Theater groups offer
drama, dance, song
Army Community Theatre
Performances at Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter. Season tickets are $50 and $62; $30 and $38 for children. Individual tickets are $14 and $17, and $8 and $10 respectively. Call 438-4480 or 438-5230, or go online at www.squareone.org/ACT. All performances start at 7:30 p.m.
"West Side Story": The world's greatest love story takes to the streets in Jerome Robbins' landmark 1957 Broadway musical transporting Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" to modern-day New York City. Two young lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Features such Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim classics as "Maria," "Tonight" and "I Feel Pretty." Sept. 9-11, 17-18 and 24-25.
"The King and I": In 1862 Siam, an English widow, Anna Leonowens, and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, where Anna serves as tutor to the king's many children and wives but clashes with the domineering king. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and, eventually, respect one another, in a truly unique love story. The musical features Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein classics "Hello, Young Lovers," "Getting to Know You" and "Shall We Dance?" Nov. 18-20, 26-27 and Dec. 3-4.
"Miss Saigon": Alain Boublil and Claude-Michael Schnberg (creators of "Les Misrables"), along with Richard Maltby Jr., bring Puccini's "Madame Butterfly" into the modern world with a scathing indictment of war's tragedies. In the turmoil of the Vietnam War, an American soldier and a Vietnamese girl fall in love, only to be separated during the fall of Saigon. Their struggles to find each other over the ensuing years ends in tragedy. The production is a daring pop opera with such show-stopping numbers as "I Still Believe," "Why God Why?" and "The American Dream." Feb. 24-26, March 4-5 and 11-12.
"The Secret Garden": This classic story has enchanted children since its publication in 1911. Orphaned in India by cholera, 10-year-old Mary Lennox is sent to live in Yorkshire with her only relatives: an embittered, reclusive hunchback, Archibald, and his invalid son. Still grieving the loss of his wife, Lily, 10 years earlier, and distraught over the condition of his bedridden son, Archibald casts a dark shadow over the manor until Mary discovers a secret garden that had once belonged to Lily. By nursing this garden back to life, Mary somehow restores life to her grieving uncle and his sick son. Stars Laurence Paxton. May 12-14, 20-21 and 27-28.
ACT Sundays at Two
Matinee Readers Theatre shows at Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter. Tickets $6 for season ticket holders; $8 for all others. Call 438-4480 or 438-5230. All performances at 7:30 p.m.
"Lillian": This drama, based on the autobiographical writings of Lillian Hellman, is told through flashbacks as Hellman holds vigil at a New York hospital, awaiting the passing of her longtime companion, Dashiell Hammett. She recalls their tempestuous relationship, her childhood and her days of success and failure as an artist and advocate of liberal causes. Jo Pruden stars in this touching, humorous work that paints a portrait of a remarkable woman. Sept. 12, 19 and 26.
"Chinese Coffee": It is 1 a.m. on a freezing New York night when struggling novelist Harry Levine comes pounding furiously on the door of his best friend, photographer Jake Manheim. Harry has a dollar and a half in his pocket, and Jake owes him a substantial amount of money. Jake has even less money than Harry, but what is worse is he has not, he declares, read the manuscript of Harry's latest novel, a work on which Harry's last hope is pinned. Or has he? Jake's jealousy of Harry's talent leads him on a dark path of destruction. Nov. 21, 28 and Dec. 5.
"Golda's Balcony": The rise of Golda Meir from impoverished Russian schoolgirl to prime minister of Israel is one of the most amazing stories of the 20th century. The tale has her witnessing the birth of the country, and reminds audiences where the Middle East standoff came from and why it seems never to end. Features Shari Lynn Smith. Feb. 27, March 6 and 13.
"Rose": Rose's long and varied life is the story of a survivor from a Ukrainian village who endures life in a Warsaw ghetto when the Nazis close in. Sylvia Horman-Alper stars as the feisty Jewish woman who loses her family, travels as a refugee and ends up in America, where she starts another family. May 15, 22 and 29.
