For visitors coming to the Big Island, the last thing they expect is adversity.
Those kinds of events are hopefully left far behind when one arrives on Hawaii’s tropical shores for a relaxing getaway.
But sadly, tourists occasionally run into trouble, even in paradise. In an event like these, however, VASH is looking out for them.
VASH, or the Visitors Aloha Society of Hawaii Island, is a program that works to meet an unfortunate event with a counter-experience of caring and aloha that the island is known for.
But just because it deals with people going through traumatic experiences, doesn’t mean it doesn’t know how to have fun.
The nonprofit presents “Too Blondes,” a fresh cabaret duo out of New York City that will be performed in a private residence in the golf community of Champion Ridge at Mauna Lani.
The performance features Savannah Brown and Chase O’Donnell, both of Los Angeles, as “Too Blondes” in their 20s telling their stories through songs and sketches about life in the Big Apple.
Karen Rose, executive director of VASH since June, said she heard about “Too Blondes” from friends and family back in New York City.
“People had some great things to says about this new cabaret act,” Rose said. “These two young ladies who make up ‘Too Blondes’ have performed in some of the more popular cabaret venues in NYC.”
When asked about having the performance in a residence, Rose said these kinds of venues are all the rage.
“House concerts have really taken off on the mainland, bringing a more intimate setting to an event, as well as cutting costs for venue rentals,” Rose said. “Cabaret refers to a show with less than 100 people in the audience. Having the show in a gorgeous home overlooking Mauna Lani adds to the ambience and the feel of an up-close-and-personal show that may take place in a NYC penthouse.”
Savannah and Chase’s show is packed with songs and sketches about the ups and downs of being a couple of 20-something girls pursuing their dreams. These “too” comedic geniuses have been compared to Nichols and May, Judy Holiday, and Comden and Greeen. Come see for yourself.
Brown is a recent graduate from UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and Television. Donnell is a recent graduate from UC Santa Barbara’s BFA acting program.
The performance takes place Feb. 6. Doors open at 5 p.m. with wine and hors d’oueuvres. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Ticket price is $100, including wine and pupu. The dress is NYC style.
Proceeds benefit VASH.
“We receive referrals from the Hawaii County Police Department, local area hospitals, airport security and others in the visitor industry of visitors dealing with a variety of adversities such as crime victimization, medical emergencies, or even the death of a loved one which may have occurred here on the Big Island,” said Rose.
With that referral, VASH assesses each case and then provides the appropriate support services to the victims.
“We offer emotional support and become their on-island ohana,” said Rose. “Sometimes that support is just being there, holding someone’s hand as other resources are secured. Or maybe buying them a meal. Or negotiating a reduce hotel rate for a stay never anticipated.”
Last year, VASH assisted 1,200 visitors who found themselves in some kind of distress on the Big Island.
“Our vision,” Rose said, “is that every visitor touched by adversity, will also be touched by the aloha spirit. Our hope is that the stories our visitors share upon returning home are about the love and care they received, rather than being about the unfortunate incident.”
Info/tickets: www.tooblondes.brownpapertickets.com
