Our Picks for the Weekend
Star-Bulletin staff
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MUSIC
Symphony musicians star
The "traveling roadshow" that is the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra tries out another venue this weekend, setting up house in Mamiya Theatre at the St. Louis School campus. And instead of guest stars flying in, the HSO is spotlighting some of the fabulous musicians from within its own ranks.
They're going for baroque with principal flutist Susan McGinn, principal harpist Constance Uejio and principal horn Wade Butin, and apparently flying without a conductor.
The works include J.S. Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3" and two sprightly pieces by Mozart: "Concerto for Flute and Harp" and "Horn Concerto."
Plus, a bonus! Grieg's "From Holberg's Time, Suite for String Orchestra," in which the moody Norwegian busted loose with some charming baroque two-steps in honor of playwright Ludvig Holberg.
It all occurs at 8 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday at the Mamiya.
While Sunday's concert is already sold out, tickets are still available for Saturday's gig, going from $21 to $74.
Call 792-2000 or connect to www.honolulusymphony.com.
MOVIES
Burton's 'Nightmare' in 3-D
The Pumpkin King (his name is Jack, of course) is bored with life in Halloweentown and decides to take a little jaunt -- to Christmastown. There he wreaks havoc, having his own ideas about the red-and-green holiday. He even has Santa Claus kidnapped!
Does this story sound familiar? Probably because you saw it when "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" first hit theaters in 1993, or perhaps on video in the years that followed.
Well, now it's out in 3-D, updated by Burton and director Henry Selick with the latest in digital technology. Burton has said he would've done the film in 3-D to begin with if the technology had been up to par in the '90s.
The film features the voices of Chris Sarandon as Jack and Catherine O'Hara as the rag doll Sally and features the music of Burton compatriot Danny Elfman.
It opens at the Dole Cannery multiplex on Friday.
CULTURE
Shanghai Quartet at Orvis
The versatile Shanghai Quartet is known for its passionate musicality, impressive technique and multicultural innovation. Now in its 25th year, the quartet shows elegant style, melding the delicacy of Eastern music with the emotional breadth of the Western repertoire, freely traveling between traditional Chinese folk music and cutting-edge contemporary classical works.
The group will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Orvis Auditorium on the University of Hawaii-Manoa campus, as part of the UH Outreach College's fall programs. Meet the artists from 6:30 to 7 p.m. in Music Building Room 36.
The ensemble serves as quartet-in-residence at Montclair State University in New Jersey, and also as guest professors at the Shanghai Conservatory in China.
Tickets are $30 advance; $35 at the door; $18 advance and $20 at the door for students and Honolulu Symphony musicians. Call 956-8246 or visit www.outreach.hawaii.edu.
STAGE
Lions 'roar' at Halekulani
Christine Yasunaga, the creator of the TV contest "Destination: Groove Dance Hawaii," seen Sunday evenings on KHNL, performed on Broadway in the original run of "Disney's The Lion King."
So it's no surprise that, with the touring company in town, members of the musical will put on a "Lion King" cabaret show to help a fellow dancer pay down her production costs.
The benefit at the Halekulani will also feature dancers from the TV show and co-host and former "American Idol" contestant Jordan Segundo, plus there'll be a "Lion King" silent auction and prize drawing.
Monday's benefit starts with a 6 p.m. cocktail and pupus reception, with the show an hour later. (The no-host bar will also feature special "Lion King"-themed martinis.) Open-seat tickets are $100, with VIP reserved seating at $200 (includes wine at the table).
Call 373-9911 or e-mail info@destinationgroove.com.
FOOD
Taormina's zings the palate with blast of fusion
About 15 years ago, I was pretty chilly to New Wave Japanese pasta. Flavors were weak, sauces were watered down. It was all geared toward a timid palate, and definitely unsatisfactory for anyone who knew authentic Italian cuisine.
Well, given what that nation has done for electronics, we couldn't expect them to stay in the beginning stage forever. Taormina Sicilian Cuisine, an invention of the Japan-based WDI Corp., shows how much East and West have fused into one global skillet.
Chef Aki Yamamoto's Japanese sensibility of focusing diners' attention on the essence of an ingredient, treating both food and diners with respect, is in effect. When you start out with great flavors and ingredients, little manipulation is necessary, and this philosophy applies throughout the menu.
With a combination of fresh Hamakua plum tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil and red chili peppers, Yamamoto outdoes just about every arrabiata ($16) in town. Uni (sea urchin) pasta ($32) is Taormina's specialty, served in a skillet and ready to be shared.
Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Dinner for two runs about $40 to $70 without drinks.
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