Posted on: Friday, August 22, 2008
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
All that drama
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
"Mamma Mia!," the Broadway stage blockbuster boasting ABBA songs, looms as a hot ticket in the Islands' 2008-09 theatrical season — but it doesn't arrive until May, for a two-week run at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.
Three Broadway stars do a hana hou in "Return of The Three Phantoms," bringing "Music of the Night" and more from the Great White Way to the Hawai'i Theatre in September. You've previously seen them here collectively as well as individually.
Cirque du Soleil's oldest show, "Saltimbanco," arrives in Honolulu, its newest destination, bringing its arsenal of aerialists, acrobats and theatrical magicians for a two-week stint starting in October at the Blaisdell Arena. For those attracted to Cirque's mastery of mystique, this is a must-see.
There should be local box-office sizzle and applause a-plenty in Diamond Head Theatre's "Les Misérables," Manoa Valley Theatre's "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," and Army Community Theatre's "Curtains." This trio of audience faves will be mounted for the first time in Honolulu — though "Les Miz" has earlier played as a student production.
And DHT is reviving "Gypsy," a Tony Award winner this year, as the New York show continues to pack 'em in. "The Wedding Singer," which enjoyed a healthy New York run, is on DHT's slate, too.
Paliku Theatre's revival of "Miss Saigon" in October could be a triumph, too — only the second time the set-in-Vietnam musical is being mounted on O'ahu.
And there are other gems from other camps.
Honolulu Theatre for Youth puts a new spin on the beloved "Aladdin" tale, opening today. Kennedy Theatre will bring Japanese noh and traditional Shakespeare to the plate. The Hawaii Repertory Theatre also debuts a provocative original uniting The Bard's Hamlet and Ophelia characters.
Kumu Kahua has a bunch of world premieres, The Actors' Group is ensconced in its new Chinatown digs, and yes, "Nutcrackers" and The Brothers Cazimero will be very much a part of the holiday scene.
SO LET THE SEASON BEGIN. ... THE OUT-OF-TOWNERS
Coming attractions, including road tours and specialty acts
"Return of The Three Phantoms," 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12-13, 2 p.m. Sept. 14, Hawai'i Theatre. Craig Schulman, Cris Groenendaal and Kevin Gray, who all have played the masked marvel on Broadway and on tour, do a hana hou.
$25, $40 and $60; limited number of VIP seats, $75; a benefit for Ballet Hawaii. 528-0506, www.hawaiitheatre.com.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Sept. 21, Blaisdell Concert Hall. Goodness, gracious; the "Great Balls of Fire" legend rocks on. Details to be announced.
"Doodlebops Live," 7 p.m. Sept. 26 and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sept. 27-28 at Blaisdell Concert Hall. A candy-colored pop rock trio with its own Playhouse Disney TV show, romp for the kiddie set.
$55 for the first row, with other seats at $14, $20, $30, $40; $3 discounts for groups of 10 or more in lower three price ranges. 877-750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com.
"Saltimbanco," Oct. 30-Nov. 16, Blaisdell Arena. Quebec-based Cirque du Soleil brings its oldest show to its newest market, with aerialists, jugglers, dancers and impressionists providing awesome and fantastical forms of physical performances with dramatic and comedic integrity.
$40-$95 general, $32-$72 children 12 and younger; Blaisdell box office and via Ticketmaster outlets, 877-750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com.
Howie Mandel, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 26, Blaisdell Concert Hall. The "Deal or No Deal" host stages a holiday show.
$30, $40, $55, on sale Aug. 29 at Ticketmaster locations, 877750-4400.
"Hooray for Hollywood, Music From the Movies," Feb. 7, Lili'u Theatre, Hawai'i Convention Center. Hoku Award-winning Joy Abbott and Broadway star Davis Gaines from "The Phantom of the Opera" reunite in a tuneful evening of familiar melodies. With accompaniment by Carol Anderson and Betty Loo Taylor. A benefit for the Hawaii Performing Arts Foundation. Details to be announced.