Diamond Head Theatre
Performances at the theater at 520 Makapuu Ave. Subscriptions for the six-show season are $49, $99, $146 and $196. Single tickets go on sale Wednesday. Unless otherwise noted, all performances run 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday evenings, with 4 p.m. Sunday matinees. Shows and dates subject to change. Call 733-0274, or visit DHT's Web site, www.diamondheadtheatre.com and download the Season Subscription form.
"Anything Goes": This endearing musical, full of confused identities and instant love affairs, is set aboard a cruise liner where criminals, cabaret singers, stowaways and sailors mix with the rich of New York. Full of great Cole Porter songs such as "I Get a Kick out of You," "You're the Top," "Easy to Love," "It's De-lovely." Sept. 24 to Oct. 10.
"Seussical": The mischievous Cat in the Hat is center stage at the onset of this fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza. Beloved Dr. Seuss characters are lovingly brought to life, including Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and all of the Whos of Whoville! These classic, colorful tales are brought together by Jojo, a young boy and "thinker of strange and wonderful things"! This a musical that appeals to all ages. Dec. 3 to 19.
"Twentieth Century": Successful and egomaniacal Broadway director Oscar Jaffe transforms chorus girl Lily Garland into a leading lady. But as Lily rises to stardom, Oscar begins a career slide. Bankrupt and on his way out, Oscar boards a train, where he runs into Lily again. Oscar pulls out all the stops to persuade the star to return for another show. Feb. 11 to 27.
"The Fantasticks": Talk about a time-proven audience-pleaser -- "The Fantasticks" holds the record for the longest-running musical in the world, and for good reason: At the heart of its breathtaking poetry and theatrical sophistication is a purity and simplicity that transcends cultural barriers. It's a moving tale of young lovers who become disillusioned, only to discover a more mature, meaningful love. Many of the catchy, memorable songs have become standards. March 25 to April 10.
"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum": "Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight!" Broadway's greatest farce is light, fast-paced, witty, irreverent and one of the funniest musicals ever written -- the perfect escape from life's troubles. In this nonstop laugh fest, crafty slave Pseudolus struggles to win the hand of the beautiful but slow-witted courtesan Philia for his young master (Hero), in exchange for freedom. May 20 to June 5.
"Disney's Beauty and the Beast": Disney's Broadway musical brings to life the beloved "tale as old as time" with a burst of theatrical magic. Currently the seventh longest-running show in Broadway history, "Beauty and the Beast" is based on Disney's musical extravaganza, filled with dazzling production numbers and memorable songs. Join Belle, Lumiere and the other enchanted characters as they try to break the spell on the Beast. July 15 to 31.
Hawaii Pacific University Theatre
"Broadway Bound": Picking up where "Brighton Beach Memoirs" and "Biloxi Blues" ended, Part 3 of Neil Simon's acclaimed autobiographical trilogy finds Eugene Jerome and his older brother Stanley trying to break into the world of professional comedy writing while coping with the impending breakup of their family. Nov. 5 through Dec. 5.
Honolulu Theatre for Youth
Performances at various times and locations. Individual tickets are $16; $8 for 18 and under and over 60. Call HTY at 839-9885 or order online at www.htyweb.org.
"The Konatown Musicians": The classic Grimm's fairy tale is reset in Hawaii. On an exodus from a Kona coffee plantation, four over-the-hill animals join together to salvage their dignity and become friends and ultimately heroes. Adapted by Lee Cataluna from the book by Pat Hall; music by Wade Cambern; set by Michael Harada. At Leeward Community College. Recommended for ages 4 and up. At 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sept. 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2 and 9.
"Nothing Is the Same": What might it have been like to be a child living in Central Oahu on Dec. 7, 1941? "Nothing is the Same" tells of three boys and a girl living in Wahiawa during the bombing of Oahu 63 years ago. The event changes their lives and their relationships with each other. Based on oral histories taken with elders in Wahiawa, the play is sponsored by the Arizona Memorial Museum Association. At Tenney Theatre. For ages 7 and up. At 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Oct. 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6 and 13.
