Download Coming Soon Inside This Issue ¡Viva el Flamenco!

November 2010
Volume 96 • Issue 1
¡Viva el Flamenco!
Inside This Issue
Behind the Music at a
DHT Dance Class
Diamond Head Theatre offers 25
classes year-round, ranging from Acting for
Children to Adult Ballet, Hip-Hop and
Flamenco. We simply had to sit in on a
flamenco class so we could tell you all about
it.
First we met with some of the energetic
students to find out why they chose this
class and what they liked about it. Linda told
us: “I read about the class in the newspaper.
I had never taken such a class, so I thought
it would be interesting.” Kesha felt the same,
and was also inspired by a trip to Spain.
She loves the music and the feeling of
flamenco dance—“it’s like being in a trance!”
Moselle jumped in. “The Arabic and Spanish
influences interest me, and the rhythm is
fascinating.” Ana finds it both energizing and
relaxing. She took flamenco as a child and is
happy to return to it. Denise is attracted to
all forms of non-Western dance. What she
loves about flamenco is that it accommodates
all ages and all body types—“no skinny
ballerinas here!”
The class instructor, Vanessa Chong
Kuna, put the students through their paces.
Then we paused the music to ask her a few
questions.
How did you start your career/interest in
flamenco dance?
I was raised in Hawaii in a Latin home,
and dancing was an important part of our
household (my mom is from Bolivia, and
my dad is from Hawaii). On my first trip to
Spain, I saw a few flamenco shows in Sevilla,
Madrid and Granada and fell in love with
the art form. So when I returned home I
found a flamenco dance teacher and began
my studies. A few years later, I studied at
a special summer workshop in Córdoba,
Spain.
¡Viva el Flamenco!
1
A Look Back in Time
2
Executive Director’s Message 2
Casey Cameron
3
Curtain Call
3
Star Moments
4
In the Spotlight
6
Season 2010-2011 Opens
7
All the World’s a Stage
7
Mahalo, Volunteers
8
Coming Soon
LITTLE WOMEN
December 3 - 19
I HATE HAMLET
January 28 - February 13
THE KING AND I
March 25 - April 10
Flamenco class is one of 25 classes offered at
DHT year-round.
In 1994, Diamond Head Theatre gave
me the opportunity to teach flamenco dance.
I’ve been teaching here ever since, except for
a break in 1996, when I decided to seriously
explore and study flamenco dance in Sevilla,
Spain. I lived there with a host family and
took one or two flamenco dance classes
every day. Through a University of Hawaii
at Manoa study abroad program in Sevilla,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
ALTAR BOYZ
May 20 - June 5
HAIRSPRAY
July 15 - July 31
For Tickets
Call 808.733.0274 or visit
www.diamondheadtheatre.com
A Look Back in Time
All My Sons
2
We recently received a call for
information about our production of
Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, which
opened in September of 1947. It seems
there was an event being planned to
honor Judge
Samuel King,
and Judge King
was in this very
production at
DHT (then
Honolulu
Community
Theatre)! In
our research for
the caller, we
Aloha from DHT’s
Executive Director
I’m getting out my winter clothes
in preparation for DHT’s annual
Broadway Bound
Tour. I grew up
in Boston, so I
should be used
to the cold, but
guess what: My
30-plus years in
Hawaii have done
me in! I’m chilly
when it hits the
low 70s on my
Nuuanu lanai. So, needless to say, I’ll be
doing a lot of layering.
Still, I do look forward to the fall
uncovered some interesting tidbits.
All My Sons was the opening show
for HCT’s 1947-1948 season and
directed by Elroy Fulmer, then the
artistic director of our theatre. It was
selected by a Mr. John Halliday, who
seems to have been a volunteer for
HCT. Mr. Halliday traveled to New
York regularly and was always “on the
hunt for what I think will be a fine play
for Honolulu.” The producer of the NY
production gave Mr. Halliday a copy of
the script for the show, which was still
in rehearsal. “Mr. Halliday writes: ... so
I suggested to Mr. Harris that he give
us the rights for Honolulu. Much to my
astonishment, he said he would not only
give us the rights, but they would be
exclusive.”
