based on a South Seas heroine

What: A tale about Moana, a girl with big dreams, and her aspiration to become a voyager and sail the waters of the Pacific in search of her heritage

Where: Joseph Rider Farrington Community Auditorium, at Farrington High School.

When: Opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Feb. 28); repeats at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (March 1) and 2 p.m. Sunday (March 2) and again March 7, 8 and 9.

Tickets: $10, adults 18 and older; $5 students 5 through 17; $3, Farrington students (tickets at box office, with student ID); free, keiki on laps

Reservations: https://cur8.com/projects/15389

February 25, 2025February 25, 2025

‘RENT’ IS DUE AT KENNEDY THEATRE

“Rent,” the storied Jonathan Larson rock opera set in New York’s East Village and based on Puccini’s “La Boheme,” checks in on Friday (Feb. 28) at Kennedy Theatre at the University of Hawaii.

It’s a compelling exploration of crises and coping–talented young artists facing escalating cost of living, homelessness, displacement, mental health issues, and substance abuse. In short, it’s a journey of self-discovery in the middle of the threat of AIDS in the late 1980s and ‘90s.

“Rent” has been applauded for its ensemble traits, as depicted in the musical’s charismatic anthem, “Seasons of Love.”

Expect timeless themes of love, loss, and friendship. “Rent” has been a Tony Award-winning show on Broadway and recipient of a Pulitzer Prize and also been transferred to the movie screen with its brand of contagious vigor of Bohemian artists struggling to survive the ills of AIDS. The health issues then have parallels to the current challenges of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2019 continues to change the world, culturally and economically.

The Kennedy cast features, in order of appearance:

Ikaika Mendez, as Roger Davis.
Jack Romans, as Mark Cohen.
Ka‘enaaloha Watson, as Mimi Marquez.
Casey Kekoa Lauti, as Angel Dumott Schunard.
Dea So‘oalom, as Benjamin “Benny” Coffin III.
Keanu Roe, as Tom Collins.
Ainsley Shearer, as Maureen Johnson.
Daniella Addeo-Corte, as Joanne Jefferson.

The ensemble: Nadia Gene Amian, Rori Ann Barchers, Edward John, Kainoa Bonsell, Laniakea Chun-Rivas, Pono Cummings, Dylan DeAsis, Vanessa Gould, Sara Imata, Kylie Kwak, Casey Kekoa Lauti, Bryce Linsangan, Jessy Marny Pascua, Breanna “Kaponianani” Purdy, Tyler Shimabukuro, Evie Sweet, Hollee Temple, Anneliese Wirsching

“Rent” was the dream project of the inspired Larson, a playwright, composer and lyricist, and it previewed and opened at the New York Theatre Workshop on Jan. 26, 1996, a day before the show’s formal opening night – timed to the 100^th anniversary of Puccini’s opera. Its formal Broadway debut, at the Nederlander Theatre, was on April 29, 1996, so Larson never saw his beloved show, which embraced social and cultural issues, along with substance abuse, and homophobia.

“Rent” has Hawaii ties; one of the show’s award-winning producers is Kevin McCollum, formerly of Honolulu, who continues to be a prolific Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, whose credits include “Avenue Q,” “In the Heights,” “Something Rotten,” “The Drowsy Chaperone.” His current Broadway titles include “Oh, Mary!” and “Six.”

Joshua “Baba” Tavares, an assistant professor of acting, is director of the production. He portrayed Angel in the 20^th anniversary national tour of “Rent” (circa 2019-2020), so the show is close to his heart. That touring company had a run at Blaisdell Concert Hall, and included the former Big Islander now teaching at the UH’s Department of Theatre and Dance.