"Christmas Talk Story 2005": HTY and Kumu Kahua Theatre return with a sleigh full of new stories and songs about the holidays, plus a few old favorites by 15 of Hawaii's best writers. Each tale is told from a child's perspective. Co-directed by Mark Lutwak and HTY company actor BullDog. At Tenney Theatre. For ages 6 and up. At 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 3:30 p.m. Sundays. Nov. 27, 28, Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19.
"Eddie Would Go" and "Queen of Makaha, Rell Sunn": The stories of two local icons are presented as a double bill at Kumu Kahua Theatre. "Eddie," by Bryan Hiroshi Wake, capturing the life of surfing legend and Hawaiian cultural activist Eddie Aikau, was one of HTY's biggest hits when originally produced seven years ago. Wake's new play is about women's surfing pioneer and community hero Rell Sunn. In this touching and funny play, Rell befriends a young girl while staying at an experimental cancer clinic. Rell shares her life and spirit with the mainland girl, and the two become friends. For ages 9 and up. At 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Feb. 24 to March 27.
"Musubi Man": Adapted by Lee Cataluna from the book by Sandi Takayama, the play has everybody's favorite running snack item returning, in this charming romp for little children. At McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Beach Park and other locations to be announced. For ages 3 and up. At 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. April 9, 16, 23 and 30, and May 7
"Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel": Delightful musical adaptation of the classic children's picture book. Mike Mulligan and his faithful steam shovel Mary Anne take on all challengers as they face the digging job of a lifetime! At McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Beach Park. For ages 4 and up. At 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. April 23 and 30, and May 7, 14 and 21.
Kumu Kahua Theatre
Performances at 46 Merchant St. Show times 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Regular single-ticket prices during prime-time shows are $16; $13 for seniors; $10 for students. Call 536-4441.
"Territorial Plays": Three short plays originally produced in the 1930s, '40s and '60s take audiences back for a look at plantation workers, World War II veterans and the disaffected local youth of early statehood days. "Cane Fire," by Kathryn S. Bond, is about a Scots plantation manager whose attempts to place blame for a cane field fire reveal the political machinations and racial attitudes of 1930s Hawaii. "Reunion," by Lisa Toishigawa Inouye, comically portrays the predicament of veterans who still have not found themselves after a year at home. First produced in 1947, it was praised for its affectionate reflection of familiar realities as well as its use of pidgin dialogue. "In the Alley" is an early work by Edward Sakamoto, offering a classic dramatization of the dynamics of racial conflict in Hawaii, originally produced by the UH Theatre group at Farrington Hall in 1961, and revived by Kumu Kahua at Kennedy Lab Theatre in 1974. Opens 8 p.m. Thursday, running 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Sept. 9, 11, 16-18, 23-25, 30 and Oct. 1-2; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, and Sept. 12, 19, 26 and Oct. 3.
"Half Dozen Long Stem": Kumu Kahua premieres another new work by playwright, screenwriter, actor and newspaper columnist Lee Cataluna, who cultivates her distinctive brand of local humor in new soil: a Honolulu flower and lei shop. Opens in November.
"Christmas Talk Story 2004": See Honolulu Theatre for Youth.
"David Carradine Not Chinese": Playwright Darrell H.Y. Lum, who has a talent for dealing with serious issues in a lighthearted style, is at his comic best in this tale of convoluted racial stereotypes, local attitudes and pun-ridden dialogue, culminating in a hilarious evening at the Wat-Chu Society annual banquet. This play was commissioned by Kumu Kahua. Opens in January.
"Eddie Would Go" and "Queen of Makaha (Rell Sunn)": See Honolulu Theatre for Youth.
"The Ventriloquist": This first play by Mark D. Tjarks presents a volatile and highly theatrical cocktail of music, tape-recorded encounters and tart home-truths from an endearing but ill-adjusted couple. Opens in May.
The Actors Group (TAG)
Performances at Yellow Brick Studio, 625 Keawe St. Shows open at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, continuing at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $10. Call 722-6941 or e-mail tickets@taghawaii.org.
"Bullshot Crummond": Step back to the 1930s and the fun of the Saturday matinee and the serial thrillers. Every week, kids would come back for the continuing adventures of the Shadow, Flash Gordon, Bulldog Drummond and the heroic exploits of their whacked-out, English counterpart, Bullshot Crummond! Oct. 6 to Nov. 7.
