"I'll never get tired of this!" says Tom Althouse, aka Farlington Reginald Rabbit, as a mob of 6-year-olds swarms excitedly around him. With a pair of floppy bunny ears perched on top of his baseball cap, Althouse happily responds to the inquiries of his young fans.
"Are those your real ears?" asks one. "Can I see your necklace?" asks another. "You were funny!" says another.
It's the conclusion of the first preview performance of "Farlington Rabbit" by Heart Tours, Althouse's brand new children's touring company. The lucky kids at summer day camp at Kamali'i Elementary School were the first to see the show last Tuesday morning - and they loved it.
After all, what's not to love about a little rabbit with big dreams, a goofy goose, a friendly cow, a nosy mouse and a sweet pink piglet? All are characters in "Farlington Rabbit," an original play written by Maui's ever-creative Althouse.
"Every thought and action that was taken in putting this company together was first and foremost about the kids, as well as creating a process that was easy and comfortable for the teachers and administration here in Hawaii," Althouse says. "Our performers have been chosen not only for their talent, but for their love for children."
The pool of talent includes Max Reid, Cindy Mayo, Rebecca Lynn, John Ziegler and honorary member Derek Nakagawa; backed up by production team Lisa Teichner, director; Patrick Brown, music director/composer; Reid, choreographer/dance captain/sound designer; Lynn, executive director; Ziegler, technical designer; Alexis Ziegler, stage manager/designer/scenic artist/props master; and Yuana Garvin, costume designer.
Heart Tours aims to take original musicals directly into Maui schools during the 2008-'09 school year. The first show is "Farlington Rabbit" - the "tail" of a little rabbit who wants to be world famous but discovers that friendship and honesty is a better path. Althouse is hilarious as Farlington, shrinking himself down to kid level by shuffling around the stage on kneepads with big furry rabbit feet attached to his knees.
The costumes, props and set are clever but simple: a pig nose here, a cowbell there, a painted backdrop representing the animals' homes. It's all totally portable and versatile, with the guarantee that a show will never be late or cancelled.
"I wanted to make sure children and teachers would never again be put into a situation where kids are waiting in a room for a show that never came because it was booked wrong, or was very late or with actors who were not into the kids or the show," Althouse says.
He also wanted the songs in the show to be inspiring, Broadway-quality pieces. Teaming up with Brown, a piano instructor at the Maui Music Conservatory, proved to be the perfect match for Althouse's funny, meaningful lyrics. "Working closely with Tom on each piece was a fun process, and I think that can be heard in the music!" says Brown.
Throughout the 45-minute show on Tuesday, the children sat entranced, occasionally piping up to cheer on their favorite character. And when it was over, they crowded around the stage like groupies at a rock concert, eager for a chance to meet Gargles the Goose, Snigglet the Pig, Moopatch Cow, and of course, Farlington Rabbit.
"We're on a mission to put the children of Hawaii first and inspire children through the arts," says the Rabbit himself. "There is just not enough quality children's programming out there."
The cost of the show is $4 per student, with a minimum cost of $160. Heart Tours also has a Golden Ticket program where students who are unable to pay may see the show for free. Teachers can choose from a list of available programs. For more information, contact 276-0662 or info@heart-tours.com, or visit www.heart-tours.com.
THIS WEEKEND:
Maui Academy of Performing Arts wraps up its five-show run of "West Side Story," sponsored by Coffees of Hawaii at Maui Tropical Plantation. The award-winning Broadway musical by Jerome Robbins, Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim explores themes of racial discrimination and gang violence, wrapped around the idealistic love story of Tony and Maria. The production, directed by David Johnston, is the culmination of more than 200 hours of intensive classes and rehearsals for the 48 young actors in MAPA's Sum'R Acting Camp. See review and details on Page 3.
Last chance to catch "Once On This Island," the sunny season finale for Maui OnStage at the Iao Theater. Ti Moune (Sarah Ikioka and Ryann Murray) is a peasant girl who rescues, nurses and falls in love with Daniel (Daniel Angel), a wealthy young man from the other side of the island. Despite the tests of the gods and the prejudice and obstacles she encounters, Ti Moune is determined to secure Daniel's love at all costs. Brian Swasey directs this fun, colorful musical, featuring live music directed by Stephen Haines. "Once On This Island" plays Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for students and seniors 65 and better, $15 bargain matinee price on Sunday; available in advance at the MOS ticket outlet, If the Shoe Fits, a few doors down from the Historic Iao Theater at 12 N. Market St. in Wailuku; online at www.mauionstage.com, or by phone at 242-6969.
OPPORTUNITIES:
And they're off! Maui SLAM! wraps up weeks of fundraising with a final Poetry Slam and Aloha Benefit tonight at Casanova in Makawao. The funds will send the four poets of Team Maui Slam to the National Poetry Slam in Madison, Wis., on Monday. Tonight's event invites poets, emcees and spoken-word artists to share their original works of three minutes or less in competition for a $100 cash prize. DJ Boomshot will spin beginning at 9:30 p.m., and special guests Kit Cat Club Burlesque will perform. Cover is $10. For more information, visit www.mauislam.com.
Note: Sky Barnhart will be out on maternity leave through the end of September. Former "Backstage" columnist Jule Wind will be filling in during her absence and may be reached at julewind@comcast.net.