So, Baba’s memories are vivid and lasting. Of “Rent,” he said: “It’s about love, relationships, healing, passion, and figuring out who we are – things that never stop being relevant or important. It’s uplifting, heartbreaking, and hopeful. It’s also a great show for students to learn and grow from”…

And that’s Show Biz…

‘Rent’

A musical by Jonathan Larson, playwright, composer, and lyricist

What: A rock-opera, based on the Puccini opera, “La Boheme,” which explores life and challenges of Bohemian youths, in New York City at the time of the height of the AIDS crisis

When: Opening at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Feb. 28); repeats at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (March 1) and again at 7:30 p.m. March 7 and 8, and at 2 p.m. March 9; pre-show chats at 6:45 p.m. prior to Saturday shows

Tickets: $25, adults; $22, UH faculty and staff, military and seniors; $10, other discount groups; $15, non-UH Manoa students, youths; $8, UHM student with valid ID

Special ‘Throwback Saturday performance, March 1; $15, adults; $10, discount groups; $5, UHM students

Reservations: https://hawaiiathletics.evenue.net/events/KT2

February 24, 2025February 24, 2025

A CAZIMERO BENEFIT, A LIFE EXHIBIT

Robert Cazimero’s 76^th birthday on March 20 will become part of a celebratory birthday week-long event … and a fundraiser for his Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehua.

His special performances will be from March 19 to 23 at Chef Chai’s on Kapiolani Boulevard, with the usual mix of Hawaiian music, hula and fine dining.

**Robert Cazimero: An extended halau benefit at Chai’s, a life exhibit at WCC..**

Also in the works: an art exhibit at Gallery ‘Iolani, in the modest gallery next to Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College, which will salute and verify the kumu hula and entertainer’s life achievements and impact in local music and culture. As a recording artist, kumu hula, and nightlife entertainer in venues large and small, he has created – with his brother Roland, in The Brothers Cazimero –a personal and specific brand in island mele and hula. I’m told that there will be a piano on site, which possibly means if Cazimero’s present, he just might burst into a serenade. Watch for the gallery’s Caz viewing dates.

But back to the Chai’s event: Normally, Cazimero would stage a Full Moon Concert once a month, but for his birthday, once is not enough. Hence, the weeklong party. And yes, the champagne will be flowing.

Dinner service is at 5:30 p.m. Chef Chai Chaowasaree’s signature dishes are always featured, comprising an array of appetizers, sumptuous entrees, and savory desserts.

The show begins at 6:30 p.m. and tends to expand beyond the hour-long performance. Usually, Cazimero enlists Sky Perkins Gora and Bully Keola Makaiau to render specific hula. Typically, Cazimero marks his birthday throughout the month of March; since his calendar is chockful of b-day gatherings.

Because the Chai evenings will benefit Cazimero’s halau of singers-dancers, you can expect various gents appearing and joining kumu on the different nights. The fund-raiser will support, among other things, Na Kamalei’s participation in this year’s Merrie Monarch Festival from April 20 to 26 in Hilo.

Tickets: $159 a person, available at chefchai@outlook.com or (808) 585-0011…

And that’s Show Biz…

February 22, 2025February 22, 2025

SCORSESE MOB FILM TO SHOOT HERE

A not-yet-titled Martin Scorsese crime drama, expected to be a $200 million project set in Hawaii, has been involved in a bidding war, with Netflix poised to land the movie.

According to Deadline, high bidders apparently have included Amazon, Apple, Warner Bros. and another unnamed studio, but why not? Besides director Scorsese, the film’s cast boasts Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Blunt and Hawaii’s Dwayne Johnson. The story –set in Hawaii of the 1960s and ‘70s — is about a mob boss (Johnson) who battles rival competitors for control of the shady underworld of Hawaii crime.

As Deadline described it, “The thumbnail description: Imagine Robert De Niro’s Jimmy the gent from ‘Goodfellas,’ but as a ruthless Hawaiian crime boss, based on a real figure, who battled encroaching rivals for control of organized crime in Hawaii.”

**Martin Scorsese, director, with his mob film actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.**

Scorsese has enlisted Nick Bilton, a Vanity Fair journalist and documentary filmmaker, to write the screenplay. If based on truth, the crime boss has not yet been identified but it’s possible that the character may be fictionized.

The film is targeting a shooting date in 2026 – and if it’s a set-in-Hawaii film, it makes sense it would be shot here, wholly or partially – but timing will be a critical issue. DiCaprio is committed to do Damien Chazelle’s “Evel Knievel on Tour,” a Paramount biopic on the stuntman, this summer, as well as another Scorsese project, “Devil in the White City” for 20^th Century Studios.