The show was a hit, both in New
York and Honolulu. According to the
Honolulu Star-Bulletin review: “Many
who have seen the play consider it the
artistic triumph of Mr. Fulmer’s career.
The casting of the characters was
superb.”
We assume that superb casting
included the esteemed Judge King,
whose cast bio states he was “active
foliage and the energy of NYC. But
what I like best is watching our DHT
patrons enjoy the city. We always seem
to have a mixed group of NYC travel
veterans and first-timers, and the
dynamics are fun to watch. The first
night we’re all a bit jet-lagged at dinner,
and some have a look of apprehension
in their eyes at the unfamiliar
surroundings. By the third day, I no
longer see them lingering in the hotel
lobby. They’ve gotten their bearings and
they’re off—seeing shows, shopping,
enjoying the sights.
Introducing people to something new
is the best part of my job. Whether it’s a
traveler to the Big Apple, a new patron
to a DHT production or the new kid
on the first day to our MTE summer
Encore! is published by Diamond Head Theatre, 520 Makapuu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816.
Phone(808)733-0277
Facsimile(808)735-1250
Box Office(808)733-0274
www.diamondheadtheatre.com
Writer/Publisher
Editor
Contributing Writer
Coordinator
Deena Dray
Stacy Pope
Karen G. Wolfe
Cheryl Yamada
Robert Dorsen, Ellen Harris and Samuel King
in dramatics at Punahou, but has not
stepped before the footlights until
now.” Judge King was then a practicing
young lawyer with the firm of King and
McGregor.
Fast forward to present. All My Sons
was recently played again on Broadway.
The stars: John Lithgow and Katie (Mrs.
Tom Cruise) Holmes.
school, every new person in the door is
an opportunity. An opportunity to tell
our story. And, hopefully in such a way
that they’ll come back—to NYC, or to
a show, or to another summer session.
That’s the second-best part of my job:
seeing people who’ve “tried” DHT, liked
it … and have come back. We have a
lot of them. We could always use more.
Help me get them in the door—we’ll
take care of the rest!
Have a great holiday season.
P.S. On Facebook yet? Be sure to
become a fan (or “like”) Diamond Head
Theatre. Lots of news and inside scoops!
Our Mission Statement
Established in 1915, Diamond Head Theatre is
the Broadway of the Pacific, producing the best live
community theatre entertainment and advancing
the theatre arts through education in Hawai‘i.
Casey Cameron
Takes on Shrek
DHT Costume Director Karen
Wolfe Tells Casey’s Story
You know you’ve made it when you
go national. Talented local costume
designer Casey Cameron will be moving
on to join the first national tour of Shrek
the Musical as a wardrobe supervisor.
Proud hardly describes my feelings
about my best friend’s success. We met
here at Honolulu Community Theatre
as teens in 1968—she a dresser and I
a dancer in the ensemble of On a Clear
Day You Can See Forever, directed by L.
Newell Tarrant and choreographed by
Peggy Ryan Sherman.
At age 12, Casey straight-stitched
FLAMENCO - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
I also studied at the Universidad de
Sevilla and sped up a master’s degree
in Spanish language
and literature. My time
in Sevilla changed my
life! It was such a great
experience.
Why do you love flamenco
dance? What makes it
unique?
I love flamenco dance
because it’s elegant, lovely
and powerful, all at the
same time. The art form
is so positive for the
mind, body and spirit.