"A Raisin in the Sun": Lorraine Hansberry's drama tells of a family living and struggling on Chicago's South Side in the 1950s. It is a fiercely moving portrait of people whose hopes and dreams are constantly deferred. Jan. 5 to Feb. 6.
"Copenhagen": Hawaii premiere of Michael Frayn's Tony Award-winning drama, inspired by events that have intrigued and baffled historians for more than 50 years. Two brilliant physicists, longtime friends whose work together had opened the way to the atom bomb, find themselves on opposite sides of World War II. German physicist Werner Heisenberg made a covert trip at great risk to see his Danish counterpart Niels Bohr and his wife, Margarethe, in Copenhagen, but the meeting ended in disaster. Why did Heisenberg go to Denmark, and what happened at this meeting that was a defining moment of the modern nuclear age? March 16 to April 17.
"Like a Bird": World premiere of a work by Edward Pickard. May 25 to June 26.
Leeward Community College Theatre
Performances are at 96-045 AlaIke, Pearl City, at various times and prices. Call 455-0380 or visit LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu.
"Metamorphoses": The LCC Drama Department employs stunning visual imagery in Mary Zimmerman's adaptation of Ovid's tales about the inevitability of change. Tickets $12; $10 for students, seniors and military. 8 p.m. Nov. 12-13 and 18-20, and 4 p.m. Nov. 14.
"Ten-Minute Play Festival": Annual program of student-produced short plays takes placed in the LCC Lab Theatre. At 4 and 8 p.m. Feb. 11 and 12.
"Black Market Bodies and Miracle Drugs": This piece by Eric Yokomori, one of Hawaii's most controversial playwrights, requires discretion due to strong language and content. In the LCC Lab Theatre. At 8 p.m. April 7-9 and 14-16.
Manoa Valley Theatre
Performances take place at the theater, 2833 E. Manoa Road. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $25 for plays and $30 for musicals. Discount for military and seniors is $5; discount for those 25 and under is $15. Call 988-6131 or visit www.manoavalleytheatre.com.
"My Way": The eyes and ears have it in this stylish tribute to Frank Sinatra, with excerpts from 56 songs that read like chapters of his life. Dean Martin once said, "This is Frank's world, and we all just live in it." (See story above.) Opens Wednesday.
"Red Herring": It's 1952, America is on the verge of the H-bomb, Eisenhower is on the campaign trail and "I Love Lucy" is on Monday nights. Meanwhile, Sen. Joe McCarthy's daughter just got engaged to a Soviet spy, and Boston dame detective Maggie Pelletier has to find out who dumped the dead guy in the harbor. This comic mystery is a hilarious, blunt-nosed, sharp-eyed look at love and tying (and untying, then retying) the knot. Nov. 17 to Dec. 5.
"Over the Tavern": There are 1,300 religions in the world, and 12-year-old Rudy Pazinski has decided to shop around. It's 1950, a time of innocence, youth and discovery, and a time for the ultra-Catholic Pazinski family and teacher Sister Clarissa to fret single-mindedly over Rudy's salvation. An intelligently irreverent comedy that opens our hearts to childhood naivet and reminds us that the secret to life is to have fun. Jan. 12 to 30.
"Cabaret": Hitler is rising to power, racism and anti-Semitism are growing and the best place to hide from it all is the Berlin cabaret. With dancing girls, an androgynous master of ceremonies and American expatriate singer Sally Bowles, you can laugh it up and drink it up and pretend tomorrow will never come. "Cabaret" was a major Broadway hit and an award-winning 1972 film. March 9 to 27.
"The Graduate": Benjamin's got excellent grades, peacock-proud parents and, since he helped Mrs. Robinson with her zipper, a fine future behind him. The cult novel (and award-winning 1967 film) comes vividly to life in this stage adaptation, and Benjamin's hilarious, albeit disastrous sexual odyssey is as entertaining now as it ever was. May 25 to June 12.