"Mamma Mia!," May 12-24, Blaisdell Concert Hall. ABBA classics are given a Grecian turn, wrapped around a romantic plot, with a finale that will turn the audience into dancing queens and kings.
7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. $40, $65, $75, $125 for weekdays and Sunday evenings, $50, $75, $85, $150 for Friday-Saturday shows and Sunday matinees; group sales (15 or more) at Hawaii Opera Theatre box office, 593-2468; individual tickets at Blaisdell box office, Ticketmaster locations, 877-750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com.
THE ACTORS' GROUP
Honolulu's littlest theater is relocated in a new little space
Plays premiere at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, repeat Thursdays-Saturdays, and at 2 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays at TAG's new home on the second floor at the historic Joseph P. Mendonca Building, 1116 Smith St., Chinatown
Single tickets: $16 general, $14 seniors and students; $12 for groups of 10 or more; 722-6941, www.taghawaii.net
The season:
"The Clean House," under way through Aug. 31. A comedy by Sarah Ruhl, set in a Connecticut home of a married couple (both are doctors) and a housekeeper they hire.
"The History Boys," Oct. 3-26. A Tony Award-winning comedy-drama by Alan Bennett, exploring the sixth form — the life of senior boys in a British school, in pursuit of sex, sport and a slot at a good university.
"Ring of Fire," Dec. 5-28. A drama by Nancy Morse, about a husband acting strangely after an incident in Iraq where civilians — and his best friend —are killed. A world premiere. (No Christmas performance; sub date is Dec. 26.)
"Inside Out," Jan. 30-Feb. 22. A comedy-drama by Richard Tillotson, about four Ph.D. candidates studying problems of the developing world who learn that three of their research grants must be cut. A world premiere.
"A Lesson Before Dying," April 3-26. A drama by Romulus Linney, based on a Pulitzer-nominated book by Ernest J. Gaines, about an innocent young black man who awaits execution for the death of a white man.
"Blue/Orange," May 29-June 21. A comedy-drama by Joe Penhall, about a patient in a London psychiatric hospital who claims to be the son of an African dictator — with the claim becoming unnervingly plausible.
ARMY COMMUNITY THEATRE
Purveyors of classic and recent Broadway musicals. Hot ticket: "Curtains," a backstage whodunnit, in its Honolulu premiere
7:30 p.m. openings on Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter
$15 and $20 general, $12 and $15 children ($22 and $28 general, $15 and $20 children for "Curtains"); 438-4480, www.armytheatre.com
The season:
"Oliver!," Sept. 4-20. Musical by Lionel Bart based on Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist." The score includes tunes such as "Consider Yourself," "Who Will Buy," "Where Is Love?" and "As Long As He Needs Me."
"High School Musical," Nov. 20-Dec. 6. The Disney musical based on the Disney Channel original film by Peter Barsocchini. Hits emerging from the score include "We're All in This Together," "Start of Something New" and "Breaking Free."
"Curtains," Feb. 26-March 14. The John Kander-Fred Ebb musical, with book by Rupert Holmes. Backstage at Boston's Colonial Theatre, the cast hopes for a Broadway smash but is saddled with an untalented leading lady, who dies opening night during the curtain call.
"Children of Eden," May 7-23. A musical by Stephen Schwartz, with book by John Caird. Loosely based on the Book of Genesis, this show focuses on the story of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel and the tale of Noah, told in family-friendly manner without a specific religious perspective. The score includes such tunes as "The Tree of Knowledge" and "Noah's Lullaby." Auditions: March 9-11.
ACT also presents a Sunday@2 Matinee Readers Theatre on the main stage, 2 p.m. Sundays; free. The schedule:
"Dante's Inferno," Sept. 7, 14, 21.
"Paradise Lost," Nov. 23, 30, Dec. 7.
"God's Trombone," March 1, 8, 15.
"Leaves of Grass," May 10, 17, 24.
BALLET HAWAII
Honolulu's leading ballet company
"Nutcracker," see Page 18.
