Two Hawaii actors are in the second national tour company of “The King and I,” the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic now on a seven-month journey of cities in the U.S. and Canada. Alas, Hawaii isn’t on the tour agenda.
Pedro Ka‘awaloa, who is half-Hawaiian, is a former Big Island singer, actor, director and educator. He’s playing the King of Siam, the male lead, a dream come true.
A theatrical newbie, 8-year-old Kylie Kuioka, is an ensemble member portraying one of the royal children. She’s giddy with delight. Kuioka is slated to be a 2028 graduate at ‘Iolani School.
Their roles in this tour — coupled with the earlier high-profile performance of Kaimuki grad Ruthie Ann Miles, who earned a 2015 Tony Award as Lady Thiang in the Lincoln Center revival of this heirloom show and its subsequent London run — reflect the mounting wealth of local talent making a difference in Broadway theater. And remember Bette Midler in “Hello, Dolly!”?
Big Island audiences will remember Ka‘awaloa for his numerous roles with the University of Hawaii-Hilo, Palace Theater, Kilauea Drama and Entertainment Network and Hilo Community Players. On his website blog, he lists his “most notable and memorable performances” in Hawaii as John in “Miss Saigon,” the Beast in “Beauty and the Beast,” Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” El Gallo in “The Fantasticks” and Captain Cook in “Peter Pan.” He also boasts a string of other credits.
He secured his first professional role in New York, two months after relocating in the Big Apple, so he is one of the lucky souls blessed with success.
“I find great inspiration in teaching and seeing the growth in and development of others,” he blogged. “I hope one day I can return to that life and once again help to inspire the young generation.”
Kylie is making her national tour and professional debut, encouraged and supported by her family and her ‘Iolani performing arts teachers and ohana. She has been taking jazz, ballet, tap and vocal lessons and has embraced musical theater since winning the ‘Iolani Fair talent contest as a kindergartener. Her previous roles include Gretl von Trapp in “The Sound of Music” and Little Ti Moune in “Once on This Island Jr.”
Kylie is the daughter of Reid Kuioka (‘Iolani ’97) and the granddaughter of retired faculty member Daryl Kuioka. …
Mars, the superstar
Now, what?
In a Twitter posting, homegrown superstar Bruno Mars simply states: “I don’t know what happens next … but I can’t wait to find out. Thank you Hawaii for letting us end the #24kmagicworldtour in style.”
I attended the third of his trio of Aloha Stadium concerts on Nov. 11; Mars announced from the stage that the finale of his “24K Magic Tour” was his 200th performance over the past two years. Billboard notes that Mars’ tour in 80 cities has grossed $320 million.
He was stoked to be winding up the gig in his native Honolulu for more than 100,000 fans (nearly 36,000 per show, a record for the venue). Pure joy characterized his singing and dancing and ’tween-song chatter and patter.
From “Treasure” to “Just the Way You Are,” from “When I Was Your Man” to “Marry You,” he was perfection to the max, with amazing polish and panache, throwing in a hana hou, “Uptown Funk,” sending the crowd into a celebratory frenzy.
We’ve seen the very best; it may be years before we are blessed with such astounding artistry. …
Calendar cues
>>Yeah, yeah, yeah: Beat-Lele, Hawaii’s Beatles tribute band, will make its debut at Hawaii Public Radio’s Atherton Studio, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24. Sonny Aquino appears as John Lennon, Nolet Quiason as Paul McCartney, Alastar McNeil as George Harrison and Dennis Muth as Ringo Starr. Tickets: $15-$25, 955-8821 or at hprtickets.org …
>> Mele Manoa: “A Manoa Christmas,” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Kennedy Theatre, assembles the University of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Choirs, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. Singer Raitea Helm guest-stars. Tickets: $10-$20, 944-2697 or at etickethawaii.com. …
And that’s “Show Biz.”
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