"Comic Potential": This knee-slapping satire peeks behind the scenes of television in the near future. A soap opera is being taped when an actor starts speaking gibberish; he's an "actoid," a robot whose programming is off kilter. Adam, an aspiring writer, is on the set and finds, to his surprise, that one of the actoids not only can carry on spontaneous conversation, but, due to a fault in her programming, has a creative imagination as well. A touching romantic comedy. July 20 to Aug. 7.
University of Hawaii
Performances at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Kennedy Theatre Mainstage. Admission is $15; $12 for seniors, military, UH faculty and staff; $10 for non-UH students; $3 for UH students. Tickets available about two weeks in advance of an opening. Call 956-7655 or order tickets online at www.etickethawaii.com.
"How Da B-52 Cockroach Learned to Fly": Lisa Matsumoto, Hawaii's popular pidgin playwright, created this musical adaptation of her popular children's book. The story follows Kimo the cockroach on his quest to help his fellow roaches find their place in Hawaii's insect kingdom. Tamara Hunt-Montgomery, who directed the original production in 1995 when it was called "Das How Come," returns to direct. At 7 p.m. Sept. 17, 4 and 7 p.m. Sept. 18 and 25, and 2 p.m. Sept. 19 and 26.
"Manoa Valley": With dialogue in the rich pidgin of Hawaii, this play provides a nostalgic glimpse at local life just before statehood, with a warm and gentle look over the back fence into the lives of a local Japanese family. Written by Edward Sakamoto and directed by Glenn Cannon. At 8 p.m. Oct. 29-30, Nov. 4-6, and 2 p.m. Nov. 7.
"Luck and Loss: Manandin's Gamble": This traditional West Sumatran "randai" folk play features martial arts, dance, singing, music and pants-slapping percussion in a coming-of-age story filled with love and adventure. The UH is the only university in the world that produces Indonesian randai in English. Directed by Kirstin Pauka. At 8 p.m. Jan. 28-29, Feb. 3-5, and 2 p.m. Feb. 6.
"twelf nite o' WATEVA!": This funny pidgin retelling of Shakespeare's comedy is set in the Kingdom of Hawaii. Adapted by James Grant Benton, "WATEVA!" broke new ground when originally produced by bringing Shakespeare to local audiences and pidgin to the stage. The play will again be directed by Terence Knapp, who was instrumental in bringing the original to life, and will serve as a tribute to Benton, who died in 2002. At 8 p.m. April 22-23, 28-30, and 2 p.m. May 1.
Prime Time
Performances at the University of Hawaii-Manoa's Earle Ernst Lab Theatre. Admission (except where noted) is $10; $8 for seniors, military, UH faculty, staff and non-UH students; $3 for UH students. Call 956-7655 or order tickets online at www.etickethawaii.com.
"Philemon": This musical by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt follows the transformation of Cockian the clown from criminal to martyr in Antioch, Rome, 300 years after the death of Christ. Filled with catchy tunes and haunting melodies, "Philemon" is a musical theater experience. At 8 p.m. Sept. 1-4 and 2 p.m. Sept. 5. Post-show rap on Sept. 3.
"Our Culture Is a Myth": Told with world music and dance, this play explores the sacred myth of our culture, held deep within our hearts. Written and directed by Cee/Cristian E. Ellauri, "Our Culture Is a Myth" is inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell and Daniel Quinn's novel "Ishmael." At 8 p.m. Dec. 1-4 and 2 p.m. Dec. 5. Post-show rap on Dec. 3.
"The Odyssey": Giant puppets and masked characters help tell the tale of Odysseus' epic journey home from the Trojan War in this family theater production. For children 8 and older. At 7 p.m. Feb. 18, 4 and 7 p.m. Feb. 19, and 2 p.m. Feb. 20. Post-show rap Feb. 19.
"Pandora & the Seven Deadly Sins": Inspired by Balinese "topeng," this masked drama looks at modern interpretations of the seven deadly sins. Cassandra Wormser wrote, directed and composed original music. At 8 p.m. March 30-April 2 and 2 p.m. April 3. Post-show rap on April 1.