Lines Ballet, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Hawai'i Theatre. The international touring company from San Francisco in an evening of contemporary ballet, choreographed by former Honolulu City Ballet member Alonzo King. 528-0506, www.hawaiitheatre.com.
DIAMOND HEAD THEATRE
Hawai'i's largest community theater
8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, with 3 p.m. Saturday matinees on the second and third weekend of the run, 4 p.m. Sundays, Diamond Head Theatre
Season subscriptions: $54, $105, $150 and $210; single tickets: $12, $22, $32, $42. 733-0274, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays, www.diamondheadtheatre.com
The season:
"Les Misérables," Sept. 26-Oct. 12. This is the musical, set in 19th-century France, recounting struggle against adversity. Jean Valjean, imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, becomes mayor and an adoptive father, but violates his parole in the process. Hit songs include "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," "In My Life," "Who Am I?" "Do You Hear the People Sing?" "Master of the House" and "Castle on the Cloud."
"Peter Pan," Dec. 5-21. Peter Pan, the boy who doesn't want to grow up, battles pirates and Indians and eludes Captain Hook.
"Souvenir," Jan. 30-Feb. 15. There are songs, but this is not a musical. It's a fictional account inspired by the real-life collaboration between pianist Cosme McMoon and soprano Florence Foster Jenkins. A Hawai'i premiere.
"Gypsy," March 20-April 5. Based on the memoirs of striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, this sentimental jewel of American musical theater is set in the era of vaudeville and burlesque and depicts Rose as the epitome of a show-biz mom, eager to drive her daughter to stardom.
"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," May 15-31. Based on the 1988 film, about two con men living in the French Riviera. One is Lawrence, suave and sophisticated; the other is Freddy, who swindles women with tall tales.
"The Wedding Singer," July 10-26. Based on the Adam Sandler movie, this Tony-nominated vehicle is about Robbie Hart, New Jersey's favorite wedding singer, whose belief in the power of love is shattered when his own fiancee nixes him at the altar.
KUMU KAHUA THEATRE
Specializing in locally written or locally themed drama and comedy
8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, at Kumu Kahua, 46 Merchant St.
Single tickets: $16 general, $13 seniors, $10 students; Thursday prices, $13 general, $11 seniors, $5 students with IDs and the unemployed (need proof); season tickets: $65 new subscribers, $50 renewing subscribers; 536-4441, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays; www.honoluluboxoffice.com
The season:
"Da Mayah," Aug. 28-Sept. 28. A revival of Lee Cataluna's box office-breaking comedic hit about a fictional Hilo mayor whose campaign motto is "Do What He Sez."
"Rolling the Rs," Oct. 30-Nov. 30. A play by R. Zamora Linmark set in the disco era of the 1970s, which examines the world of high schoolers struggling for identity as defined by ethnicity, nationality and sexual orientation, punctuated by the disciplinary voice of a schoolteacher. A world premiere.
"Mainland Education," Jan. 8-Feb. 8. A drama by Scot Izuka, set amid a cultural smorgasbord at the University of Kansas in the early 1980s. A world premiere.
"What Ever Happened to John Boy Kihano?," March 12-April 11. A play by Susan Soon He Stanton, winner of the 2006 Kumu Kahua Theatre/University of Hawai'i Theatre Department contest, about the mysterious disappearance of a child and the effects it has on his family. A world premiere.
"Kalua'iko'olau" and "Waiting for a King" double bill, May 14-June 14. "Kalua'iko'olau" by Kemuel DeMoville is a noh play retelling, with stylized and poetic nuances, the true story of Ko'olau the Leper of Kalalau Valley on Kaua'i. "Waiting for a King," by Krystal Ontai, is set in 19th-century Hawai'i, amid times when foreigners are inhabiting the Islands and the Hawaiian kingdom is in a transitional state. Two world premieres.