The mobster to be portrayed by Johnson was formidable and powerful, who formulated the islands’ most notorious criminal empire, which launched warfare with mainland syndications, while fighting to preserve and fortify his ancestral cultural turf.

Alliances abound among the movers-and-shakers in the looming project. Scorsese and DiCaprio worked recently in their Best Picture nominee, “Killers of the Flower Moon” and earlier pics included “The Aviator,” “The Gangs of New York,” and the “Wolf of Wall Street.” Johnson and Blunt worked opposite each other in “Jungle Cruise” and will team up again in the forthcoming “Smashing Machine.”

The production team will include Scorsese, Johnson, Blunt, DiCaprio, Bilton, Dany Garcia, Lisa Frechette and Rick Yorn…

Season outlook

Manoa Valley Theatre has done the unthinkable; it’s announced — to season ticket subscribers for now — half the production titles in its 2025-26 season.

Three shows are being announced now, to season ticket holders, with the final three TBA when the full slate is unveiled, The teasers: one is a local-style comedy by Lee Cataluna, popular in earlier stagings at Kumu Kahua, but the first time at MVT. A major musical will make its Hawaii debut at Manoa, and the third entry is a satire that played on Broadway last year.

Over at Diamond Head Theatre, there’s no leak or pre-announcements of its 2025-26 slate. There will be an invitational unveiling, March 2, with snippets of the future shared in a brief announcement program….

And that’s Show Biz…

February 19, 2025February 19, 2025

WAHLBERG LANDS ‘BLUE’ SPINOFF

As Tom Selleck attempts to get a write-in movement to restore his cancelled CBS series, “Blue Bloods,” the network has announced instead a spinoff series dubbed “Boston Blue,” which will star Donnie Wahlberg.

“Boston Blue” has been given a straight-to-series order — in other words, minus a pilot — and will feature Wahlberg’s Danny Reagan character from the original “Blue Bloods” show fighting crime in a new territory.

Wahlberg was an instrumental figure in “Blue Bloods,” during its 14-season run, in which he partnered with Marisa Ramirez, who played Maria Baez. It’s probably uncertain but unlikely that this new procedural will reach out and throw out the net to other players from the original hit show to portray Reagan family characters in the new universe.

Sellelck has not yet commented on the new CBS venture — without him…

Something wicked this way comes?

It’s been announced that “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, who portrays the green-faced Elphaba in the hit film musical, will play Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar” this summer. Huh?

Erivo will headline a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Superstar,” at the Hollywood Bowl Aug. 1 to 3.

Certainly, this is uncommon casting. Makes you wonder who’ll play Mary Magdalene. “Superstar” has not yet announced other participating cast members.

Erivo is a versatile performer and a previous Emmy, Grammy and Tony award winner; she has been nominated three times for an Oscar, and again is a Best Actress contender this year, for playing Elphaba in “Wicked.”

“Superstar” marks the return of Broadway musicals at the Hollywood Bowl since the Covid pandemic.

Erivo, who enjoys being busy, also will host this year’s Tony Awards, set for 8 p.m. ET on June 8, broadcasted on CBS from the Radio City Music Hall in New York…

Broadway grosses, for the week ending Feb. 16

“Wicked” remains invincible, in the tally of Broadway grosses. It’s still grossing more than $2 million weekly, leading the pack of contenders,. In a switcheroo, “Hamilton” moved up to No. 2, sending “The Lion King” to No. 3.

Somewhat surprisingly, “Romeo + Juliet” came out of nowhere to wind up at No. 6, sending “Gypsy”to an elevator ride down to No. 7. “The Outsiders” is an insider in an upward move at No. 4, but “Hell’s Kitchen” is off the Top 10, certainly a hellish fate.

The Top 10:

1—”Wicked,” $2.626 million.

2—”Hamilton,” $1.921 million.

3—”The Lion King,” $1.892 million.

4—”The Outsiders,” $1.526 million

5—’All In: Comedy About Love,”

6–“Romeo + Juliet,” $1.477 million.

7—”Gypsy,” $1,476 million.

8—”MJ The Musical,” $1.351 million.

9—”The Great Gatsby,” $1.324 million.

10—”Death Becomes Her,” $1.304 million.

The complete list, courtesy the Broadway League:

And that’s Show Biz…