Late Night
Performances at the University of Hawaii-Manoa's Earle Ernst Lab Theatre. Admission is $8; $7 for seniors, military, UH faculty and staff and non-UH students; $3 for UH students. Call 956-7655 or order tickets online at www.etickethawaii.com.
"The Cyclops": The only full-length extant satyr play, "The Cyclops" is a crass and playful comedy that incorporates dance and theater. By Euripides; translated by Paul Roche and directed by Ashley Larson. At 11 p.m. Sept. 18, 24, 25 and 8 p.m. Sept. 19. Post-show rap follows Sept. 24 performance.
"This Is My House": Conceived by Carolyn Covalt and Jennifer Bolieu; directed by Bolieu. At 11 p.m. Oct. 30, Nov. 5 and 6; and 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Post-show rap follows Nov. 5 performance.
Dance
Leeward Community CollegeHawaii Ballet Theatre's "Nutcracker": Traditional Christmas favorite. At 2 p.m. Dec. 11; 4 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 18; and 7 p.m. Dec. 21.
Hanau Ka Moku: A cooperative effort of Halau O Kekuhi and Tau Dance Theater that incorporates traditional and contemporary Hawaiian dance, chant and video. Tickets $35; $25 for students, seniors and military. At 8 p.m. Jan. 14 and 15.
Rennie Harris Pure Movement: One of the foremost masters of hip-hop dance pushes the borders of the genre, mixing movement and music of different cultures. Tickets $22 for adults; $15 for students, seniors and military. At 8 p.m. Feb. 19.
Expression/Dance: Passion and Abstraction: A presentation of solos that descend from the German lineage in contemporary dance. Tickets $8. At 8 p.m. Feb. 26.
Dayton Contemporary Dance: One of America's most dynamic dance ensembles focused on modern dance's African-American roots. Tickets $18; $12 for students, seniors and military. At 8 p.m. April 2.
LCC Dance Festival: Tickets $10 and $12. At 7:30 p.m. April 22 and 23.
University of Hawaii
"Swoop, Tumble, Fly: The Art of Motion": Annual dance concert features choreography by UH faculty and guests, beginning with an African fusion dance by guest artist Chuck Davis, a foremost teacher and choreographer of African dance in the United States. The program will culminate with a collaboration of UH's four resident faculty members, who will employ a variety of flying and climbing apparatus to accentuate the beauty of motion in space. At Kennedy Theatre Mainstage. Ticket prices same as dramatic productions listed above. At 8 p.m. March 4-5, 11-12, and 2 p.m. March 13.
"Fall Footholds I": Showcase features a variety of dance styles and choreography by UHM dance students. At Earle Ernst Theatre. Ticket prices same Ernst dramatic productions listed above. At 8 p.m. Oct. 6-9, and 2 p.m. Oct. 10. Post-show rap Oct. 8.
"Fall Footholds II: You Are the Mirror": MFA dance candidate Wayles E.S. Haynes presents a program of her diverse choreography from the last three years. "You Are the Mirror" aims to entertain while challenging traditional ideas of the roles of art maker and art watcher. At Earle Ernst Theatre. Ticket prices same Ernst productions listed above. At 8 p.m. Nov. 17-20 and 2 p.m. Nov. 21. Post-show rap Nov. 19.
"Spring Footholds: Moving Images -- An Evening of Dance, Poetry and Music": Imagine ... dances that speak, poems that move and music that paints a story. At Earle Ernst Theatre. Ticket prices same Ernst productions listed above. At 8 p.m. May 4-7 and 2 p.m. May 8. Post-show rap on May 6.
Opera
Hawaii Opera TheatrePerformances at Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and 4 p.m. Sundays, with one 7:30 p.m. presentation of "Turandot" on March 3. Season ticket packages run $81 to $288. Call 596-7858.
"The Flying Dutchman": In a haunting opera that launched Richard Wagner's career, a cursed sea captain condemned to roam the high seas for eternity captivates the heart of a young maiden who vows to break the curse through her faithful devotion. Dreams and reality blur as sacrificial love brings the promise of freedom. Randy Locke returns to HOT in the role of Erik, with Lori Phillips as Senta. Jan. 28 and 30, and Feb. 1.