HAWAII OPERA THEATRE
Grand opera, Island-style
Shows premiere at 8 p.m. Fridays, repeats 4 p.m. Sundays and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Blaisdell Concert Hall, with music by the Honolulu Symphony
Season tickets: $81-$333; single tickets: $29-$120; 596-7858, www.hawaiiopera.org
The season:
"Manon Lescault," Jan. 30, Feb. 1 and 3. By Giacomo Puccini, in Italian with English titles. With Shu Ying Li in the title role; a classic tale of lust for money and amore, and her quest to recapture her virtue.
"Abduction From the Seraglio," Feb. 13, 15 and 17. By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, in English. With George Dyer as Belmonte, Rachelle Durkin as Constanza and Audrey Luna as Blonda; a noblewoman and her maid — kidnapped by pirates and sold as slaves — and their lovers try to plot an escape.
"Carmen," Feb. 27, March 1 and 3. By Georges Bizet, in French with English titles. With Lean Sandel as the Sevillean temptress with seductive beauty and fearless sensuality.
Also: HOT stages a summertime musical, to be announced.
HAWAI'I PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
Small but inspired stage productions on the Windward side
7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays at HPU's Paul and Vi Loo Theatre
$20 general, $14 students, seniors and military, $3 HPU students; 375-1282
The season:
"Rabbit Hole," Nov. 7-Dec. 7. A Pulitzer Prize-winning play by David Lindsay-Abaire, about a life-shattering accident that turns a couple's world upside down. (Thanksgiving week performance will be Nov. 26.)
"The Glass Menagerie," April 3-May 3. Tennessee Williams' iconic play focuses on a Southern woman living in poverty, her crippled son and her emotionally fragile daughter, and a gentleman caller.
HAWAII REPERTORY THEATRE
An eclectic first season by a determined new group
7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3:30 p.m. Sundays, at Kawananakoa Middle School's Backstage Theatre
Season tickets: $67.50 general, $54 seniors, $40.50 students; single tickets: $15, $20, $25. 545-7170, www.hawaiireptheatre.org
The season:
"Inventing Van Gogh," Aug. 29-Sept. 7. A drama by Stephen Dietz, of the final Van Gogh self-portrait, rendered just before the artist's death, and of a contemporary painter hired to forge the masterpiece.
"The Eight: Reindeer Monologues," Dec. 19-28. A dark Christmas comedy, by Jeff Goode, revolving around a North Pole scandal, when one of Santa's reindeer accuses him of sexual harassment. Not for children.
"Hamlet/Ophelia," March 27-April 5. A world premiere by director Paul T. Mitri and his Hawaii Rep Acting Company, delving into the minds of Shakespeare's best known tragic lovers, largely told through movement.
HAWAII SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Hawai'i's summertime theater group; two of three productions already staged
The finale:
"Merchant of Venice," the tragi-comedy contrasting the aristocratic and romantic world of Belmont with the mercantile world of Venice.
7:30 p.m. Aug. 22-23, 28-30 and 3:30 p.m. Aug. 24 and 31, at The ARTS at Marks Garage
$18 for evening shows, $14 for matinees. 550-8457, www.honoluluboxoffice.com
HAWAI'I THEATRE
Honolulu's Downtown showcase for stage, music and dance
At 1130 Bethel St.
Times, prices vary; see listings; 528-0506, www.hawaiitheatre.com
Selected shows in the season:
Hawaii International Young Artists Festival, 4 p.m. Aug. 24. Cultural groups from China share the stage with keiki hula halau. $25.
Ka Himeni Ana, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30. 24th annual unamplified Hawaiian music contest; last year's winners, Manoa Voices, performs. $6, $10, $15, $20, $25, $30.
A Night at the Apollo With Touch of Gold, 7 p.m. Aug. 31. The show band hosts Believe and Marlene Baldueza and others, $40, $45, $50, $65, $75.
"First Friday Open House," 5 p.m. Sept. 5. Hawai'i Theatre commemorates its Sept. 6, 1922, opening with this First Friday open house, with Guy Cruz at the piano bar, and 20-minute organ concerts on the half-hour.
