"WEST SIDE" STARS: "West Side Story" cast members Arthur "AJ" Johansen, left, Tricia Marciel, Jimi V. Wheeler, Katherine E. Mills and Gene DeFrancis celebrated with an informal party in the parking lot after a great opening night at Army Community Theatre on Thursday. Wheeler and Mills are nicely cast as star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria, and Marciel dominates several scenes with her powerful performance as Anita. DeFrancis (Action) and Johansen (Big Deal) are also assets.

DIRECTORS' CONFERENCE: Broadway veteran Jim Hutchison wished director Stephanie Conching a great opening night at the invitation-only pre-show reception for Army Community Theatre's production of "West Side Story" on Thursday. Conching's talented cast received a well-deserved standing ovation that night. Hutchison will direct and choreograph ACT's next show, "The King and I," which opens on Nov. 18.

DARE DEVIL AND FRIENDS: Jason Kanda, front center, was joined in the front row by Danel Verdugo and Alvin Chan after he opened in "Dare Devil Blues," a Kumu Kahua "Dark Night" presentation, on Wednesday. Monica Coldwell, back row left, director Harry Wong III and playwright Eric Yokomori also deserve credit for the dark but entertaining show. "Dare Devil Blues" closes Wednesday.

GETTING READY FOR SANDOVAL: Honolulu Symphony assistant director Joan Landry, left, and musician Jonathan Parrish talked with publicist Suzanne Lee at the invitation-only "Backstage Pass" pre-concert reception that preceded Arturo Sandoval's performance with the symphony in the Blaisdell Concert Hall on Friday. Landry is always "on duty" before "Master Works" concerts but can enjoy a drink before a "Pops" show.

VIVA SANDOVAL!: Arturo Sandoval, third from left, talked backstage with John Kolivas, left, Honolulu Symphony "Pops" conductor Matt Catingub, and Steve Moretti after his impressive performance with the symphony on Friday. Sandoval not only displayed his mastery of the trumpet in classical and jazz idioms, but also scat-sang and played piano, percussion, keyboards and an imaginary giant bass.