A new show, embracing the storied history of the International Market Place and the rich legacy of Queen Emma, who once lived on the site, will debut at dusk Wednesday when the shopping, dining and entertainment destination previews its Waikiki reopening.
The collaborative sister-and-brother team of Misty Tufono and Afatia Thompson researched, wrote and directed the free half-hour show, which will introduce residents and visitors alike to the International Market Place, known as Kaluaokau, when the queen and King Kamehameha IV and their son, Prince Albert, lived there.
“It is so fitting we honor her there,” said Tufono. “(It) brings proper depth and meaning to that place.”
The evening minipageant features a cast of five. It will be the Tihati organization’s fifth major calling card in Waikiki. Tihati’s visitor-centric shows are anchors at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (Waikiki Starlight Luau, atop the parking garage), the Hilton’s “Rockin’ Hawaiian Rainbow Revue” (poolside), the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel’s “Te Moana Nui” (in the Ainahau Ballroom) and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s “‘Aha ‘Aina — a Royal Celebration” (Mondays only at the Pink Palace’s beachfront lawn).
The new endeavor will elevate the Tihati brand, whose Polynesian and Hawaiian shows have been a trademark statewide for nearly five decades. The newest show — likely attracting hundreds each night — will be ensconced at the Queen’s Court, on a stage between two towering statues of Queen Emma on one side, King Kamehameha and Prince Albert on the other.
The International Market Place show will recall the days of old, when a gent in a malo would blow a conch shell on Kalakaua Avenue to beckon visitors to the center; in years past, the big attraction was Don Ho at the fabled Duke Kahanamoku’s.
“By bringing their stories about Waikiki and Queen Emma to life — through specific hula and mele — our aim is to enlighten as well as entertain, simultaneously honoring kupuna and enhancing the visitor experience,” said Tufono. …
NAME-DROPPING: Two Broadway actresses with Hawaii roots starred in a one-night concert performance of the 1954 Broadway musical “Peter Pan” on Monday at the Pershing Square Signature Center. Tony winner Ruthie Ann Miles (“The King and I,” “Here Lies Love”) is a grad of Kaimuki High School, and Ann Harada (“Avenue Q,” “Cinderella,” “Les Miserables”) is a Punahou grad. …
Kayla Moniz, 19, a 2015 grad of Mililani High, will join a 2016 World Centennial Tour of the Broadway musical “West Side Story,” playing a member of the Sharks gang. The yearlong tour begins in Germany in November. Moniz is eyeing a Broadway career. …
Two “Hawaii Five-0” stars celebrate their 40th birthdays this week. Scott Caan (Danny Williams) will add a candle on his cake Tuesday, and Alex O’Loughlin (Steve McGarrett) marks his birthday Wednesday. Let the carguments begin. …
DANDY BRANDY: Brandy Lee, a luminous figure from Honolulu’s burlesque past, is truly a museum piece with roots at The Glades and other long-gone clubs like the Forbidden City.
Yet she has a potent presence as a bona fide singer, just completing a four-show run at Treetops in Manoa Valley. Her next stop likely will be the Pagoda Restaurant this winter.
Lee is a master of a craft from yesteryear. A queen of drag, she dons sheer gowns, feather boas, faux lashes, wigs and high heels. She maintained that persona as she shared stories-in-song in her recent shows. As a 70-something, she is something old and new again.
The difference is live singing. Producer Jack Cione prodded her to forsake lip-synching, and suddenly she’s a whole new bawl game, adding hilarity (often ribald) and ad-libs between songs. Her old-school manner (“C’est Si Bon”) and her updated repertoire (“Ex’s & Oh’s”) reflect her evolutionary arc. The voice is not perfect but it’s her new calling card. See my blog for more. …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com. Read his Show and Tell Hawaii blog at staradvertiser.com.
