Manoa Valley Theatre just launched “What the Constitution Means To Me,” which opened Thursday (Jan. 23), in its Hawaii premiere.
And Diamond Head Theatre presents “Master Class,” a Tony Award-winning drama about opera diva Maria Callas in her element, debuting tonight (Jan. 24).
‘Constitution’
“Constitution,” playing through Feb. 2, is a drama by Heidi Schreck, which examines the U.S. Constitution and explores its impact across four generations of women.
At MVT, the journey involves Melinda Moore, theater director at Punahou School, portraying Schreck, who shares the limelight with Ava Zoto, her actual student, playing the Student Debater. They pore over the nation’s blueprint, exploring a multitude of constitutional ideals.
The cast also features Mathias Maas as Mike.
Jeanne Wynne Herring is director, Aly Sutton is stage manager Ashton Botts is the dramaturg, Vanessa Gould is assistant director, Michelle A. Bisbee is set designer, Willie Sabel is scenic artist, Rob Duval is prop designer, Chris Gouveia is lighting designer and master electrician, Janine Myers is master electrician 2, Sarah Velasco is sound designer/engineer, Amber Lehua Baker is costume director, and Denise-Aiko Chinen is assistant director and assistant stage manager.
Show times: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, through Feb. 2. There also is a matinee at 3 p.m. Feb. 1. Tickets: $25 to $47. Reservations: (808) 988-6131 or manoavalleytheatre.com
‘Master Class’
“Master Class,” a drama by Terrence McNally, premieres at 7:30 p.m. today (Jan. 24) at Diamond Head Theatre. It continues through Feb. 9, without the usual extention.
The show focuses on Maria Callas, the opera diva, as an uncompromising master teacher at an elite opera training program. The plot is inspired by a series of real-life master classes delivered by Callas in her prime at Juilliard.
Her students, often hilariously crushed but profoundly inspired by the diva, are soulfully uplifted by Callas, who inspires and transports her pupils into untold boundaries of artistic sacrifice and quality.
Bryce Chaddick is directing.
The cast includes Amy K. Sullivan as Callas, David Young as Manny Weinstock, Georgine Stark as Sophie de Palma, Randy Tandal as the Stagehand, Anna Young as Sharon Graham, Kasey Nahlovsky as Anthony “Tony” Candolini and Jennifer Hamm as the understudy.
The production runs through Feb. 9. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays and 3 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets: $41 through $68, at www.diamondheadtheatre.com and (808) 733-0274….
Broadway grosses, week ending Jan. 19
While “Wicked” remains atop the weekly gross of Broadway shows, there’s been a switcheroo at No. 2. “Hamilton” has moved up a slot.
The Top 10:
1—”Wicked,” $2.425 million
2—”Hamilton,” $1.855 million
3—” The Lion King,” $1.754 million
4—”Gypsy,” $1.748 million
5—”All In: Comedy About Love,” $1.669 million
6—”The Great Gatsby,” $1.543 million
7—”The Outsiders,” $1.455 million
8—”Oh, Mary!,” $1.248 million
9—”Aladdin,” $1.147 million
10—”MJ The Musical,” $1.136 million
The complete list, courtesy The Broadway League:
And that’s Show Biz…