Arts and Entertainment Wrap-Up: 11-29-18

John Keawe performs in front of the Kona Hotel. (Courtesy Photo)
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Aloha Theatre holding auditions for musical ‘Mamma Mia!’

Aloha Theatre will hold open auditions for volunteer performers for the Broadway musical “Mamma Mia!” on stage at 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. A possible invitational call-back audition may be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, if necessary.

No previous theatre experience is required, and newcomers are welcome. Performers of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition. Jerry Tracy will direct, assisted by Catherine Williams. Music director is Dale Ross, vocal director is Gloria Juan, and choreographer is Cambrey White.

All roles are open and include: Sophie and her two girlfriends Ali and Lisa; Donna and her two former singing group partners, Tanya and Rosie; Sophie’s fiancé Sky and his two buddies Pepper and Eddie; Sophie’s three possible fathers, Harry, Bill, and Sam; and Father Alexandrios, the local priest. In addition, a multi-talented ensemble of singer, dancer and actors is required to portray islanders, taverna workers, and wedding guests.

Scores and libretti are available for perusal at the Aloha Theatre office, by arrangement with operations director Tiffany Kutsunai. Each person auditioning must prepare 16 bars, or about one minute, of a song. Sheet music will be available for songs from “Mamma Mia!” and an accompanist will be provided. If a song from another source is chosen, the candidate must provide the accompanist with sheet music in the proper key. No acapella or karaoke style auditions will be permitted. In addition to the singing section of the audition, candidates will be asked to read, choosing from a list of speeches provided, as well as learn a short movement routine as a group. Sturdy, closed toe shoes are required. Slippers will not be allowed. Those auditioning will be seen in small groups in order of arrival. Attendance at one of the audition nights is sufficient; attending both nights is not necessary.

Rehearsals begin Dec.10, and will generally be conducted on Sunday afternoons and Monday through Thursday evenings. The specific time commitment varies, depending on the role. The show runs for five weekends, performing on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, Feb. 8 through March 10.

Info: For more information, call 322-9924.

Kailua Village Artists hosting ornament sale

The Kailua Village Artists cordially invite the public to their annual All-Member Artists Reception and Holiday Charity Tree Ornament Sale held from 5-7 p.m. Friday at their gallery.

Meet the member artists of KVA, and see the original ornaments created by them all for the annual effort of the cooperative to give back to the community. One hundred percent of the ornament sales during the reception and through the month of December will benefit Malama I Na Keiki Hanai, to empower and support Hawaii’s foster children. KVA’s artists have raised over $1,000 each year in ornament sales for charity.

The Kailua Village Artists Gallery is located at 75-5729 Alii Drive, Suite C-110 in the Kona Marketplace in Kailua-Kona.

Info: Call 329-6653, visit the website kailuavillageartists.com or visit their Facebook page at kailuavillageartists.

Holualoa celebrates the beginning of the Christmas season

This Saturday, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Holualoa rolls out the red carpet to welcome visitors and residents to ring in the holidays, Hawaiian style.

Holualoa lights up the night with the annual lighting of the village tree, plus an appearance from Santa, lots of live music, gallery gatherings and openings, food, drink, and more.

Music can be heard throughout the village, including John Keawe, Big Island Music Academy, Lopaka Roots and many more. Bring the keiki and a camera for a visit with Santa and his elves, who will have treats for the young.

Gallery owners open their doors to kick off the holiday shopping season, while at the same time bringing the local community together for a night of socializing, mingling and fun. Shops serve up complimentary pupus and beverages, plus holiday treats.

Save your seat for benefit event

A holiday benefit fundraiser for the Alex &Duke Derego Foundation will take place from 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec, 7 at De Rego Farm in Waimea.

The benefit features seven-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning artist Manao Company Trio with Bruddah Waltah, and tastings from up and coming Big Island chefs. A silent auction will also take place.

Tickets are a $100 donation and $1,000 for a 10 or more top. RSVP by the end of Thursday to reserve a seat.

Info: Call Shirley at 960-4889.

Jazz in the Forest series returns for Christmas

Volcano Art Center is pleased to announce the return of the “Jazz in the Forest” series, which returns for a Christmas special concert at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018 VAC’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village, featuring Jean Pierre Thoma and the Jazztones with Jeannine Guillory, playing Christmas favorites and original compositions.

Tickets are $25 or $20 for VAC members. Ticket holders will be able to purchase beer, wine, as well as pupus. Tickets are available for sale online at www.volcanoartcenter.org, at VAC’s administration office in Volcano Village and VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Info: Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.