JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Honolulu Theatre for Youth cast member Alvin Chan, right, listened intently to Alison Bemis, left, Samantha Beyer and Tate Beyer before a performance of HTY's "Christmas Talk Story" at Tenney Theatre Dec. 2. The cast uses audience input to create a unique version of "The Night Before Christmas" for each show. "CTS" continues on Saturdays through Dec. 23. Call 839-9885. CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
An impromptu hula by Cha Thompson was an unanticipated extra at the afternoon Christmas party hosted by Brian Sakamaki and Donna Walden at Esprit Nightclub Dec. 2. Tihati Productions entertained the couple's guests with a Polynesian revue followed by a high-energy set by Kelly DeLima and his group, Kapena. There was no shortage of food either -- a completely new and different buffet was set up midway through the party. CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Kenny Abiog, boutique manager of Yves Saint Laurent Waikiki, joined abstract artist Mary Mitsuda as she revealed the themes and subtexts of "Valley Views," the largest and most eye-catching painting she displayed at "Meet the Artists" at YSL. The horizontal and vertical lines represent the co-existence of nature and humans, "transitions and rest, the found and the made ... a weaving which is always in process." CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
John Koga was the featured artist at Tiffany Waikiki as 2100 Kalakaua presented "Meet the Artists," an evening reception in several of its stores Dec. 2. Koga displayed cast resin models of larger plaster pieces that reflect his interest in "making sculpture for sculpture's sake." CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Stone sculptor Randall Shiroma, featured artist at Gucci Waikiki, explained the techniques of working with terrazzo to store manager Tessa Ahsing. His recent works all include a hole providing a view of the interior. CLICK FOR LARGE