S I G H T L I N ES
SPRING 2016
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Theatre is a Hit! Check out some of the great reviews we received for our productions of Frangipani Perfume, Dark and Stormy Knight & Merry Men Page 7 & 13-16
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Lullaby Project This exciting concert pairs professional musicians with caregivers for a oncein-a-lifetime event. Page 22
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Distinguished Alumni for 2015 This year we’re continuing the tradition of honoring those alumni in the performing arts who have made a difference in their field. Page 20 & 21
We Won’t Let a Little Thing Like a Theatre Closing Stop Us! By#Kemuel#DeMoville#~#Theatre#Manager#
Despite#being#“partially#closed”#we’ve#had# a#lot#going#on#here#at#Your#Leeward# Theatre!#
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our#students#and#instructors#here#on# campus.#We’re#also#planning#on# continuing#with#out#community#outreach# events.#While#we#may#be#limiting#the# number#of#events#we#support,#we#still# want#to#maintain#our#voice#and#presence# in#our#community#and#on#campus.##
The#fall#semester#saw#us#producing#a# number#of#Arts#&#Humanities#events,#as# well#as#hosting#Hawaii#Ballet#Theatre’s#The( Currently#there#are#plans#to#create#a# Nutcracker.#In#January#we#had#over#1,500# smaller#performance#space#in#one#of#the# students#come#to#see#out#children’s# large#music#classrooms.#This#would#look# theatre# like#our#Lab# production#Merry( DONATE DIRECTLY TO THE THEATRE AT: Theatre# Men#and#they#all# space# had#a#blast!## www.uhfoundation.org/FriendsOfLeewardCCTheatre downstairs.# It#would#be# We’ve#also#had#a# able#to# number#of#contractors#prowling#around# function#as#both#a#classroom#and#a# the#building,#and#getting#ready#to#submit# performance#area.#We#can’t#wait#to#show# Minal#bids#for#the#theatre’s#much#needed# you#want#our#tech#staff#as#dreamed#up#for# refurbishment#&#repair!#A#number#of#you# this#exciting#alternative#space!# have#been#asking#if#we#are#going#to#keep# putting#on#shows#during#the#facility# We#have#a#lot#of#exciting#events#and# closure,#and#the#short#answer#is:#YES!# community#enrichment#opportunities#in# While#we’re#not#going#to#have#the#same# the#works,#so#keep#checking#our#website# extensive#touring#season,#we#will#be# and#your#emails#for#all#of#the#latest#news# continuing#to#support#the#quality#work#of# at#Your#Leeward#Theatre!
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How YOU Can Help We’re always looking for willing volunteers and generous donors. Can we count on you? Page 23 & 24
The Leeward Theatre: Connecting & Creating Community for 40 Years If you’re receiving this news letter, then at some point in your life you made a connection with this Theatre. Maybe it was after a moving or powerful show; maybe it was because you were a performer who once “crossed the boards” here; maybe you had your first crush on an actor or actress backstage; or maybe it was because you took a class here at Leeward and it inspired you to keep live performance in your heart and in your life. Each of us has a different reason to feel connected to The Leeward Theatre - and that is what makes it so special. This is not just a building on a college campus - it is living breathing extension of the community. It is a place that has the power to inspire, the power to enlighten, and the power to educate. We take our responsibility to you and to your memories and loyalty to this place - seriously. We want to ensure that The Leeward Theatre is around for another 40 years, and that you, your family, and your friends, will be there with us.
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
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SIGHTLINES -
YOUR LEEWARD THEATRE some'upcoming,'“renovaCon'era”'Theatre'offerings'and' yesterday'I'received'a'phone'call'from'a'local'grant' funding'insCtuCon'encouraging'me'to'submit'a' proposal'for'the'upcoming'season.'No'slowing'down' here!''
A Note From Our Dean: Aloha.'This'Spring/Summer'Sightlines'comes'to'you' with'a'sincere'wish'for'all'of'our'Leeward'Theatre' friends'and'supporters'to'have'a'wonderful,' entertainment'filled,'New'Year!'Inch'by'inch'we'are' moving'closer'to'our'anCcipated'renovaCon'and'by' summer'we'hope'to'be'in'full'swing.'But,'as'our' Theatre'manager'can'be'oEen'heard'quoCng,'“That' won’t'slow'us'down!”'Just'a'few'minutes'before'I'began' wriCng'this,'Kemuel'and'I'were'meeCng'and'talked'of'
In'addiCon'to'Leeward'Theatre'providing'the'best'live' theatre'entertainment'on'the'Leeward'Coast'we' ourselves'are'also'supporters'of'the'arts.'Playbuilders'is' an'ArCst'in'Residence'of'Leeward'Theatre'and'works' within'local'communiCes'to'create'community'based,' applied,'or'community'centric'theatre.'Recent' producCons'include'“Houseless'in'Paradise”'and'“The' Waipahu'Project”.'Upcoming'projects'include' “Fostering'Ohana”'for'Hawaii’s'foster'care'community' and'the”'PlayBuilders'Annual'FesCval'of'Original'Plays”'.' Please'check'their'website'for'more'informaCon'and' plan'on'including'PlayBuilders'as'a'source'for'great'local' theatre.'hWp://www.playbuilders.org/whoYweYare/.' So,'please'excuse'the'mess'while'we'renovate,'keep' your'eyes'open'for'what'we'are'up'to'during'this'Cme,' and'plan'on'joining'us'in'celebraCng'our'newly' renovated'theatre'soon.'Thank'you'for'your'conCnued' support'and'friendship.''
Paul Kuehn - Dean of Academic Services
S O M E UP C O M IN G EV EN TS A T TH E LEEWA RD TH EA TRE Handbell Choir
March 9 @ 10am - FREE!
