Theodore "Ted" Chapin, president and executive director of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization, which governs the performing rights for the classic R&H repertoire, considers our homegrown Loretta Ables Sayre (who earned a Tony nomination when she re-created the role for Lincoln Center Theatre’s "South Pacific" hit from 2008 to 2010) as the show’s defining portrayal of Bloody Mary.
So reports Greg Zane, associate choreographer for "The King and I," Broadway’s newest Rodgers and Hammerstein musicalrevival, which premiered Thursday to rave reviews at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center.Zane was surrounded by theatrical royalty at a Lincoln Center donor event recently. Chapin, sitting next to Zane, told him "there will never be a Bloody Mary like hers." High praise, indeed.
Zane’s seatmates also included Baayork Lee, a dear friend and mentor of the late Tommy Aguilar. Lee’s life inspired the Connie Wong character in Michael Bennett‘s "A Chorus Line." She staged the 1979 Honolulu production of "A Chorus Line" and scores of others in the show’s gloried history.
"It was surreal for this local boy sitting next to these major Broadway luminaries," said Zane, who was mentored by Aguilar to portray Paul San Marco, the role Aguilar originated in the show’s London premiere. Zane hopes Diamond Head Theatre will revive "A Chorus Line"sometime soon, and surely he’d hop on over to direct. …
Meanwhile, DHT’s "South Pacific" winds up with a 4 p.m. matinee Sunday, with Ables Sayre co-directing with John Rampage. The state Senate saluted her "outstanding contribution to the arts" and recognized DHT’s 100th anniversary with a proclamation. …
Ables Sayre says she has one regret: her inability to rush out after each show for the meet-and-greet beneath the DHT marquee.
"I have 10 pounds of makeup, costume, hairpieces and brown teeth to get rid of (the discoloration is to suggest Mary’s betel nut-chewing habit), and by the time I try to make it in front to say hello, it’s already closed up," she said. "This has been an issue during this show." She apologizes to all who’ve waited to see her but couldn’t. …
DATELINE VEGAS:Peter Hernandez is performing with the band at the "Island Heat LuWow" show at Kahunaville at Treasure Island. You might know him as the leader of the Love Notes, or better yet as Bruno Mars‘ father. …
Meanwhile, two Filipino headliners familiar to locals — superstars in the Philippines who’ve performed here — had crowds cheering at the M Resort in Las Vegas recently. Hawaii-raised Martin Nievera had a sold-out house of 2,000 and tapped Lani Misalucha from the audience to take the stage for a solo plus a duet. Of course, fans went bonkers. …
Both are exploring future Hawaii concerts, if a venue can be clinched. Misalucha recently attracted 17,000 fans at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, certifying her crowd appeal and celebrity. …
TRADE WINDS: Congrats to magician John Hirokawa, marking the 25th anniversary of his "Magic of Polynesia" spectacle at the Holiday Inn Resort Waikiki Beachcomber. Kamaaina may take advantage of a great deal, now through May 9, by utilizing a "25 for 25" code when ordering tickets (you’ll need a driver’s license or other Hawaii ID upon entry). The usual $59 admission will be $25. Call 971-4321 or visit magicofpolynesia.com/ 25for25 …
Cheers, too, to filmmaker Edgy Lee, whose "Unprescribed: Prescription for Addiction," has won a Telly Award. …
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.