The dance incorporates
intricate finger, hand and
original designs
for her magentahaired troll using
her mother’s
White Rotary
sewing machine,
and she dreamed
of mounting her
own paper doll
show. In college, the
University of Hawaii fashion design
program taught her draping, patterning
and factory techniques, but called her
ideas “too theatrical.” So, she majored in
costume design instead. Lucky for us,
as Casey ended up designing for many
DHT productions, including Barefoot
in the Park in 2008, The Taming of the
Shrew in 1995 and Fallen Angels in
1991. She produced specialty garments
arm movements; strong posture; smooth
marking steps; commanding footwork;
and interesting rhythms. Flamenco
dance is unique because it does not have
an age limit. I have seen
little kids, grandmas,
grandpas—and everyone
in between—dance
flamenco.
DHT Flamenco instructor
Vanessa Chong Kuna
Curtain Call
Our Fond Aloha
to Dorothy Regner
Diamond Head Theatre has
recently lost a beloved friend: Dorothy
Regner. Dorothy was on our Board
of Directors, eventually becoming its
chair; she also volunteered for many
years in our costume and administrative
What about the attire?
Women usually wear a
flamenco skirt. Polka-dot
fabric is a favorite theme,
as well as solids. The skirt
is also a prop. You grasp
it, flounce it, twirl in it.
All done “with attitude!”
The feeling of the skirt
as it moves is important.
And the flamenco shoes
departments. She passed away in
Scottsdale, Arizona.
Her husband, Jim, sent a very
generous gift along with a lovely note:
“… despite a span of many years and
many locations, a common thread for
Dorothy was her love of the performing
arts. Her time spent with Honolulu
Community Theatre/Diamond Head
Theatre was a highlight in her life.
Dorothy proudly talked about it, even
during her appearance on the TV game
for Madame Thenardier in Les Miz in
2008, Crocodile in Peter Pan in 2003
and hats for My Fair Lady in 1986. In
the 1970s, she worked full time in our
Costume Shop under Peg Birnie.
In 2006 Casey joined the
International Alliance of Theatrical
Stage Employees, Local 665, which
allowed her to work wardrobe for films
like The Tempest (starring Helen Mirren
and directed by Julie Taymor), Princess
Kaiulani and Soul Surfer, The Bethany
Hamilton Story. When The Lion King
played at the Blaisdell Center a couple of
years ago, Casey dressed hyenas, gazelles
and water buffalo. It was that job that
led to Shrek.
Our congratulations, and aloha oe!
have nails in them! Yes, nails, and
literally hammered into the soles at the
toes and on the heels. That gives the
dance its distinctive sound!
How do you keep fresh with the dance?
In order to keep up with my art,
I have studied in Sevilla, Córdoba
and Madrid, Spain; Buenos Aires,
Argentina; Albuquerque, New Mexico;
Los Angeles and San Francisco;
California; and New York City. I’ve
always had great experiences in all of
these cities—jumping right into class,
being accepted immediately and meeting
teachers, dancers and other flamenco
aficionados from all over the world.
show, Jeopardy! She enjoyed all her
volunteer work at DHT … even cooking
up some award-winning chili for the
annual Compadres Chili Cook-off [a
fundraiser for DHT]. Please accept this
$10,000 gift in her memory to help keep
Diamond Head Theatre the premiere
theatre experience in Hawaii.”
The theatre board and staff feel
blessed to have known Dorothy
throughout her long tenure here. A hui
hou, Dorothy … .
3
Star Mo
Shooting Stars and MTE K
The DHT Shooting Stars
(numbering 45) performed all over
town this summer. In addition to
DHT’s Volunteer Picnic, the Stars were
at Tamarind Park at Bishop Square
for a Tap-A-Thon, at McDonald’s in
Palolo, and even on TV. The troupe is
heading to New York City in March
2011 and has been busy raising money.
Check out their variety show, The Stars
Come Out for Christmas, December
13 and 14 at DHT. Reserved tickets
($15) are available through Kelly at
733-0277 x306.