The Lullaby Project
April 2 @ 7:30pm (pre-show @ 6pm)
Richard III
April 14,15,16,21,22,23 @ 8pm (Lab)
Guitar Concert
April 24 @ 4pm (Lab)
Songwriting Workshop
TBD - Check our website for more info
Storytelling Workshop
TBD - Check our website for more info
Chekhov Workshop
TBD - Check our website for more info
Choir Concert
April 30 @ 7pm (Lab)
All Donations to The Leeward Theatre are TAX DEDUCTIBLE and go directly to funding scholarships, repairs, and programming! www.uhfoundation.org/ FriendsOfLeewardCCTheatre
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
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John Berger Interviews “Merry Men” Director Ashley DeMoville Q: Do you think most “kids” are familiar with Robin Hood or has he been eclipsed by contemporary medieval stories – like, maybe Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones? I think the Robin Hood story is something everyone can relate too - especially today. Even if kids have no idea who Robin Hood is, they can still understand the basic character motivations. We reference the basic character of Robin Hood and the idea of stealing from the rich to give to the poor in so many of the newer shows. I've also noticed that lots of cartoons still use the basic storyline and characters even if the focus of the show is not the Robin Hood story itself. Ultimately though, you don't need to have any prior experience with Robin Hood to have fun with this play. It can stand on its own without the mythological backdrop - the origin myth just serves to deepen the story for those people who are familiar with it. Q: What is it about the original (or standard) Robin Hood stories that caught your interest as the source material for a new story? From the beginning, I wanted action, adventure, and zany comedy. I also wanted to find a play with some fights, since our Technical Director/Scenic Designer, Donald Ranney, was interested in doing fight choreography for the show. We talked to some of our current students and alumni to see what they would be interested in and the Robin Hood idea was brought up by one of our alumni. We were looking for something with a large number of female characters as well, since we have a lot of strong actresses. With Robin Hood, you get sword fighting, archery, and lots of fun characters to work with! Q: Is there a real-life Robin Hood in your story or he entirely a creation of Maid Marian (As Zorro was a creation of Don Diego de la Vega)? There is not a "real" Robin Hood in the show. Maid Marian and her ladies in waiting create and play these bandits. Their ultimate goal is to make the Sheriff seem like an incompetent idiot so that Prince John will call off the betrothal, but things get out of hand and eventually Marian is forced to confront the Sheriff as Robin Hood. Eventually, Marian and her ladies in waiting (i.e.: the Merry Men) have a wacky sword fight with the Sheriff and his guards. Q: Do we care why the Sheriff of Nottingham wants to marry Maid Marion? In the beginning, we are focused on the plan to get Marian out of the marriage and don't ever question the Sheriff's motives. Later, we discover that the Sheriff does not want to marry Maid Marian either. Prince John arranged the marriage without either of their involvement. So, both Marion and the Sheriff are being forced to follow orders. Q: How the attack ferrets figure in the story? The Sheriff wants to send hounds into Sherwood to find the bandits, but because of budget cuts there aren't any hounds. All they can afford are some poorly trained attack ferrets. This is just one of the many wacky plans the Sheriff comes up with hoping to outwit the bandits. Q: (And, the obvious final question) What else should I know about “Merry Men” and the things parents and children can anticipate? "Merry Men" is an action-packed show for all ages. With songs, sword fighting, and lots of comedy, the show is bound to be a hit for the whole family! Be sure to head to the lobby after the show to get autographs and take pictures with the cast!
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
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SIGHTLINES Robin Hood gets twist in ‘Merry Men’ By John Berger Honolulu Star-Advertiser January 23, 2016
YOUR LEEWARD THEATRE
the poor. You don’t need to have any prior experience with Robin Hood to have fun with this play.” DeMoville approaches the familiar story from an original direction. Prince John, de facto king of England while his older brother, King Richard the Lionheart, is away on crusade,
The life of the man known as Robin Hood is lost in the mists of time and legend, but in the 700 or so years that Robin Hood has been a popular character in English fiction, two things about the story have become gospel.
“‘Merry Men’ is an action-packed show for all ages with songs, sword fighting, archery and lots of comedy,” DeMoville said. “Even if kids have no idea who Robin Hood is, they can still understand the basic character motivations and the idea of stealing from the rich to give to
“Their ultimate goal is to make the Sheriff seem like an incompetent idiot so that Prince John will call off the betrothal,” DeMoville explained. “But, things get out of hand, and eventually Marian is forced to confront the Sheriff as Robin Hood.” The bumbling Sheriff plans to send a pack of hounds into Sherwood Forest to track down the bandits, but because of cuts to his budget, all he can send are some poorly trained “attack ferrets.” Things do not go well for the Sheriff and his ferrets. Eventually, Marian and her ladies in waiting, disguised as Robin Hood and his Merry Men, have a wacky sword fight with the Sheriff and his guards. It turns out that the Sheriff has an agenda as well.
One is that Robin Hood is a man of noble character who takes from the rich and gives to the overtaxed poor. The other is that the Sheriff of Nottingham is a bad, bad man. Director Ashley DeMoville has turned those story elements sideways, and maybe upside down, with her production of “Merry Men” at the Leeward Theatre.
waiting.
decrees that Maid Marian is to marry the Sheriff of Nottingham. Marian is appalled at the prospect of marrying the Sheriff and asks her ladies in waiting to help her prevent it. Before long the Sheriff has his hands full chasing a gang of robbers led by a mysterious crime lord named Robin Hood.
“From the beginning I wanted action, adventure and zany comedy,” DeMoville said. “With Robin Hood you get sword fighting, archery and lots of fun characters to work with.”