Raiatea Helm, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6. The two-time Grammy nominee and Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner features Jeff Peterson, Aaron Sala, Bryan Tolentino, Stephen Jones, with guest stars Keola Beamer, O'Brian Eselu's Halau Ke Kai O Kahiki, Jerry Santos, and Ho'okena. $25, $35, $75.
The Brothers Cazimero, part of the Hana Hou Series, 8 p.m. Sept. 20. Robert and Roland Cazimero kick off the 2008-09 series. $30.
"Celebrate the Arts," 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4. Edith and Keiji Kawakami, founders of 'Iolani Sportswear, will be honored; music by Manoa DNA, Dennis and David Kamakahi, Eddie Kamae and Neal Chin. $45-$65 ($20-$30 for Hawaii Arts Alliance members).
A Tribute to Nona Beamer, Oct. 5. Details to be announced.
"An Evening in Italy," 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6. Singers Beyond Borders perform tunes from beloved operas and musical theater. $23, $47, $72; premium $147, $247 seating available; includes private reception Oct. 5.
"Kamau Pono XI: Keauhou — A New Era," 7 p.m. Oct. 10. Tony Conjugacion and Halau Na Wainohia's 11th annual show, with young and budding artists. $27.
Willie K concert, Oct. 24. Details to be announced.
"Great Pacific Harmony," Oct. 30-Nov. 2. A barbershop harmony event; details to be announced.
"Silent Scream: 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame,'" 7 p.m. Oct. 31. A Halloween special, with the screening of the silent-film favorite, with John McCreary on the Hawai'i Theatre's Morton organ. $8 advance, $10 at the door.
"Hawaii Stars Concert of Extraordinary Abilities," 7 p.m. Nov. 9. Individuals with disabilities but with talent compete for a "Hawaii Stars" TV filming. Tickets: Variety School, 732-2835.
"Hawaii Calls," part of the Hana Hou Series, 8 p.m. Nov. 13. A tribute to the old radio show.
Udui Kahuu, 2 p.m. Nov. 16. A concert of traditional, modern Okinawan songs and dances.
"Dan Kamin: Comedy in Motion," 7 p.m. Nov.19. An evening of laughs and illusions.
Hiroshima, Nov. 29-30. The jazz group returns.
Kamehameha Schools Annual Christmas concert, 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6. A concert by Kamehameha singers, bands, and drill team. Free.
Neil Sedaka, Dec. 7. The pop singer-pianist-composer returns.
"The Sounds of Christmas With The Brothers Cazimero," 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 24. Robert and Roland Cazimero and dancers celebrate the season. With Leina'ala Kalama Heine, Halau Na Kamalei and the Royal Dance Company. $30, $40, $50, $75.
"Jump!," Dec. 17-24. Comedy meets combat in this spectacle of leaps, kicks, somersaults and theatrical combat; 8 p.m. daily, with 2 p.m. matinees Dec. 20-21, and noon and 4 p.m. matinees Dec. 27.
Bill Tapia 101, Jan. 11. The veteran singer-uke player keeps on rolling.
New Shanghai Circus, Jan. 16-18. Chinese acrobats and dancers return.
"O'ahu: Confessions of an Island," March 13-14. A presentation by Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu.
"Sleeping Beauty," March 21-22. Details to be announced.
IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre, April 11-12. Details to be announced.
"Hawaii Romance Festival," May 6-7. Details to be announced; festival events also will be held at other venues May 1-14. www.hawaiiromancefestival.com.
HONOLULU THEATRE FOR YOUTH
Friendly fare for kids — and their parents, too
Plays open at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, repeat at 4:30 p.m. Saturdays (and 7:30 p.m. some Saturdays), unless otherwise indicated; at Tenney Theatre, Saint Andrew's Cathedral
Season tickets: $60 general, $30 children, seniors over 60, college students with IDs (choose five shows) or $75 and $37.50 for opening performances, which include post-show reception; single tickets, $8 children, seniors over 60 and college students with IDs, $15 general; $10 and $20 for opening night, which includes post-show reception. 839-9885, 457-5254, www.htyweb.org
The season:
"Aladdin's Luck," Aug. 23-Sept. 27. A play by Janet Stanford, with music by Fahir Atakoglu, about Aladdin and his flying carpet, a magical genie and a beautiful princess, exploring themes of friendship and honesty, without the Disney accoutrement. For ages 4 and older.
