Breaking News

Backstage

Review: Maui OnStage’s ‘Hollywood Arms’ is a bittersweet slice of life

Just like the twin masks of comedy and tragedy, there is often a fine line between hilarity and heartbreak in the world of theater.The artful juxtaposition of humor and woe is at the heart of the Maui OnStage production of "Hollywood Arms," a semi-autobiographical play based on Carol Burnett's best-selling memoir, "One More Time."Co-written by the comedienne and her late daughter, Carrie Hamilton, and directed by Michael Pulliam, "Hollywood Arms" is a coming-of-age, rags-to-riches story that will leave audience members roaring with laughter one minute-and wiping away tears the ...

Hollywood Arms

For many, it's a startling paradox: those who make us laugh are often the ones who carry the deepest emotional scars.From Charlie Chaplin to Stephen Colbert, comedians have a remarkable ability to overcome traumatic childhoods, triumph over adversity and transform tragic circumstances into humorous ones.The same goes for Carol Burnett, one of the most comically gifted entertainers in the history of American television. Burnett may be best known for her wacky comedy sketches in the award-winning "The Carol Burnett Show" and her unforgettable role as Miss Hannigan in the film adaptation of ...

Dance Reimagined

It was an evening of firsts Friday night at King Kekaulike High School - starting with the school's first performance of "Footloose," and its first-ever sellout with more than 200 people in attendance, plus another two dozen that had to be turned away. "Footloose" is also the school's first-ever production featuring a live orchestra, lead ably by musical director and conductor Casey Nagata.Director Chris Kepler used the evening to make his first official announcement that King Kekaulike will soon embark on a 400-seat performance facility. When dealing with first efforts, things aren't ...

Review: ‘Fresher Ahi’ quite a catch

David Johnston says he had no idea audiences would connect so deeply to the "Ahi" ohana. Now that I have seen both productions, I believe it is that audience connection that makes these tales so entertaining. As someone who occasionally performs, I can say it is a great audience that makes a great performance. The "Fresher Ahi" crowd last Saturday night hooted, howled and snorted with almost nonstop laughter.Two wise choices were made in the construction of this sequel. One, brothers Andrew and Anden, the leads of "Lesser Ahi," have now become supporting roles, allowing the madcap ...

King Kekaulike Dramatic Arts Company to find its groove with Footloose

Maui OnStage held its annual Sneak Peek fundraiser on Saturday night, when its 2013-14 season was revealed to a sold-out crowd at a private oceanfront estate in Kihei. Up first, and running from Sept. 27 through Oct. 6, is the farce "Love, Sex and the IRS" by Billy Van Zandt. Opening Nov. 29 and running through Dec. 15 is "Scrooge: The Musical," with book, music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse adapted from the film starring Albert Finney.Next year, the annual spring musical will be Jerry Herman's "La Cage aux Folles," which runs from Feb. 28 through March 16. "The Miracle Worker," by ...

Review: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

A spring musical should be joyous, funny and upbeat. Last year, Baldwin High School offered the Maui premiere of "Hairspray," which was extremely entertaining. Its follow-up this season is "Little Shop of Horrors," which will run for two more weekends, and although it is a smaller show and a little less lavish, it is very funny and enjoyable.A big "Little Shop" highlight is the doo-wop girls, both in character work and vocals. Ronnette (Jordyn Clarke), Chiffon (Ashley Ramos) and Crystal (Nomi Macadangdang) give the production that extra energy needed to tie the ridiculously campy tale ...