"Susanna": In her HOT directorial debut, executive director Karen Tiller presents Carlisle Floyd's work based on the biblical story of Susannah and the Elders. A charismatic itinerant preacher, driven by lust and ambition, seduces the young and independent Susannah, ultimately sacrificing her redemption to the unforgiving social justice of a rural Tennessee mountain town. Kelly Cae Hogan is cast as Susannah. Feb. 11, 13 and 15.
"Turandot": Giacomo Puccini's spectacular final masterpiece closes the HOT winter season, with Quinn Kelsey cast as Pong/Mandarin, Lea Woods Friedman as Liu, Karen Huffstodt as Princess Turandot and Warren Mok as Calaf. The princess and her cruel, cold beauty rule Peking, as death meets every suitor who fails to solve the three riddles to win her hand. A mysterious stranger meets the challenge. Determined to melt her icy heart, he provokes her with a single riddle of his own. She must discover his true identity by morning. Henry Akina directs and Ty Paterson conducts. Feb. 25 and 27, and March 1 and 3.
Auditions
If you prefer to act out or sing rather than watch, there are groups that need your talent:
"Half Dozen Long Stem": Director R. Kevin Doyle needs six actors for Kumu Kahua Theatre's production of Lee Cataluna's new comedy opening in November. There are roles for three local males in their early 20s to early 40s; a local female from late teens to late 20s; and two local females from their early 40s to early 60s. Auditions will be at the theater, at 46 Merchant St., and will consist of cold readings, some improvisation and simple movement work. Auditioners should arrive early and stay the whole time. Scripts are available for loan with a $10 cash deposit. Auditions run 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 11 and 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 12. Call 536-4222.
"The King and I": Army Community Theatre will be holding auditions for all ages, recommending only that auditioners "get a reading script from the Fort Shafter Library. ... Come prepared and enthusiastic!" The theater has a policy of nontraditional casting (the casting of ethnic minorities or female actors in roles where race, ethnicity or sex is not germane). Auditions are at 7 p.m. Sept. 13, 14 and 15. Call 438-4480.
"Manoa Valley": Roles in Edward Sakamoto's nostalgic Hawaii tale:
» Tosh Kamiya, the nisei head of household, age 50; his wife, Fumiko, 49; their children Laura, 25, Spencer, 19, and Debbie, 13; and Laura's husband, Toku Taniguchi, 26» Uncle Aki, Tosh's older brother, 55; his wife, Tomi, 53; their son Nobu, 26; and his Caucasian wife Susan, 24
Scripts are available in the Kennedy Theatre Office for a deposit of $3. Auditioners will be reading from the script. Call director Glenn Cannon, 956-2110, or e-mail gcannon@hawaii.edu.
Student and faculty auditions are 3:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Others may audition, along with students and faculty, 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre.
Hawai'i Youth Opera Chorus: Auditions will be held for boys and girls, grades kindergarten through 12, interested in singing in a community choral/music education program. Students will participate in a full rehearsal and be auditioned individually. Arrive 30 minutes prior to rehearsal time for your age group to fill out registration form. Parental consent required. Auditions are Sept. 4 and 11 at Kawaiaha'o Church, 957 Punchbowl St., in the basement:
» Grades 2 and 3: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.Call the office to confirm your appropriate rehearsal/ enrollment time, 521-2982.» Grades 4 to 8 and 9 to 12: 10:30 a.m. to noon
» Boys with changed voices: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
» Grades kindergarten to 1: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The chorus -- formerly the Honolulu Children's Opera Chorus -- provides singers for all Hawaii Opera Theatre productions requiring the participation of children.
St. Andrew's Cathedral Choir: Singers in all voice parts welcome to share an interest in fine choral literature. Must be able to read music. E-mail StAndrewsChoir@hawaii.rr.com or call 524-2822, ext. 223.
Chaminade Community Chorus: Welcomes new singers for fall. Community members welcome. No auditions or fees. Show up 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Chaminade University, 3140 Waialae Ave. Call 261-6495.