"A Midsummer Night's Dream," Oct.18-Nov. 8. Shakespeare's world of faeries, foolish lovers and bumbling dramatists remains one of the beloved comedies, and this hour-long version is accessible for the young. For ages 8 and older. Additional 7:30 p.m. shows Saturdays.
"A Christmas Carol," Dec. 6-20. Charles Dickens' classic, retold by Barry Kornhauser with songs by Ron Barnett, taps virtues of kindness, charity and compassion, with Marley and his trio of ghosts teaching Scrooge the real meaning of the holidays. For ages 7 and older.
"The Music of Dolphins," Jan. 24-Feb. 28. A play by Tanya Palmer, based on the Karen Hesse book, about a girl who is raised by dolphins and must adjust to human society. For ages 8 and older.
"Musubi Man," March 7, 14 and 21. A play by Lee Cataluna, adapted from the book by Sandi Takayama, putting a local spin on the fabled Gingerbread Man tale. A revival of an earlier hit. For ages 2 to 5; opening performance at 11:30 a.m. March 7; repeats at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Saturdays.
"Goodnight, Moon," April 18-May 16. An adaptation by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd, with book, music and lyrics by Chad Henry, of the popular bedtime story with a booster shot of music. For ages 4 and older.
KENNEDY THEATRE MAINSTAGE
Academic theater specializing in children's productions, classics and Japanese noh drama
Curtain times vary; at Kennedy Theatre, University of Hawai'i-Manoa
Prices vary; see listings; 956-7655, 483-7123, www.etickethawaii.com; Mainstage Super Saver tickets — $12 — on sale through Sept. 1
The season:
"The Little Snow Fox and Other Tales of the North Pacific," 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3-4 and 2 p.m. Oct. 5. An adaptation by Kemuel DeMoville of the book "TiQri, the Little Snow Fox," told with puppetry, dance and special effects. $15 general, $14 seniors, military, UH faculty and staff; $12 students, children.
"Macbeth," 8 p.m. Nov. 14-15, 20-22, and 2 p.m. Nov. 23. The Shakespearean tragedy looks at the dark side of life and explores — with witches, blood, murder and ambition gone wild — how power leads to corruption; a postmodern and multicultural take on one of the Bard's bloodiest tragedies. $18 general, $16 seniors, military, UH staff; $12 students, $5 UH students.
"Sumida River (Sumidagawa)," 8 p.m. March 6-7, 12-14 and 2 p.m. March 15. A story of a distraught mother's search for her abducted son, told in the Japanese noh theater tradition. An accompanying nohkyogen exhibit will be at the East-West Center. $18 general, $16 seniors, military, UH staff; $12 students, $5 UH students.
"Dance: Roots and Offshoots," 8 p.m. April 24-25 and May 1-2, and 2 p.m. May 3. A dance production, choreographed by UH faculty and guest artists, performed by UHM students, exploring the roots of diverse dance in the Islands; with hula, contemporary and other styles, plus a homage to the centennial of Kim Ch'on-hung, a Korean dancer whose impact continues today. $18 general, $16 seniors, military, UH staff; $12 students, $5 UH students.
PRIME TIME IN THE EARLE ERNST LAB THEATRE
Smaller, edgier productions at UH-Manoa
$14 general, $12 seniors, military and UH staff; $10 students, $5 UH students
The season:
Fall Footholds, 8 p.m. Oct. 15-18 and 2 p.m. Oct. 19. New choreography and performances by UH dance students.