What the Sheriff doesn’t know is — SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! — Robin Hood and his merry men are actually Maid Marian and her ladies in
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
The Leeward CC Literature Department & Leeward Theatre Department Present
Richard III Semester of Shakespeare 2016
Prove a Villain March 29
- FREE & Open to Public Discusson by Betty Burdick BE-108 1:30-2:45pm
Was England’s King Richard III as evil as Shakespeare portrayed him? Did he have a withered arm and hunchback? Did he kill relatives to pave the way to the throne? Was he a coward, and did he run from the Battle of Bosworth? With the discovery of his bones in a parking lot in Leicester, forensic evidence is able to answer some of these questions, but not all.
Staging Richard April 12 - FREE & Open to Public
Directing Workshop with Ashley DeMoville Lab Theatre (TH-3) 1:30-2:45pm Learn how the choices you make about the way to play a scene affect the interpretation. ‘Staging’ doesn’t just mean the set or stage itself; it’s everything you do onstage to bring the drama to life. Come see how alternate staging, cutting, and acting affect the meaning in a piece.
Richard III
April 14,15,16,21,22,23 Directed by Ashley DeMoville Lab Theatre at 8pm $15 General $10 Leeward Student ID
After a long civil war between the royal family of York and the royal family of Lancaster, England enjoys a period of peace under King Edward IV and the victorious Yorks. But Edward’s younger brother, Richard, resents Edward’s power and the happiness of those around him. Malicious, power-hungry, and bitter about his physical deformity, Richard begins to aspire secretly to the throne—and decides to kill anyone he has to in order to become KING.
For More information visit: http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu or call 455-0380
Spring 2016
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~Tidbits~
~Tidbits~
Don Travels to LDI in Las Vegas
New Faces in Old Places
Congratulations to Don Ranney, who received a Travel Grant to attend LDI in Las Vegas! Since 1988, Live Design International (LDI) has been the leading trade-show and conference for live design professionals from all around the globe. LDI hosts over 12,000 attendees working in theatre, concerts, clubs, theme parks, and houses of worship and a wide range of international live and broadcast venues. Attendees from more than 80 countries come to LDI to see the latest gear in action, refresh their knowledge, and replenish their creativity. More than 350 companies exhibit, providing live demos and the opportunity for face-to-face discussions about the cutting edge gear they debut exclusively to LDI attendees.
The Theatre has hired some new student employees that I’m sure you’ll be seeing more of! We have Adam and Jessica helping us out up in the office, and with selling tickets. Backstage we have Juvy - who I’m sure you’ve seen on stage in one of our productions here. Welcome Adam, Jessica, and Juvy!
New Grandbaby for Paul Kuehn & Family!
Leeward Students Receive SEED IDEA Grant to Participate in KCACTF Region 8 Festival
It’s a boy! Congratulations to the Kuehn family on the new addition. Paul is the dean the oversees the Theatre and this is his second grand baby - they also have a granddaughter that lives here on Oahu. Next time you see Paul or his wife LuAnn volunteering in the lobby be sure to ask to see pictures!
Kemuel’s Plays See Productions & Awards Once again this summer saw Kemuel’s play “Zorro” produced by the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre in Southern California for the third year in a row. His play “The Worst Production of The Snow Queen Ever” was published by Heuer Publishing. Another of his works “Typeepee: A South Seas Romance” won the Kumu Kahua Hawaii Prize for 2015. “Typeepee” premiered here at The Leeward Theatre in 2014.
Julia Gets Engaged! Congratulations to long-tim Leeward Theatre House Manager Julia Whitehead on her engagement to Daniel Herson! We all wish them well on their new adventure together. Happy wedding planning!
Started in 1969 the Kennedy Center American College Theater (KCACTF) is a national theater program involving 18,000 students from colleges and universities nationwide which has served as a catalyst in improving the quality of college theater in the United States. The KCACTF has grown into a network of more than 600 academic institutions throughout the country, where theater departments and student artists showcase their work and receive outside assessment by KCACTF respondents. Thanks to the generosity of the SEED IDEA grant we were able to pay for five of our students to attend the festival this year! The SEED Initiative for Diversity, Equity, Access and Success (IDEAS) grant facilitate diversity through dimensions that address culture, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, religion and disability. It is their intention to facilitate the implementation of diversity initiatives through a variety of projects that make a concerted effort to meet the core value of the University of Hawai`i system.
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
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Ka Mana’o Reviews Dark and Stormy Knight
(care of Ka Mana’o - http://www2.leeward.hawaii.edu/kamanao/story/preview-dark-and-stormyknight) Writer: Echo Canaday; Photo by: Melany McAngus
Written by Kemuel DeMoville and directed by Betty Burdick, this comedy is full of whimsy and light-hearted jest. Slapstick, exaggerated chase scenes, and a touch of romance makes this play amusing and engaging. Much of the comedy seems at first more suitable to a young audience, luckily for the adult viewer, puns and wordplay break up the more dominant physical comedy and heavyhanded gags. As the end of the semester draws near, the need for easy comedy and a break from the stress of looming due-dates becomes more pronounced. For students, this play can hold special appeal. With no intellectual substance and little emotional investment required, “A Dark and Stormy Knight” affords a much-needed break from reality. A good number of Shakespeare allusions and historical references provide jokes that are particularly appealing to a student audience. The characters are engaging, and the actors have great presence. They draw the audience in and keep their attention throughout the play.
