The Hawaii Opera Theatre is the latest victim of the coronavirus pandemic; it has announced the postponement of its fall show slate as well as its fund-raising Opera Ball till 2022..
“My goal since the start of the pandemic has been to find creative artistic outlets of expression that keep opera alive while ensuring the safety of our patrons, staff, artists, and artisans that collectively makeup the HOT ʻOhana,” said Andrew Morgan, HOT’s general director, in a statement. “The generous support of our audience has never been more appreciated and impactful. Truly, there would be no Hawaii Opera Theatre without our dedicated patrons.”
HOT patrons need to add patience to the mix before opera returns to the shuttered Blaisdell Concert Hall.
On the horizon:
— “Re-Emerging: HOT Live in Concert, set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 and 4 p.m. Jan. 30
— “Opera Ball: The Butterfly Emerges,” rescheduled for 6 p.m. March 26, at the Sheraton Waikiki ballroom.
— “The Tragedy of Carmen,” Feb. 18 and 20 (dates are unchanged).
— “Madame Butterly,” April 8, 10 and 12 (dates are unchanged).
— A December musical show honoring the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, will also be staged, at theHOT rehearsal studio at Hawaiʻi Opera Plaza, 848 S. Beretania. Featuring members of the Mae Zenke Orvis Opera Studio at the University of Hawaii, directed by Jamie Offenbach, HOT artistic director.
Pandemic protocols will prevail at all events: proof of mandatory vaccinations for all staff, artists and artisans; proof of vaxx shots, certification of those with protected exemptions, masks for everyone. Ticket holders may call the HOT box office at 596-7858, or visit HOTTickets@hawaiiopera.org.
Talk about people
Sorry to report the ongoing misfortunes within the Paulo musical family.
We earlier mentioned Rene and Akemi Paulo, who caught the COVID-19 virus. They are the patriarch and matriarch of a talented musical family in Hawaii’s history.
Now two other daughters, along with the husband of one, have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, according to musician-saxophonist son Michael Paulo, who so far has managed to dodge the bug.
Again, the family welcomes prayer support, so send positive thoughts and hopes for wellness. …
A Bright kid sings a Disney oli
Belated congrats to the Ron Bright ‘ohana; Colton Bright, son of Michael and Jade Bright, had a role in Aulani Disney’s 10th celebration recently, singing and recording a special tune.
Colton has appeared in I’m a Bright Kid Foundation shows, the organization preserving and persevering the memory and methods of the late educator-director Mr. B. He recorded an oli, “’O ‘Aulani No Ho‘i Au,” which was part of the hotel’s first decade anniversary. Aunty Linell Bright, the music and choir teacher at Kamehameha Schools (who is the wife of Clarke Bright, the eldest son of Ron and Mo Bright), had a hand in making arrangements. The tune was written by Eric Lee (a Disney cast member) and Angela Morales (also a Disney cast member, and one-third of Na Leo who now is Mrs. Ricardo Escontrias, having wed this past June).
Dad Michael commented online, “Our ‘ohana is truly humbled and blessed that Colton had a small role in the celebration.” And you betcha, a proud Poppo, as Ron is called by the grandkids, must have been beaming gratitude and pride from the heavens. …
And that’s Show Biz. …
How I wish I could be there for the Opera season. My favorite Madame Butterfly, I saw it in Hawaii years ago, then at Lincoln Center in NYC and would love to see it in Hawaii again. Best of wishes, you lucky Hawaii folks.
Regrettably, the pandemic has been taking centerstage here, postponing many shows.