Something old is new again.
Several generations ago, the Kodak Hula Show was a must-see, must-do freebie attraction for tourists at the amphitheater adjoining the Waikiki Shell. The sponsor for 65 years (from 1937 to 2002) was Kodak, the film- and camera-making company, which logically presented a mid-day hula attraction for visitors to catch a “Kodak” moment.
Remember, back then, when everyone eager to shoot photos needed a camera, plus film, making Kodak a logical player in this endeavor. When Kodak shut down, so did the hula show.
But nowadays, few tote a camera when taking pictures; an iPhone has become the camera of choice. And a new edition of the milestone hula show is expected to attract a new generation of fans, beginning Feb. 15, at the same amphitheater of the renamed Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell, staged by the non-profit Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement., in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu.
Hooray, history is repeating itself, and for the better. The show will be staged from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays, with veteran announcer Kimo Kahoano as host. He was the emcee of the original show in its later years.
Producers are CNHA and Roy Tokujo of Hawai‘i Entertainment Productions; Kipe Ebana will co-direct with Nā Kumu Hula and Merrie Monarch winners Tracie and Keawe Lopes.
The show will embrace traditional and new mele that honor Waikīkī, featuring hula dancers from six award-winning hālau from across the state. And the historic cut-out letters will be returning, too, an update of the photo-moments of yesteryear.
Surely, there will be some fresh faces and newbies amid the cast. Perhaps a couple of recognizable tutu and kupuna types would embellish the roster and find appeal for the visitors. One name that ought to be considered, who brings a lot of personality, vocal dynamics and even humor to the plate, is Karen Keawehawai‘i. Just an opinion, from this corner. …
A touch of Hawaiiana at the Grammys
Island performers Kawika Kahiapo and Bobby Moderow are participating in a Grammys weekend showcase that began yesterday (Feb. 1) and continues today (Feb. 2) and tomorrow (Feb. 3) at Duke’s restaurants in Southern California.
Kawika Kahiapo and Bobby Moderow
The events are a benefit for the Grammy Museum and TS Restaurants’ Legacy of Aloha. TS Restaurants operates Duke’s in Waikiki and the participating L.A. sites.
Yesterday’s event was at Duke’s Malibu, where Kainani Kahaunaele was guest performer.
Today’s show, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Duke’s Huntington Beach, and tomorrow’s, from 4 to 6 p.m., will be at Duke’s La Jolla.
Entrepreneur Alan Yamamoto organized the gigs…
‘Hamilton’ regains No. 1 slot
“Hamiton,”Lin-Manuel Miranda’s mega-hit, has bounced back to reclaim the No. 1 slot of Broadway grosses. It was a pioneering production that reigned as the enduring and first $1 million dollar attraction, and for a spell, was also a regular $2 million dollar blockbuster.
The Top 10:
1 –”Hamilton,” $1,725 million
2 –“The Lion King,” $1,1701 million
3—“Wicked,” $,163 million
4—”Merrily We Roll Along,” $1,598 million
5—”MJ The Musical,” $1,349 million
6—“Gutenberg! The Musical!,” $1,462 million
7—“Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” $1,120 million
8—“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” $1,145 million
9— “Aladdin,” $1,120 million
10—”& Juliet,” $1,058 million
The complete list of grosses, courtesy the Broadway Guild:
And that’s Show Biz…