However, “A Dark and Stormy Knight” takes place in Scotland and the characters include a few people from England, four Americans, and a large number of Scottish characters. Some of the actors’ accents may be off-putting to viewers who’ve had a lot of exposure to British accents, and perhaps more so to those who have not. A number of the actors were very realistic in their delivery, some so much so that they were difficult to understand at times. Others were not as believable and so may be irritating to the ear of a person well-acquainted with UK accents. Yet, so long as they did not interfere with audience comprehension, the accents added to the absurdity of the characters and so only increased the hilarity of the show. Anyone in the mood for a light romp through the Scottish moors will not be disappointed by this quirky production.
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
“A Dark and Stormy Knight” is the Murder Mystery Spoof You’ve Been Searching for All of Your Life…
About&A"Dark"and"Stormy"Knight A"Dark"and"Stormy"Knight!is!a!farcical!take!on! the!murder!mystery!genre.!When!Becky! Hagswater,!an!American!Tour!Guide!in!the! Upper!Highlands!of!Scotland!has!her!bus!break! down!in!front!of!spooky!old!Heelancoopoo! Manor!(ancestral!home!to!the!Peasantjabber! family),!strange!things!begin!to!happen.!The! American!tourists!and!Becky!have!arrived!on! the!night!when!the!“Peasantjabber!Curse”!is! visited!upon!all!who!share!the!bloodline.!This!is! the!night!when!all!Peasantjabbers!go!mad!!So! what!is!left!of!the!family!gather!together!to!hide! their!night!of!madness!from!the!outside!world.! Just!when!things!can’t!seem!to!get!any!weirder,! someone!starts!murdering!the!Peasantjabbers!! This!is!a!murder!mystery!where!murder!and! mystery!take!a!back!seat!to!wacky!situation!and! silly!characters.! About&the&Director&& Betty!Burdick!enjoys!teaching,!directing!and! acting.!!She!has!more!than!forty!years!of! experience!as!an!actor,!performing!all!over!the! country,!including!Seattle,!Minneapolis/St.!Paul! and!New!York.!!While!acting!on!the!mainland,! Ms.!Burdick!coached!professional!actors!and! held!seminars!in!Character!Movement!for!the! Actor.!!In!1995,!she!returned!to!Honolulu!after! an!absence!of!30!years!to!receive!a!Master!of! Fine!Arts!in!Directing!from!the!University!of! Hawaii!at!Manoa!while!teaching!beginning! acting!and!acting!technique!there.!!At!Manoa!
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Valley!Theatre!she!has!performed!in!To"Kill"a" Mockingbird,"Deathtrap,"Wit!(Po’okela!Award)! and!A"Little"Night"Music.!!For!The!Actors'!Group! Betty!has!performed!in!Talking"With,"The"Effect" of"Gamma"Rays"on"ManCinCtheCMoon"Marigolds," Boston"Marriage!and!Happy"Days!(Po’okela! Award)!by!Samuel!Beckett.!!For!the!Hawaii! Shakespeare!Festival,!Ms.!Burdick!has!played! Leonata!in!Much"Ado"About"Nothing,!The! Cardinal!in!King"John,!and!Pistol!in!an!all!female! version!of!Henry"V.!!Her!directing!credits! include!work!at!the!University!of!Hawaii,!Manoa! Valley!Theatre,!Kumu!Kahua!Theatre!and! Honolulu!Theatre!for!Youth.!She!has!received! Po’okela!Awards!for!directing!Fully"Committed," The"Christmas"Carol,!and!Dividing"the"Estate!at! Manoa!Valley!Theatre.!Ms.!Burdick!has!had!the! pleasure!of!teaching!drama!classes!at!Leeward! Community!College!since!1999.!!She!has! directed!Oedipus"the"King,!Sandbox,!Clockwork,! Twelfth"Night&and!Titus"Andronicus"(Po’okela! Award)!for!The!Leeward!Theatre.!!She!is! currently!the!discipline!head!for!Theatre!at! Leeward!CC.
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
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YOUR LEEWARD THEATRE
Leeward Theatre Honors Distinguished Alumni! During our 40th anniversary season The Leeward Theatre started the tradition of honoring Leeward Community College alumni from the performing arts that have helped to shape the artistic voice of Oahu and Hawaii. We have a number of alumni out there who have accomplished great things and really made a difference for the performing arts. The honorees for this year were selected by current and former Leeward instructors, students, and administrators. We are looking at presenting three awards, one for each area of the performing arts that we teach here at the college (theatre, music, and dance). The 2015 recipients of this award will be: Sarah Y. Whitehead (theatre), Rev. Dennis Kamakahi (music), and Marcelo Pacleb (dance). Each of these individuals has played a major role in shaping the artistic voice of Oahu and Hawai‘i.
