The word theater is derived from ancient Greece, and means “the seeing place,” or “place for viewing.” The late American actress and acclaimed acting teacher, Stella Adler, said the theater is a place where people come to see the truth about life and the social situation. This month, Kahilu Theatre perpetuates the great traditions of the performing arts with its 35th presenting season, which runs through June 2016.
The word theater is derived from ancient Greece, and means “the seeing place,” or “place for viewing.” The late American actress and acclaimed acting teacher, Stella Adler, said the theater is a place where people come to see the truth about life and the social situation. This month, Kahilu Theatre perpetuates the great traditions of the performing arts with its 35th presenting season, which runs through June 2016.
Kahilu Theatre, known for educational programs and community events, also hosts productions from visiting companies that have created productions both nationally and internationally.
Opening the season on Sept. 19 is the Rough Riders, featuring Henry Kapono, John Cruz and Brother Noland. These three favorite Hawaiian singer/songwriters will perform their individual hits, as well as new collaborations. Other Hawaiian music performances this season include HAPA, Jake Shimabukuro, Amy Hanaialii, Robert Cazimero and a Tribute to Brother Iz.
“I’m proud to present a strong Hawaiian music lineup,” Kahilu Theatre Managing and Artistic Director Tim Bostock said. “We’re kicking it off well with the Rough Riders, and of course the Ukulele Festival, which this year has a really different feel. We’re always looking to expand the Ukulele Festival and of course the biggest part of it is the three days of workshops in the schools.”
The dance series kicks off with Les Ballets Trockaderos de Monte Carlo on Jan. 19, 2016. The company is described as “artful parodists, illuminating the most gripping classical ballets via a wink and a smile and the occasional will-placed shtick.” The company will also offer a free master class.
“I’m very excited about the Les Ballets Trockaderos,” said Bostock. “I’ve been trying for three years to bring them to Kahilu, and it took a power of persuasion from me to both Maui and Kauai presenters to get them here. It’s a very big group, 26 people I believe, so there’s the extra cost of traveling. I’ve heard them before and they are extraordinarily engaging, and tremendous performers. They are very funny and at the same time brilliant. To me, it’s the perfect combo.”
Kahilu’s music series begins Oct. 29 with Opetaia’s Te Vaka, a group of musicians and dancers from Tokelau, Tuvalu, Samoa, Cook Islands, and New Zealand, that delivers high-energy music from the South Pacific. Other acts include Glenn Miller Orchestra, Marcia Ball and Johnny Nicholas, Las Cafetaras, Kenny Endo, and Irish acoustic group Lunasa with Tim O’Brian.
The classical series brings a plethora of orchestras and ensembles, including, Fandago, Lisa Hopkins Seegmiller, Hesperus — The Mark of Zorro!, Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra, Jon Nakamatsu, Tessa Lark, The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and Soyeon Kate Lee and Ran Dank.
Local community productions include “Grease,” and the world premiere play, “she’island,” directed by Jane Sibbett. “She’island” is an anthology of stories collected from local women sharing empowering stories of bravery and survival and runs Oct. 23 and 24.
The family series starts Oct. 18 with “Anime Alice,” an original production by Honolulu Theatre for Youth and inspired by traditional Japanese theater and celebrating the 150th anniversary of “Alice in Wonderland.”
Family Fun Day events include the Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar Institute on Nov. 21, the Cherry Blossom Festival on Feb. 6, 2016, which includes a Japanese tea ceremony, origami, Japanese music and arts and crafts, and Keiki Fest, which has been slated for April 16, 2016.
Kahilu Theatre also announces the opening of “The Green Room,” a smaller, cabaret-style venue located in the back of the theater. In theater speak, the green room is the space, (seldom green), that serves as a waiting room or lounge area for performers before, during, and after a performance.
The Green Room will serve as an alternative, smaller venue for community events. The first event is “Blues, Brews, and BBQs” on Sept. 26 featuring Colorado blues recording artist, Kirk James. The event is a fundraiser for VASH Hawaii Island. The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii-Hawaii Island provides supportive services for visitors affected by crimes, have medical emergencies, experience the death of a loved one or suffer other adversities during their stay on the island.
For more on Kahilu Theatre’s 35th Presenting Season or to purchase tickets, visit www.kahilutheatre.org or call the theater’s Waimea box office at 885-6868.