Tihati Productions’ flagship Polynesian show, "Te Moana Nui," will move to the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani’s Ainahau Showroom beginning Aug. 28, where performances will be staged Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The show originally was created for the Pacific Beach Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, where it premiered Feb. 3, 2014, and quietly closed at the end of June. The return of the Tihati brand to the Princess Kaiulani, where it had been in residency with its "Creation, a Polynesian Voyage" for three decades, is an interim move.
Tihati had to hastily relocate since Sheraton was planning a major renovation last year, but plans stalled. Further, the reboot might not include a showroom, so a deal to move to Pacific Beach was cemented.
"We’re very excited," said Afatia Thompson, Tihati president, about the return to the Sheraton since the club is in the Waikiki mainstream. "It feels like a homecoming for us. We’ve had a positive relationship with Sheraton, and the venue is very suitable for us."
It’s likely that Tihati will have to vacate again when reconstruction begins.
The Tihati return will bring valuable life back to the Princess Kaiulani, which seemed like a ghost town with the dark showroom and downstairs restaurants shuttered.
"Te Moana Nui" is one of three Tihati endeavors in Waikiki; the others are the Polynesian spectacle atop the parking garage at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and the premium ‘aha’aina luau at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s beachfront lawn.
The Princess Kaiulani spot is at the center of Waikiki traffic, next door to iconic International Market Place undergoing a total makeover with an opening set for August 2016.
"Te Moana Nui" has been a landmark production for the next-generation team of Tihati producers, led by Afatia and sister Misty Tufono, the son and daughter of Tihati co-founders Jack and Cha Thompson. The offspring team co-produced, mounted and directed the revue, in the tradition of their parents, who are still involved with the family company mostly in consulting and emeritus roles.
The dinner package will be $105 for adults, $78.75 for children 5 to 12, and for cocktails only, $60 for adults and $15 for children. Reservations: 921-4600 or princess-kaiulani.com/show/te-moana-nui. …
FIRST FRIDAY: Jazz and contemporary vibes and diversity issues will be the underlying theme of "A Star-Studded Evening of Jazz & Contemporary," a free First Friday event from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hawai’i State Art Museum this week.
Entertainers includes Albert Maligmat, best known as Little Albert from his Society of Seven era, joined by Shari Lynn, Ginai, Starr Kalahiki, Sherry Graham and the Chuck James Trio. Al Harrington will emcee, and Wally Amos will make an appearance. Performers will share and reflect messages of civil rights and tolerance. …
MUSICAL NOTES: Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro will launch his summer tour, dubbed "Travels" (after his new CD expected Oct. 9), with a Thursday performance at the Waikiki Aquarium. The disc features originals and covers, including a Shimabukuro vocal on War‘s "Low Rider." Preorder at iTunes.com. …
The Society of Seven, led by Tony Ruivivar and Bert Sagum, conclude their three-show gig at the Ala Moana Hotel’s Hibiscus Showroom with a buffet brunch at noontime Sunday. Lhey Bella is guest singer, and look for Glenn Miyashiro, a member of the spinoff SOS LV, since leader Ruivivar has had voice issues. …
PLAYING ALIVE: "In the Heights," a Tony-winning Hispanic and hip-hop musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, returns to Mamiya Theatre on the Saint Louis School/Chaminade University campus. It plays Friday, Saturday and Aug. 9, with cast members and techies from colleges across the country.
"Heights," set in Washington Heights of New York, made Miranda a star, winning him Tony accolades. His "Hamilton," a musical about Alexander Hamilton, is a hit at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway. …
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.