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
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The Leeward Theatre Sees Increase in attendance & events! Since!June!2013!the!Theatre!has!reevaluated!programs!and!operations!with!an!eye!toward!emphasizing! Local!programming.!!The!Theatre!has!even!dedicated!a!portion!of!its!production!budget!to!commission! new!works!by!Local!and!Local!Hawaiian!artists.!We!want!to!allow!our!students!and!community!members! to!contribute!to!the!artistic!process!and!help!us!to!shape!programming!and!content.!A!number!of!studies! have!been!done!on!the!correlation!between!participation!in!the!performing!arts!and!graduation/attrition! rates!in!colleges!and!universities.!With!this!in!mind,!the!Theatre!has!set!aside!more!time!on!stage!for! student!work!(plays,!music,!dance),!and!has!allotted!more!time!for!students!to!use!practice!facilities.!This! will!contribute!to!the!student’s!positive!development!and!academic!performance!here!at!Leeward!CC.! This!increase!in!involvement!will!contribute!to!positive!graduation!rates!and!improved!students!success! rates. The!Theatre!is!currently!beginning!a!slow`down!to!accommodate!a!much`needed!refurbishment/repair! to!the!entire!facility.!Due!to!this!slow`down,!almost!all!regular!activities,!including!the!measurable! activities!listed!above,!will!cease.!The!renovation!is!currently!scheduled!to!last!from!July!1,!2015!–!Fall! Semester!2017.!We!are!not!hosting!any!“Rental”!or!“Leeward!Presents”!events!because!of!this!operations! slow`down,!focusing!entirely!on!“College”!events.!Two!staff!members!were!laid!off!because!of!this,!leaving! the!House!Manager!and!Assistant!Theatre!Manager!positions!undilled!for!the!duration!of!the! refurbishment/repair.! In!all!areas!save!one!the!Theatre!has!made!signidicant!gains.!While!we!expect!these!numbers!to!dip! sharply!across!the!board!during!the!renovation!period,!we!are!still!supporting!programming!and! engagement!events!for!our!campus!and!community.!The!area!that!saw!a!decrease!from!the!gains!made!in! 2014/15!was!the!total!combined!audience!attendance!for!all!College,!Arts!&!Humanities,!Rental,!and! Main!Stage!events.!This!dip!was!due!in!large!part!to!the!loss!of!our!long`term!renter!Grace!Bible!Church.! When!our!attendance!numbers!are!examined!after!taking!out!Grace!Bible’s!attendees!for!2014/15!we!can! see!that!there!was!actually!growth!in!overall!attendance.!Our!total!attendance!for!2013`14!without!Grace! Bible!was!22,556;!our!total!attendance!for!2014`15!without!Grace!Bible!was!63,718.!That!is!an!overall! attendance!increase!of!182.5%.! There!was!also!a!slight!dip!in!the!percentage!total!events!ticket!sales!going!to!students!for!2014/15.! While!this!may!appear!to!be! a!slip!in!student!attendance! SEASON TOTAL EVENTS TOTAL AUDIENCE at!out!events,!the!variance! can!be!explained!by!out! 40th Season (2014-2015) 541 100,957 increase!in!event! attendance.!We!had!more! 165 144,613 39th Season (2013-2014) students!and!community! 159 135,340 members!in!attendance!four! 38th Season (2012-2013) our!productions,!and!with!a! 148 136,519 37th Season (2011-2012) larger!audience!population! 152 135,621 36th Season (2010-2011) comes!a!dluctuation!in!the! percentage!of!students! attending!our!events.!!
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
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SIGHTLINES The Leeward Theatre Wins at the Poʻokela Awards Congratulations!to!Leeward!students!and! staff!who!were!honored!at!the!2015! Hawaii!State!Theatre!Council’s!Po'okela! Awards!! !! EXCELLENCE!IN!SERVICE!AWARD:! Jonathan!Reyn!Afaga! Chelsea!Campbell!
YOUR LEEWARD THEATRE
SET!DESIGN! Reb!Beau!Allen,!Echoes"of"Dat"Red"Guitar!(at!Kumu!Kahua!Theatre)! DIRECTOR!OF!A!PLAY! Reb!Beau!Allen,!Echoes"of"Dat"Red"Guitar!(at!Kumu!Kahua!Theatre)! What&is&the&Hawaii&State&Theatre&Council? The!Hawaiʻi!State!Theatre!Council!has!been!serving! the!Hawaiiʻs!theatre!community!by!promoting! excellence!in!live!theatre!and!facilitating!theatre! collaboration!since!1970.!!Beginning!in!1984,! the!Po‘okela!Awards!have!recognized! excellence!in!local!theater.!
SOUND!DESIGN!AND!ENGINEERING! John!Signor,"Clockwork Honeybol!Sosa,!Clockwork Sam!Willis,!Clockwork ENSEMBLE!PERFORMANCE!IN!A! MUSICAL! The!cast!of!The"Clockwork"Cuties" Review" DIRECTOR!OF!A!PLAY! Betty!Burdick,!Titus"Andronicus FEATURED!MALE!IN!A!PLAY! Shiro!Kawai,!The"Waipahu"Project! (with!PlayBuilders!of!Hawaii)! We!also!had!a!number!of!current! students!and!alumni!win!awards! for!their!work!at!other!theatres,! including:! FEATURED!MALE!IN!A!PLAY! Randall!Galius,!Jr.,!My"Name"is" Gary"Cooper!(at!Kumu!Kahua! Theatre)! FEATURED!FEMALE!IN!A!PLAY! Browen!Souza,!My"Name"is"Gary" Cooper!(at!Kumu!Kahua!Theatre) The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Frangipani Perfume
Spring 2016
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Frangipani Perfume movingly explores the painful gap between myth, memory and banal reality for Pacific Island immigrant families. One minute we are floating in the clouds, wafted along on the scent of frangipani (plumeria), the next minute we hear a toilet flushing. Languorous movement to Offenbach's stately Barcarolle is followed by a session of floor-mopping and the line, "I hate the smell of piss and Janola!" This startlingly original play from Makerita Urale, one of the leading Pacific Island playwrights, challenges the usual images of Pacific Islands women with energy, humor and biting satire. Enormously entertaining, it is packed with power, fun and robust, vibrant characters. Frangipani Perfume brings fresh insight into the reality of Pacific Island women in New Zealand. Urale examines the tension between tradition and the reality of living in contemporary Western society. "This is a powerful and accessible play, defined by its dynamic characterizations, and skating along the borders between broad comedy, feminist politics and the gentle lyricism of images and language originating in the natural beauty of the Pacific Islands." – Prof. David O'Donnell (Head of School. School of English, Film, Theatre and Media Studies. Victoria University of Wellington) About the Cast & Playwright Kiana Rivera (playing the character of “Pomu”). KIKI is a current MFA candidate in Directing at the UHM. She was recently seen in Kumu Kahua's My Name is Gary Cooper where she played T & Teuila. KIKI is born & raised as Hawaii, but is of Samoan/Filipino descent. "I identify with Pomu a lot with the exception of her obsession with physics. I've always been drawn to my Samoan ancestry, but it wasn't very accessible to me. I'm just another product of Polynesian migration & cultural/familial dysfunction." Mane (playing the character of “Tivi”). Born in American Samoa, raised in Aiea, Mane is a veteran of the local theatre. She was last seen in Kumu Kahua's 'Ola Na Iwi'. Before that she was in Bacchae, Metamorphosis, Epic of Gilgamesh & Ulalena. Mane has also been a part of the Independent Film industry in Hawaii. She and her two acting buddies, who were all a part of The Actor's Group/ Ensemble, created a film company called, "Epiphany Films." They've written and produced short films that were shown in the Hawaii International Film Festival. In her free time; she likes to transcribe mime shows, improve her skill of clapping on beats 2 and 4, and practice her non-regional diction.
