Manoa Valley Theatre, elevating its ongoing milestone 50th anniversary, has signed on a roster of six Waikiki marquee names to illuminate selected dark nights. “Island Treasures” promises a diverse slate of A-list performers, beginning Nov. 19 and continuing through Aug. 6. Shows will be on Mondays or Tuesdays, when MVT would normally be dark.
Five of the six entertainers are staples at Blue Note Hawaii, the club at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, who bring diversity and esteemed credits in jazz, Hawaiian, stage, comedy, radio, recording, TV, nightclubs and Broadway.
The schedule:
>> Nov. 19, Shari Lynn: A music teacher at La Pietra – Hawaii School for Girls by day, Lynn is a champion of the Great American Songbook and regularly shares her artistry and craft by night at Medici’s Supper Club in Manoa and Blue Note. As an educator, she researches the music of classic composers during summer vacations, then writes and stages definitive, enlightening showcase concerts.
>> Jan. 15, Karen Keawehawaii: A Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, Keawehawaii is a veteran headliner, now doing periodic radio stints as part of KSSK’s “Perry and the Posse” morning show, alongside Michael W. Perry. This gig will mark her return to the limelight as a singer and sometimes comedienne — and could be her ticket to the Blue Note stage, finally.
>> Feb. 12, Willie K: The fabled Uncle Willie of Maui, the only Hawaii act making monthly appearances at Blue Note, also is a tradition on the Maui club scene and a multiple Hoku Award winner. Remarkably, he does it all — rock, blues, reggae, bygone-era Hawaiian, soul, country, acoustic guitar, ukulele, pop and opera.
>> March 25, Loretta Ables Sayre: She just concluded a sell-out run as Dolly Gallagher Levi, in Diamond Head Theatre’s “Hello, Dolly.” She was a Tony Award nominee on Broadway for her Bloody Mary portrayal in Lincoln Center’s “South Pacific,” and toured with the musical in London and other European theaters. She also did DHT’s “South Pacific” and starred twice in “You Somebody.” In Waikiki, she co-starred with Andy Bumatai and Keola and Kapono Beamer, then embraced jazz in gigs at Lewers Lounge at the Halekulani hotel and The Veranda at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, and yes, is a recurring Blue Note act.
>> June 3, Andy Bumatai: A stand-up comic who recently opened for Marie Osmond and the Osmond Brothers at Blaisdell Arena, Bumatai is an icon known for his local take on real-life experiences with splashes of comedic wit. Earlier in his career, he starred in KGMB’s “All in the Ohana,” in which he portrayed multiple classic characters. And he’s appeared with Tom Jones, Paul Anka, Kenny Loggins, the Beach Boys and Lionel Richie. And he’s been a Blue Note staple, too.
>> Aug. 6, John Kolivas and his Honolulu Jazz Quartet: He is the prevailing jazz bassist, now in his 15th season with his quartet, featuring pianist Dan Del Negro, saxophonist Tim Tsukiyama and drummer Von Baron. Kolivas regularly provides backup for an elite list of soloists in performances at Blue Note, Blaisdell Concert Hall and Medici’s.
The theater is stoked about the series.
“We are so appreciative of these great artists who will join in our celebration of our 50th anniversary,” said Dwight Martin, producing director of MVT. “There is great value for our patrons to enjoy these performers, with easy accessibility to Manoa Valley Theatre without going to Waikiki.”
Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.; bar service will be available.
Tickets for the six shows are $225, which includes a $30 discount; individual tickets are $40, except for Willie, who commands a $75 price; now on sale at 988-6131 or visit manoavalleytheatre.com.
The series is produced by MVT, with acts secured by talent booker Cha Thompson. …
BROADWAY LUMINARIES
“Some Enchanted Evening,” an American Dental Association event Oct. 18 at the Waikiki Shell, assembled an all-star, award-winning cast of stage and screen troupers, some with Hawaii ties. Ruthie Ann Miles, the Tony-winner from Kaimuki High who starred as Lady Thiang in “King and I” on Broadway and in London’s West End, performed with her fellow Tony winner, leading lady Kelli O’Hara (as Anna).
Telly Leung, who plays the title character in Disney’s “Aladdin” on Broadway through Feb. 17, also was on the bill; you may also know him as an original cast member of Broadway’s “Allegiance” musical.
Cliffton Hall, a Ron Bright alum who starred as Chris in “Miss Saigon” on Broadway, and his actress wife Deedee Magno, who played Kim in “Saigon,” also appeared. Hawaii’s Brook Lee, a former Miss Universe, hosted, and the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus, directed by Lynell Bright, also sang. …
MEMORY LANE
Mike Drager, surviving member of the Blue Kangaroo group (partner Jay Cook died in 2004), held a 50th reunion here in Honolulu for friends and patrons who remember the duo, which gigged from 1968 to 1994.
“The 26 years in Hawaii were still the best of my life,” said Drager, now 75, who got word out of a reunion to those once connected to The Schooner (’68-’70), The Blue Kangaroo (’71-’72) and Jolly Roger Crows Nest (’72-’94).
“We still have a solid fan base with five of our original albums still selling after all these years,” he said. …
And that’s “Show Biz.”
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