"A Snow Day," 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-6 and 2 p.m. Dec. 7. A tale about Rose, who wakes up and finds the snow gone; she and her imaginary friend search the world for the missing white. Kat Pleviak's script and puppets are family-friendly; directed by Elise Sanders.
"Translations," 8 p.m. Jan. 21-23 and 2 p.m. Jan. 25. A play by Brian Friel, set in Ireland of 1833, about the personal and cultural effects of the loss of the Irish language, with strong parallels to the Hawai'i of the late 19th century.
Winter Footholds, 8 p.m. Feb. 11-14 and 2 p.m. Feb. 15. New choreography and performances by UH dance students.
"The Good Terrorists," 8 p.m. April 1-4 and 2 p.m. April 5. A satire, by Kyle Klapatauskas, on the strategies of "nice terrorism," in post 9/11 America; a world premiere by this MFA playwriting student.
LATE NIGHT IN THE EARLE ERNST LAB THEATRE
Even edgier productions, UH-Manoa
$10 general, $8 seniors, military, UH staff and students; $4 UH students
"Stop the Clocks: Two Original Plays," 11 p.m. Sept. 13 and 19-20, and 8 p.m. Sept. 14. Featuring a pair of Master of Fine Arts student Brad Larson's plays: "Hypegiaphobia's Contribution to Mental Hygiene" and "Lost in a Day."
"What," 11 p.m. Nov. 15 and 21-22, and 8 p.m. Nov. 16. Written and directed by Rikki Jo Hickey; also featuring "Learning to Walk" by Eugene Ionesco.
Note: Late Night spring plays will be announced later.
LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE THEATRE
Dance, drama and music showcase for the Leeward area
Showtimes, prices vary; see listings; 455-0385
Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre, 7 p.m. Sept. 21. Song and dance from the Sioux culture have parallels among the Hawaiian. $23 general, $19 students, seniors and military.
"Journey to the West," 8 p.m. Nov. 14-15, 20-22 and 4 p.m. Nov. 16. Mary Zimmerman's adaptation of a classic world literature piece, dealing with the iconic Monkey King as he escorts a Buddhist monk on a quest to retrieve a holy sutra from India. $18 general, $15 students.
"Nutcracker," see listing below.
"Buckets and Tap Shoes," 8 p.m. Jan. 24. "Stomp" meets "Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk" in this Minneapolis Fringe Festival winner, which is part band, part dance group, a lot of rhythm, rock and funk, hitting five-gallon buckets, tap-dancing and more. $23 general, $19 students, seniors, military.
Rubberdance Group, 8 p.m. Feb. 7. Can hip-hop and ballet meld into a cohesive dance bill? Find out when Victor Quijada, a one-time hip-hopper trained in classic ballet, shows off both disciplines with seamless invention. $23 general, $19 students, seniors, military.
Joseph Israel, 8 p.m. Feb. 14. Israel, with roots in Jamaican reggae, brings a message of peace, love and concern for the welfare of all. $23 general, $19 students, seniors, military.
Angelique Kidjo, 7 p.m. Feb. 22. Kidjo is a world-music hottie whose musical pendulum swings far and wide, from The Rolling Stones to George Gershwin. $25 general, $23 students, seniors and military.
"India Jazz Suites — Chitresh Das and Jason Samuels Smith," 8 p.m. March 14. Indian Kathak dancer Das and tap dancer Smith are masters of intricate footwork, bringing unity to cultural diversity, sometimes in mock competition. $23 general, $19 students, seniors, military.
Leeward Dance Festival, 7:30 p.m. April 17-18. Student dancers and choreographers unite in a two-night festival. $12 general, $10 students, seniors, military.
LEEWARD LAB THEATRE
Smaller shows in a tiny venue
Showtimes, tickets vary, as listed. 455-0385
The season:
"The Damaged Chronicles," 8 p.m. Aug. 22. In Yo Face Improv makes its debut, featuring Chris Riel, Shawn Thomsen and Matt Miller. $8 general, $5 students at the door.
"LCC Ten Minute Play Festival," 8 p.m. Feb. 6-7. Annual program of student-produced short plays with strong language, adult themes. $5.