Doris Tulifau (playing the character of “Naiki”). Both my parents moved to Auckland from independent Samoa for better life my mother to mangere and my father to Otara. I'm the founder of pasifika women book club that promotes great work of our Pacific Islander writers. I am also member of Le fetuao Samoan language school here in Hawaii. Also reporter for 4nesiansmedia promoting Pacific Islander events around Hawaii. Currently owner of women's boutique in Wahiawa Hawaii. Current Post Grad student at UHM. Makerita Urale (Playwright) (from playwrights agent: Playmarket - http://www.playmarket.org.nz/playwrights/makeritaurale). Samoan born Makerita Urale is a published writer and documentary film director with many years experience working in professional theatre and the arts in New Zealand. Her landmark debut play Frangipani Perfume, published by Play Press, has toured internationally to Canada, Australia and the UK and is studied in schools and universities. Frangipani Perfume, named one of the top-ten New Zealand plays of the decade by The Listener in 2000 focuses on the struggles and dreams of three immigrant sisters working as office cleaners. Her children's plays include The Magic Seashell (published by Steele Roberts) and Popo the Fairy. As a filmmaker she has tackled issues such as culture, gangs, political protest and Maori land rights with her documentaries Children of the Revolution, Waiata Whawhai Songs of Protest, Savage Symbols about Samoan tattooing, Mob Daughters and Gang Girl - Tarnz's story. A former journalist for Radio New Zealand, she has contributed articles to various magazines including New Internationalist and Artlink and a number of her children's stories have been translated to and published in Pacific languages by the Ministry of Education's Learning Media and National Radio's EARS programme. Makerita is the recipient of the 2010 Fulbright-Creative NZ writer's residency at the University of Hawai'i, Mānoa, where she wrote a new play entitled Heathen. Makerita joined Creative New Zealand in December 2010 as a Senior Arts Adviser - Pacific Arts. “Approximately 7 years ago Ashley DeMoville and I had the same dream-to produce this unique show called Frangipani Perfume. My Frangipani desire originated as a theatre undergrad student with no roles I could truly connect with, no roles that reflected who I am as a modern Polynesian woman, especially a Poly woman suffering a cultural identity crises. After graduation I made it my personal mission to be more selective of my roles. It became my dream to inspire island kids just like me, who deserve great roles and deserve to tell stories reflective of who we are, to be the kind of performing artists we are meant to be. Tonight excited, appreciative young Samoan students watched their stories being told by women they could relate to. Tonight our dreams were realized. Once again, the stars have aligned & our purpose has been fulfilled. My deepest appreciation to artists like Victor John Rodger & Makarita Urale who have paved the way for us and Ashley for answering the call & making it happen! Mahalo. XO” ~ Kiana Rivera
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
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Ka Mana’o Reviews Frangipani Perfume By Echo Canaday
(http://www2.leeward.hawaii.edu/ kamanao/story/hawaiian-premierinternationally-acclaimed-frangipaniperfume) In September 2015 the Leeward Lab Theatre hosted the Hawai’i premiere of Makerita Urale’s acclaimed play “Frangipani Perfume,” directed by Ashley DeMoville. The play has garnered international attention for its dynamic approach to characterization, startling wit, and inventive juxtaposition of fantasy, memory and reality. The play’s themes challenge Western stereotypes of Polynesian women and address the struggles of immigrant women in New Zealand. Though the piece may be offputting to audiences unaccustomed to theatrical conventions like the use of miming as opposed to physical props, and the use of lighting to indicate changes in time, place, or perspective, the Leeward Theatre produced this play with simplicity and style.
