A constellation of Hawaii stars will illuminate Paliku Theatre’s fall production of the beloved "Les Misérables" musical,with Ronald Bright directing.
Tom Holowach, producer of the Windward Community College show, has announced his cast, led by two operatic troupers: Kip Wilborn, an international and Hawaii singer-actor, will enact Jean Valjean, the protagonist; and Buz Tennent, the local and national opera and musical comedy favorite, will play Inspector Javert, the antagonist.
Other leads: Cliffton Hall, last seen here as Fiyero in "Wicked" and the former Bright actor-singer in Castle High School productions, will play Marius, a role he’s understudied in the Broadway cast; Enjolras will be Michael Bright, who’s toured with "Miss Saigon";Jana Anguay Alcain, who has performed in cruise-ship shows, will be Fantine; Kim Anderson, currently in Manoa Valley Theatre’s "Godspell 2012," will be Cosette; and Shawna Masuda, who has headlined numerous musicals here, will reprise Eponine, a role she took on at Diamond Head Theatre.
The real-life married couple ofScott Moura and Zenia Moura will portray M.Thenardier and Mme. Thenardier. Gavroche will alternately be performed by Oliver deClive-Lowe and Matias Durkin, and Young Cosette will feature alternating Alvse Glasser and Camille Perry.
"The challenge for the casting committee of five was whittling down 157 auditioners to a cast of 47," said director Bright. "That was difficult! I am, however, pleased with the stellar cast we’ve assembled."
The show premieres Sept. 20 for a five-weekend run; curtain will be at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 20.
The fact that the ranks include seasoned players as well as community-theater actors bodes well for the open casting, where novices learn from the experienced professionals and vice versa.
Tickets go on sale Monday and a quick sellout is anticipated. Order at 235-7310 or www.eTicketHawaii.com. Prices: $30-$49.
BROADWAY JOY: Joy Abbott, the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts winner and Hawaii link to the New York stage scene (she’s the widow of legendary Broadway producer-writer George Abbott), has taped a "Long Story Short" episode with Hawaii Public Television’s Leslie Wilcox.
An air date has yet to be determined because Wilcox — though she completed her interview with Abbott last week — needs to research and gather archival material such as photos or videos of George and Joy in their Broadway realm.
Abbott oversees the rights to her hubby’s shows including "Damn Yankees," "Fiorello!" "Where’s Charley?" and "The Pajama Game"; his directorial triumphs included "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "Wonderful Town" and"Once Upon a Mattress." …
ONE OF THE BEST: Kevin Iwamoto, the former entertainer who is in the prime of his career as a meetings industry executive, was just named one of the 25 most influential people of 2013 by SuccessfulMeetings.com, a website for meeting, convention, incentive and trade show professionals. He learned about the latest feather in his travel industry cap while on a work trip in England as a vice president of industry strategy for ACTIVE Network Business Solutions. "Totally unexpected but humbled and thankful nevertheless," he said. "Praise God is all I can say!"
Once known as entertainer Kevin I., Iwamoto was inducted into the Travel Industry Management hall of fame at the University of Hawaii. …
JOLIE GOOD TIME: Angelina Jolie and sons Maddox, 11, and Pax, 9, are here for the start of filming for her "Unbroken" film, based on Laura Hillenbrand‘s book about World War II war hero Lou Zamperini. British actor Jack O’Connell has been tapped to play the real-life hero, with Jolie directing. Brad Pitt, who has been on a promo tour for his "World War Z" apocalyptic drama, is expected to join her with their other children in the weeks ahead. …
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 www.staradvertiser.com.
