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Review: ‘RENT’ at Historic Iao Theatre

If there weren't so many shows running, I would devote more space to reviewing every aspect of "RENT." Maybe that is a blessing in disguise. "RENT" needs to be experienced, not talked about. There are 16 actors who present this moving production, rather than two stars and a bunch of extras. For that reason, this review will not be about what a great singer or actor person X is."RENT" should be about an alternative family, and that's exactly what Steven Dascoulias, Vania Jerome and Sarah Loney have created. If there is a collective star of "RENT," it is the band, made up of Jerome ...

‘Rent’ off Broadway on Maui

I recently saw a young couple walk past the Historic Iao Theater marquee that displayed details about the upcoming production of "RENT." It read "525,600 minutes," which is a lyric from the musical.The girl said, "I really want to see this."To which her partner responded, "I hope that's not how long it is."The lyric is in reference to the number of minutes in a year. "RENT" spans a year in the life of eight New York bohemians. There are two types of theatergoers who will attend "RENT" this summer: the ones who have already seen it 10 or 12 times and can't get enough, and those who have ...

Up close with: Bob Wills

Many Maui residents have two or more jobs. I certainly do, and the same is true for almost every director and choreographer on island. When Bob Wills isn't singing, acting, conducting or directing, he is the coach/broker-in-charge for Century 21 All Islands in Kahului by day."Believe me, it is a juggling act. A lot of nights are spent rehearsing. But it is what charges my batteries, fills my spirit," said Wills.I asked how he got started in music."It really started when I was in 4th grade and took cello lessons. I was second chair in the St. Paul Youth Orchestra," he explained. "Then I ...

Summer of the stage

From south side to west side and all around the island, it's going to be an incredibly busy summer of theatrical productions that will appeal to just about every demographic. If there is a common thread, get ready to hear the people sing, Maui.Starting Independence Day weekend, Maui Academy of Performing Arts will present "Disney's 101 Dalmatians," directed by Kathleen Schulz. The production will star children from ages 7 to 12, and runs July 5 through 7 at Steppingstone Playhouse. Performances are at 5 and 7 p.m. on Friday; and 2 and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $12 for ...

‘Clean’ comedy comes to Maui

What makes funny? Milton Berle liked to claim it was a science, such as, he used to say, the "K" sound is funny and the number "3" is funny.Ninety years ago, comedian George Jessel confused audiences with his one-hour routines of a one-sided phone conversation with his mom, which always ended in a request for money.Don Rickles made a career out of insulting the audience. Andy Kaufman did his laundry on stage in silence while lying in a sleeping bag for an hour. Jim Gaffigan can talk about Hot Pockets until the Apocalypse (which may involve a Hot Pocket). Whatever "funny" is, it's always ...

Maui’s top performers honored

Broadway celebrated its biggest night of the year on Sunday with the 67th Tony Awards. For most theater geeks like myself, it is the one night to catch a glimpse of the new hit Broadway productions.The big winner of the night was Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper's "Kinky Boots." I'm reasonably certain that "Kinky Boots" will come to Maui someday, but that will only happen after a national tour and the rights become available for smaller theater companies around the world to make their own productions.It took 20 years for the "Les Miserables" rights to become available, but Maui Academy ...