The story centers on three Samoan sisters living in inner-city New Zealand, and the play relies on just these three people to tell the story. Despite the small cast, the complex relationships, talented actors and gradual development of character make the play entertaining. Moving from familiar, dreamlike images of Polynesian women as sexual objects to harsh-lit scenes of the sisters cleaning dirty restrooms. These scenes are further contrasted by the innocent, child-like memories of the sisters as they remember their distant island home. Their struggles with money, their father’s bad health, and the longing for their home are experiences that are relatable, human, and far removed
from the Western fantasy that would have them rendered as two-dimensional figures of sensuality. The rapid and pervasive shifts in setting, aided only by changes in lights and in the attitudes of the actor, would likely be difficult to follow without some foreknowledge of the play or some familiarity with theatrical convention. Luckily for the audience, the program for the play includes a scene list, a brief discussion of the play’s themes and a short excerpt from Catherine Cocker Fa’a Fafine explaining some of the thematic context of the play. Viewers who would like to have the most understanding possible should arrive early enough to read over the program prior to the beginning of the play. In the play, change in setting or perspective comes without warning and are indicated only by the actor’s behavior and lighting changes. There is a scene in "Frangipani Perfume" that shifts from the narrative to a glimpse into the mind of one of the characters, denoted by aggressive lighting and movement. As shifts like this take place repeatedly throughout the play, without the aid of the program many of the audience members would likely be lost in the mechanics of this piece. Engaging and vibrant as the actors were, they could
not make up for some of the issues in the play’s text. Urale has a flair for back-andforth dialogue, and, through the sisters’ interactions, she reveals multifaceted characters; however most of the monologues feel unpolished and a little out of place. The most unsatisfactory speech comes from perhaps the best developed of the sisters, Tivi, who delivers a soliloquy meant to explore her emotions toward her sisters and her understanding of her role in her family. This speech is far too simplistic and feels untrue to this complicated character. All things considered, the play is entertaining and relatable. The story approaches sensitive and melancholy topics with refreshingly candid and humorous dialogue. The use of a small stage, small cast and few props creates an intimate and immersive experience. “Frangipani Perfume” challenges the audience and leaves a feeling of growth and irresolution.
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
A Merry Experience for the Whole Family! By Gabriel Adam Brading from: http://www.hittingthestage.com/a-merryexperience-for-the-whole-family/ The Leeward Theatre kicked off 2016 at full speed with an all-new original production written and directed by Kemuel and Ashley DeMoville, respectively. I had the privilege of watching the show, titled Merry Men, in many of its iterations. Once during the final dress rehearsals, once for a public performance, and lastly, as it’s meant to be seen: on a regular weekday morning in a theatre filled with excited school-age children. Merry Men is a short and silly children’s piece that reimagines the classic Robin Hood story, following Maid Marian (Melissa Kenington), a stubborn young noble who refuses to sit idly by when she is forcibly betrothed to the evil sheriff of Nottingham (Kirk Lapilio). In the hopes of distracting the sheriff and keeping his mind off their wedding plans, Marian and her ladies in waiting fabricate personas of a group of countryside bandits and terrorize the local rich. The show itself is written in a way that is engaging, appealing, and tastefully hammy. As a whole, the school performance I attended went over splendidly, with immediate positive response from the children and a high energy maintained by the actors throughout the show. A special kudos can be given to Raymond Rivera III (as Friar Tuck) for his strong comedic timing and presence, as well as an expressed understanding of how to cater his performance toward a younger audience. All of the music and sound effects were performed live by Jordan Estioco, Kristen Labiano, and Crystal Fujiwara. Paired with the decisions to forego equipping the actors with microphones, a curtain which remained up from the moment house opened, and silly in-between snippets of interaction between actors and crew during each scene change, the entire show was given a very interactive, performance-inthe-park sort of feel which added well to the energy of the play and made it a glowing success. Merry Men was was altogether an enjoyable experience which I can fully imagine being performed by different groups for countless children in the future. However, as theatre is inescapably and innately ephemeral, the Leeward Theatre’s production of the show will only continue to run for the remainder of the weekend, before closing this Sunday with its 2pm matinee.
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Merry Men at Leeward By J.W. (not Marriott) from:www.hittingthestage.com/merry-men-at-lcc/ I saw Merry Men at the Leeward Community College theatre last night and had a delightful time. A children’s play, written by Kemuel DeMoville and directed by Ashley DeMoville, was appropriately presented to its target audience with the right amount of humor to entertain the adults in attendance. More than a retelling of a classic tale, Merry Men is a great example of how HIStory can effectively turn into HERstory. This is not a point of view play where we see the story of Robin Hood in Maid Marian’s perspective, but rather that Maid Marian IS Robin Hood and that history got facts misogynistically incorrect. Although this is a modern type of play, I appreciated the homage it gave to its Vaudevillian forefathers with the use of slapstick comedy and goofball gags to illustrate how a group of 11th century women could fool the arrogant and narcissistic men of their times. While this is a play geared towards children, there were elements of sexual identity thrown into the mix. At an age when children begin to question their own identities and begin to observe and understand gender roles, the play makes this bold, yet arguably necessary, move. Demoville’s nod to Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night helps to keep the sexual elements as clean and comical as possible. The set was simple, yet effective. When the audience first steps into the theatre there is no set, no curtains, props or dramatic lighting. Using the play within a play concept, the audience was introduced to the world of theatre from its bare bones. The cast then greets the audience, entering from the same doors as they did, and after a comedic welcome the audience witnesses the cast and running crew put together the first scene. This is such a imaginative, and informative, way to introduce children (and any other patron who might not know the ins and outs of a theatre) to how much practice, teamwork and effort go into creating a play. With just a few moving pieces, simple props, clever lighting and the right drapery, the cast and running crew transformed the bare bones of the stage into the various scenes throughout the play. A fun retelling of a classic story with elements of feminism, sexual identity, and historical tidbits, and a cast and crew that clearly enjoyed creating together, made this play a joy to see.