Hawaii Vocal Arts Ensemble: Looking for excellent singers with strong music skills, a clear and flexible voice and a commitment to making music at the highest professional level. Auditions Sunday afternoons by appointment. Call 261-6495 or e-mail MaestroTim@aol.com.
HPU International Chorale: The chorale meets 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays in Warmer Auditorium. Academic credit is optional. Ten-minute auditions will be held Sept. 7 to 13. Call 544-1127 to schedule an appointment.
Special events
Kumu Kahua
"Territorial Theatre -- Drama in Hawaii, 1900-59": This event will explore historical circumstances, ideological commitments and aesthetic considerations that shaped the writing and performing of original drama in territorial Hawaii. Theater historians Dennis Carroll and Sammie Choy will share information on how plays reflecting the lives and cultures of Hawaii's people fared on stage. Harry Wong III, Kumu Kahua artistic director, will talk about directing the works, and there will be brief readings from other literary works of the period. Free. At 46 Merchant St., 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7.
"Territorial Literature -- Writing in Hawaii, 1900-59": Whether described as "local" literature, Hawaii literature, Asian-American or Hawaiian literature, writing enjoyed a surge in 1970s Hawaii, often in Hawaiian Creole English, or pidgin. Gary Pak will discuss the issues and aesthetics of territorial Hawaii literature. Rodney Morales will talk about issues of silencing certain ethnic and economic communities, and Arnold Hiura will describe publishing venues and the opportunities and restrictions that Hawaii's indigenous and immigrant writers face. Free. At 46 Merchant St., 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14.
Leeward Community College
LCC's 30th Anniversary Celebration: An evening of Hawaiian dance and music with Melveen Leed, Halau Hula Olana, Tau Dance Theatre and other special guests. Tickets are $30. At 8 p.m. Oct. 16.
Flying Karamazov Brothers: This comic but skillful juggling group is renowned for making gravity look powerless. Tickets $22; $15 for students, seniors and military; $12 for children. At 8 p.m. Oct. 23 and 4:30 p.m. Oct. 24.
LCC Guitar Concert: Tickets are $5. At 4 p.m. Nov. 21.
LCC Holiday Choral Concert: Tickets are $5. At 4 p.m. Nov. 28.
Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano: A high-energy performance by a seminal figure in mariachi music for more than 40 years. Tickets $22; $15 for students, seniors and military. At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30.
Long Walk to Freedom: Stars Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Vusi Mahlasela, in a concert by a choir that integrates traditional Zulu harmony with gospel and soul. Tickets $27; $18 for students, seniors and military. At 8 p.m. Jan. 28.
Les Yeux Noir: Part gypsy, part swing jazz, part klezmer, the frenetic energy of their music makes it difficult for audiences to stay seated. Tickets $22; $15 for or students, seniors and military. At 8 p.m. Feb. 12.
LCC Guitar Concert: Tickets $5. At 4 p.m. April 24.
Te Vaka: These denizens of New Zealand's environs incorporate acoustic and electric guitars with traditional "pate" (log drums) and yield a high-energy show of Polynesian dance and music. Tickets $30; $25 for students, seniors and military. At 8 p.m. May 7.
University of Hawaii
"The Love for Three Oranges": Prince Tartaglia never smiles. The only way to cure him is to gather three magical oranges from the wicked fairy Creonta. This hero's journey is brought to life by colorful masked characters and puppets of all shapes and sizes, in a family theater production. Recommended for ages 8 years and older. A free outdoor performance, held outside the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre. At 5 p.m. Nov. 19 and 20 and 4 p.m. Nov. 21.
"Jim Gamble and His Puppets Present Circus!": Calliope and circus band music provide a colorful musical backdrop for string and rod puppets performing circus feats on an open stage, skillfully manipulated by master puppeteer Jim Gamble. Perfect for families with children ages 3 and up. Tickets $10; $9 seniors, military, UH faculty; $8 non-UHM students and children; $3 UHM students. At 7 p.m. Jan. 8.
"Shakespeare's Birthday Bash XXXV": Terence Knapp celebrates the Bard's birthday with readings, songs and stories. Free. At 6 p.m. April 24.
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