4
oments
Kids Take Summer by Storm
Diamond Head Theatre is full to the
rafters with children and teens every
summer. Our Musical Theatre Experience
summer program contributes 80 of those
attendees, and MTE II, another 25. The
six-week program (and another two
weeks for MTE II) culminates in two
performances on two separate weekends.
This year’s shows were terrific, with
beaming parents, aunties and uncles
applauding wildly. They were wonderful
and proud moments for all, including the
MTE staff, who worked long and hard.
5
In the
Spotlight
Meet Members of Our Board
Diamond Head Theatre is honored
to have 40 community leaders and
theatre buffs serving on our Board of
Directors. We would like to introduce
several of these special individuals to
you and thank the entire board for their
enthusiastic support.
John Magauran
Board Member
6
Occupation
Medical Director
at ORI Helemano
Plantation, a
residential facility
and community based program for
developmentally disabled adults
First Job
Dishwasher
Last Book Read
The Paris Vendetta by Steve Berry
Favorite Travel Destination
I love going back to Ireland—
Dublin in particular—and
Connecticut, to visit my family
How Long on the Board
10 years
Favorite DHT Moment
When my sister, Mary, was on stage
in It’s a Wonderful Life. She was
in the ensemble and had so many
different roles that sometimes, due
to the costuming and wigs, I wasn’t
always sure it was Mary! In that
same production, my friend Randy
Hubbard, playing George Bailey,
sang the song “Precious Little” to the
daughter, Zuzu. That was amazing.
Then of course there was the
production of The Sound of Music
a few years back when Uli Cutter,
dressed in her own Austrian dirndl
dress, stomped across the stage,
indignantly accepting second place
to the Von Trapp Family Singers!
She didn’t say a word, but I never
laughed so hard. She brought down
the house!
Susan K. Eichor
Kay Hampton
Board Member
Board Member
Occupation
President and COO
of aio, a family of
businesses in media,
sports, technology
and food, dedicated to living and
promoting the unique values of
Hawaii, its culture and its people.
The people of aio share one guiding
principle: No matter who we are, no
matter what our job may be, each of
us has the power to make a positive
difference in the world around us.
First Job
Counter help at Zippy’s!
Last Book Read
Born to Run by Christopher
McDougall
Favorite Travel Destination
Anywhere with ski slopes
How Long on the Board
1 year
Favorite DHT Moment
Whenever I’m at a DHT
production with nostalgic songs that
bring up warm, happy memories.
Occupation
President of Media
Matters, a national
advertising media
rep sales firm
First Job
Waitress at a fish and chip
restaurant in Detroit, Michigan
Last Book Read
The Kitchen House by Kathleen
Grissom
Favorite Travel Destination
Greece (after Hawaii)
How Long on the Board
17 years
Favorite DHT Moment
When I saw my granddaughter,
Stephanie, perform on DHT’s stage
Dr. Kathleen
Sulieman
Board Member
Occupation
I practiced general
and cosmetic
dentistry in
Oakland, California for 12 years
before moving to Oahu. Once we
moved here, I became a full time
mom. The children are now grown
and I’m managing my husband’s
medical offices and sleep labs.
First Job
Teen model for JCPenney
Last Book Read
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by
Muriel Barbery
Favorite Travel Destination
Rome (sigh!)
How Long on the Board
3 years
Favorite DHT Moment
The cancan dance in La Cage aux
Folles. The dancers were amazing.
Vernon Wong
Board Member
Occupation
Senior Vice
President
and Manager,
Private Wealth
Management, First Hawaiian Bank
First Job
Waiter at John Dominis restaurant
Last Book Read
The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle
Favorite Travel Destination
Japan—just love the culture and the
food
How Long on the Board
4 years
Favorite DHT Moment
Les Misérables is probably my
all-time favorite. I’ve seen it once
in New York and three times in
Honolulu with the Broadway tour.