"A Queen for Romancia," 8 p.m. April 2-4. Alvin Chan's parody of familiar fairy tales from the Grimm Brothers' turf. $10.
MAILE PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE
A student endeavor at Kapi'olani Community College
Theater is at 4303 Diamond Head Road, across Diamond Head Theatre; $10 general, $5 children. 734-9748.
The season:
"Children of Eden," 7:30 p.m. April 23-26. A musical by Stephen Schwartz, inspired by the Book of Genesis, retelling the story of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel and Noah and the big flood.
MANOA VALLEY THEATRE
Regarded as Hawai'i's off-Broadway theater, launching six Island premieres in its 40th season
7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, at Manoa Valley Theatre, at 2833 E. Manoa Road
Season subscription: five-admission flex pass option ($150) or full six-play package ($155); single tickets: $35 for musicals, $30 for plays. 988-6131, www.manoavalleytheatre.com
The season:
"Always ... Patsy Cline," Sept. 3-21. A sweet 1997 off-Broadway musical by Ted Swindley, about country singer Patsy Cline's friendship with a longstanding pen pal, Houston housewife Louise Seger, that incorporates 28 of Cline's best-known tunes, including "I Fall to Pieces," "Walkin' After Midnight," "Sweet Dreams (of You)" and "Crazy."
"Frost/Nixon," Nov. 12-30. A 2007 Tony Award-winning drama by Peter Morgan, recounting one of television's milestone interviews, in which famous British talk-show host David Frost elicits the post-Watergate apology that the world was anticipating from former U.S. president Richard Nixon.
"Gutenberg! The Musical," Jan. 14-Feb. 1. A 2007 musical by Anthony King and Scott Brown, in which a pair of aspiring playwrights stage a backers' audition for a splashy show, with tunes, about printing press inventor Johan Gutenberg.
"Tuesdays With Morrie," March 18-April 5. A 2003 drama by Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom, dealing with an ailing professor and a former student who reunite with weekly visits that constitute a final class.
"Duck Hunter Shoots Angel," May 13-31. A 2004 comedy by Mitch Albom about two bumbling Alabama brothers who think they shot an angel. They are chased by a cynical tabloid journalist and his reluctant photographer who doubt their claim until feathers, wings and a tiara are discovered.
"The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee," July 1-19. A 2005 musical by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin, about six adolescents who s-p-e-l-l and spill out growing pains.
PALIKU THEATRE
Windward O'ahu's major showcase for theater, on the Windward Community College campus
Curtain times vary; 235-7310, www.etickethawaii.com
The season:
"Miss Saigon," Oct. 3-26, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. The Tony Award-winning musical, with three local actors who toured with the show or appeared on Broadway among the cast, directed by Ronald Bright.
$30 adults, $26 seniors over 62, military, UH faculty and staff; $20 students through age 26.
For more information, contact Tom Holowach at 235-7330.
"The Wind in the Willows," 2 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 and 14 and 2 p.m. Feb. 8 and 15. A play, with music, by Michael Hulett, adapted from the novel by Kenneth Grahame, about the riverbank society of the incorrigible Toad and his pals Mole and Rat.
'NUTCRACKER'
'Tis the season for the Tchaikovsky classic
Hawaii State Ballet, 7 p.m. Dec. 12-13, 19-20, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and 21, and 6 p.m. Dec. 14, Mamiya Theatre, Saint Louis School. $18-$29 general, $16-$25 students, seniors and military. 550-8457, www.honoluluboxoffice.com.
Ballet Hawaii, 8 p.m. Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 2 p.m. Dec. 21, Blaisdell Concert Hall. Starring John Selya as Drosselmeyer, with international stars and music by the Honolulu Symphony. 521-8600 for details on opening night gala, with pre-show supper and post-show backstage reception.
Hawaii Ballet Theatre, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20, 4 p.m. Dec. 14 and 21, Leeward Community College Theatre. 839-1596.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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