Breaking News

Backstage

Unquestionably funny

In the past decade, many an A-list comic has performed on Maui, along with a few B-listers whose star power rose significantly following a national tour. Jim Gaffigan's 2010 Maui appearance comes to mind, along with Tig Notaro's in 2014.During interviews with some of the A-list comics over the past few years, Amy Schumer's name has been mentioned as a favorite young comic. Two years ago, you may have needed to Google her, but in 2016 she has become a household name with a career that appears to be on fire.Like Schumer, Iliza Shlesinger's notoriety grew as a result of competing on "Last ...

ProArts offers thrills, one by one

There are two endings to the current production of Agatha Christie's murder mystery "And Then There Were None," but I won't be revealing either one. Its original ending, taken from the1939 novel, is significantly more chilling, but the alternative ending, first used in the 1945 film version, is more surprising.Sold-out houses witnessed both over the weekend, and taking into account their reactions to the production, this eerie tale, perfectly suited for the intimate ProArts Playhouse in Kihei, should be a tough ticket over the next two weekends.To use an old English expression, "And Then ...

‘Opposing Forces’: Dance production at the MACC to put a spin on hip hop

One of the most commendable qualities of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center is its dedication to presenting groundbreaking new works. Although well-established and highly regarded on the Mainland, innovative works are a hard sell in Hawaii. Certainly, multidecade, tried-and-true household names keep live theaters in the black, but it is uplifting that the MACC also embraces urban, abstract performing art."I hope this makes people spin around in their heads about the (hip hop) culture," said Seattle-based dancer, performer and choreographer Amy O'Neal in a 2014 documentary film on ...

Whodunit?

After an eight-month hiatus, ProArts Inc. is roaring back like a lion. Thanks to fundraising efforts, improv comedy performances are taking place three times a month, auditions for Larry Shue's "The Nerd" have just been announced, and next Friday, ProArts opens its first play of the season, "And Then There Were None."Three years ago, ProArts presented Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap." In featuring that production, I brought up that Christie was, and still is, the third best-selling author in history, outclassed only by William Shakespeare and the Bible. "And Then There Were None" is by ...

‘Play it as it lays’: Jeff Bridges on music, love and White Russians

It has always baffled me that many will gladly spend $100 for dinner, but hem and haw over ticket prices to see a legendary entertainer perform live. There is certainly some sticker shock at the Maui Celebrity Series if you're focusing on the VIP seating.The intimate setting at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali places the front row about 3 feet from the stage, but general seating is only a dozen rows away. Next up at Brian Evans' popular series is the Academy Award-winning Jeff Bridges. I spoke with Bridges last week when he called from his study, and I was a bit bowled ...

‘Smorgasbord’ of creativity

Fringe festivals have existed worldwide for nearly 70 years. There are more than 50 Fringe's in the United States alone, each just as unique as the original one-act plays on the bill. The Maui Fringe Theater Festival is diminutive in comparison to its national counterparts. In 2011, the Maui Fringe began with four one-act plays and this year, the Historic Iao Theater in Wailuku will host eight productions.Opening the Fringe is "Murder Blood Bear Story" by Katelyn Schiller. This quirky one-woman play was showcased at New Orleans' Razors Edge festival in November after debuting at the ...