DHT’s 2009 season opening night
of Les Miz just blew me away with
Peter Lockyer and Melanie Tojio’s
direction, Peter’s performance as
Jean Valjean and the unbelievable
local talent surrounding them. I was
mesmerized and thought I was in
New York again. DHT consistently
puts out incredible performances!
Season 2010 - 2011 Opens
It was “crazy” times at Diamond
Head Theatre in September. We opened
our season with Crazy for You and it was
an unqualified hit. We again thank our
good friends at the Sheraton Waikiki
for a wonderful opening night reception,
which set the stage for an even more
wonderful show.
DHT had presented this production
in 1997, but since many did not
remember it, we took some time to offer
tantalizing tidbits: “… filled with all the
best Gershwin tunes … a high-energy,
tap-dancing extravaganza featuring guest
artist David Spangental from NYC …”
and so on. The word spread and the
crowds poured in. Our final weekend
was really crazy, with everyone calling
for tickets and none to be had!
What a great way to open our
season. Kudos to the artisans, cast, crew,
musicians and volunteers for making
this show one to remember. “Who could
ask for anything more?”!
It Was “Crazy!”
Tom Ishii Jr., Sally Ishii, Joey Harris and Randy
Harris
Kelly Sanders, Revell Newton, Riley Newton and
Candes Meijide Gentry
John Magauran, Cheryl Dickerson and Jess Aki
Joyce Morrows, Pat Kwiecinski and Sarah
Richards
7
All the World’s a Stage
And We Played Well at the Annual Producer’s Club Dinner
Downtown @ the
HiSAM chef/
owner Ed Kenney,
and Sharon
McPhee
Myrna Cundy, Richard Cundy,
Gabe Lee and Shirley Lee
Richard Aadland, Karen Wolfe,
Roberta Bishop and Howard Bishop
Tricia
Marciel,
Renee
Noveck,
Vanessa
Manuel
Mazzullo
and Megan
Mount
Every year, Diamond Head Theatre
holds an annual dinner for our “MIAs.” No,
not people missing in action. These folks are
anything but missing! They’re our Maestro,
Impresario and Angel Producers–generous
donors who contribute annually to our
Producer gift club at the higher levels.
The dinner is an opportunity to welcome
them to the new season and thank them for
their support. Downtown @ the HiSAM
has been the scene for several of these
dinners. Chef Ed Kenney is a good friend
and he creates a special menu that always
dazzles our guests.
The evening also includes entertainment
(after all, we are a theatre!). This year, DHT
Artistic Director John Rampage pulled
together the actresses from our hit show,
SHOUT: THE MUSICAL. They knocked
it out of the park and had the room up and
dancing to favorites such as “Preacher Man”
and “Shout!” (“You make me wanna … ”)
Thanks again to these bighearted donors.
If you want to be one of our “MIAs,” please
call Sabrina at 733-0277 x305.
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
520 Makapuu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
HONOLULU, HAWAII
PERMIT NO. 260
8
Mahalo, Volunteers
A Sunset Evening Picnic
Celebrates the End of the Season
The DHT lanai and lawn area was
the setting for our annual Volunteer
Picnic on August 20. The weather
cooperated and we enjoyed a nice, cool
summer day.
Several years back, the Board
Directors were drafted to cook for
the event. Now thanks to generous
donations, this year from Joan Bellinger,
Randy and Joey Harris, Alton Kuioka
and Wendell Wo, we were able to secure
a caterer (Big G’s Catering). No offense,
but it’s pretty nice to have pros cooking
the food! And there was plenty of food
indeed, along with some tasty desserts.
Our volunteers showed up in droves.
From actors and actresses to ushers,
ticket takers, concession teams, and
costume and set volunteers, we had
them all!
DHT employees, Board Directors
and community advisory board
members staffed the check-in, the food
service and the door-prize giveaways
(we had almost 40 gift baskets), and the
Shooting Stars put on a great show, as
usual. We so appreciate our volunteers.
We would not be able to operate
without them. Mahalo!