READY TO CUT LOOSE: Veteran actors Richard Aadland, left, and Gene DeFrancis, second from left, celebrated with cast members Katherine L. Jones, Arthur "AJ" Johansen, Heather Ensley-Maldonado and Terry E. Howell Jr. at the opening-night party for "Footloose" Wednesday at Manoa Valley Theatre. Johansen's gymnastic dance solos, Howell's comical portrayal of a good-natured country hick and Ensley-Maldonado's big showcase number, "Let's Hear It for the Boy," are bright spots in a surprisingly lackluster show. FYI, DeFrancis opens in "The Full Monty" at Diamond Head Theatre on Sept. 23.

TIME FOR A HUG: Arthur "AJ" Johansen, who stars as Ren McCormack in MVT's production of "Footloose," greeted his leading lady, Tricia Marciel, when she came out to join the post-show party. Marciel's performance as Ariel Moore, the rebellious daughter of the town preacher, is one of the best in the show.

BURGERS, ANYONE?: Vincent Green congratulated "Footloose" cast members Michelle Matias, left, Tricia Marciel and Heather Ensley-Maldonado. Matias adds to the comic content of the show with her portrayal of Betty Blast, the idiosyncratic owner of the hamburger place where the teens hang out.

DON'T MISS 'ARCHIPELAGO': David Liittschwager, right, was the guest of honor Wednesday when Stephen Little hosted the opening of "Archipelago" at the Academy Art Center. Liittschwager's photos capture the beauty and the vulnerability of the flora and fauna of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

A GREAT 'TASTE': Karaoke king Walter Omori, center, arrived fashionably on time Wednesday for "A Taste of Hawaiian Brian's" at the newly upgraded pool hall and game room. Omori talked with Richard Akimoto, left, Violet Anderson, Dwayne Arakawa and Glenn Anderson before trying any of the games.