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
Merry Men: A Merry Delight! By Malia Baloyo (http://www.hittingthestage.com/merrymen-a-merry-delight/)
[Full Disclosure: Leeward Community College is my home theatre, where I studied under the beloved and since-retired Dr. Paul Cravath, and performed with from 2006-2012.] Since the Cravath’s retirement in 2010, the Leeward Theater has seen some major changes, including new directors and new choices of plays. Still, the “go-forbroke” energy of the Leeward student actors remains the same. This charming, modern adaptation of Robin Hood, written by Kemuel DeMoville and directed by Leeward CC theater professor Ashley DeMoville is a fun, familyfriendly event, so don’t hesitate to bring the kids! While it is a shame that these Mainstage productions have such short runs (two weekends), I have just learned that they are also having daytime school performances, which is fantastic. The program calls DeMoville’s adaptation a “play within a play” and wastes absolutely no time in breaking fourth wall—literally, as the screen remains up before curtain, revealing set designer Don Ranney’s backstage shop, with actors in costume and black-clad scene changers scurrying back and forth. I did think for a second that perhaps some opening-night technical difficulties were to blame, and then I reminded myself where I was—I thought to myself, “no, this is a part of it all. This is on purpose–just wait.” I was right. The set, costumes (design by Katie
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Patrick), and props give the play a slapped-together, DIY, fairy-tale puppet show set in a school library feel. Smooth scene changes, wellchoreographed slapstick fight scenes (Ranney) perfectly-timed musical cues (Jordan Estioco, Kristen Labiano, Crystal Fujiwara) prove every element of the play intentional, and wellrehearsed. On to the cast: Silly hats-off, first and foremost, to the two stars of the show: LCC veteran actors Melissa Kenigton (Maid Marian) and Raymond Rivera (Friar Tuck). Kenigton has always impressed me with her natural grace and elegance in both voice and movement; it’s no wonder she is repeatedly cast in such beautiful, feminine roles (having played such roles as Aphrodite and Cinderella). With just the right balance of innocent girlishness and a strong-willed, feminist edge, she is truly Leeward’s very own Disney Princess. She lives up to this title in the role of Marian, the clever maiden who goes to great lengths to avoid marrying the Sheriff. Rivera shines as an example of perfect casting as Friar Tuck. A long-time LCC stage veteran-nowLA-based actor, Rivera in no way upstages the rest of the cast, but rather carries and inspires energy. Kirk Lapilio (Sheriff) and his opposite Jordan Estioco (Sir Guy) are hilarious together as the perfect ‘bad guy’ and his sidekick, sure to be favorites of young audience members. Chelsea Campbell (Nursie) was also wonderfully cast; and, I was just as impressed by her onstage acting, as I have been with “Please extend my heartfelt "mahalo" to your entire Merry Men crew. This was our first Leeward Theatre performance, and it will definitely not be our last. Everyone--students and adults alike--thoroughly enjoyed the performance! Much mahalo" ~ Fay Nishimura; Grade 3 teacher, Alvah Scott Elementary
her long history of tech work backstage. Marian’s entourage of clever maidens (Sam Fukishima, Talisha Acevedo, Julie Anne Directo, Nikki Nansen) were so cute and funny in their solid-colored circle skirts, and comedically-timed lines, but the one who stood out to me the most was Nansen; her voice and energy left a lasting impression. Finally, Estioco, who also plays guitar and sings, leads the cast in a final closing number: a fun, acoustic pop-punk number that brought me right back to memories of being on that stage. In stark contrast to fellow HTS reviewer Hester Lewellen’s description of MVT’s Harold and Maude as “Embarrassingly Amateurish,” I would proudly describe LCC’s Merry Men as intentionally amateurish—in all the best possible ways!
It has been some years since I have attended an event like, Leeward Theatre's Production of Merry Men. While I enjoyed the events I attended, I was impressed by my recent experience. Since we got there, we were greeted as we walked off of the bus. People were stationed along the route to the theater and they genuinely seemed happy that we were there! This arrangement definitely made us feel welcomed and excited for the play! The play was awesome from start to finish!!!!!!! The ending of the play was spectacular and the photo opportunity took the cake! My students learned and thoroughly enjoyed the experience you created for them! I have no regrets of spending some of our fundraising profits to help with the cost of this field trip. I'm a grateful (and merry) teacher! Thank you so much! ~ Kara Dote; Grade 4 teacher, Solomon Elementary
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
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SIGHTLINES The Leeward Theatre Outreach Program For every performance that goes up on stage we try to find an appropriate organization we can pair up with and provide them with free tickets. We want those members of our community who are normally prohibited from seeing live performance - mostly due to the ticket cost - to have access to performance events. Last year alone The Leeward Theatre has given out FREE, no obligations, tickets to the
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Filipino Cultural Center, Youth S p e a k s H aw a i i , H a b i l i t a t Shelter for Women, Waipahu High Special Education Department, and Hui Hoʻomalu Foster Families. Our goal is to share the excitement and power of live performance with as many of our community m e m b e r s a s p o s s i b l e . We should not bar cultural engagement from those individuals who simply cannot afford to buy a ticket. If our mission is to build community through live performance, then that means we need to interact and engage with our entire community - not just those who can afford it.
From Waipahu High School Special Education Director: “Thank you for inviting us to the handbell concert. On behalf of the more severe wheelchair class, I hope we weren't too much of a distraction. They seemed to be getting something out of it and made lots of sounds in response. In our previous outing to the lab theater they did not attend. It was interesting that my autistic ones were totally silent during the performance which reinforces my belief that the structure of music is valuable to them. Have a good week and I hope we can keep in touch. Mahalos! ~ Philip Riley”
“Merry Men” Causes Merriment Check out what people were saying about the show online! “Finally got to watch "Merry Men" this morning! Great job everyone! I enjoyed it. I LOVED watching the set transform from literally nothing to the actual set. Really loved the river, but especially the forest! Wish I could catch a night show to see how adults react. That "out of the pike’s mouth and into the friar" line had me roooolling.” ~ Juvy Lucina “YES! I loved the opening scene, in which a bunch of "stagehands" run onstage and start fussing around with a few set elements, pulling costumes out of the air, or so it seemed, and tossing them on... and suddenly a bunch of disorganized stagehands transform into actors and the disjointed elements into an actual set! Tremendously clever and well done. I was absolutely delighted and deeply impressed... Bravo to playwright Kemuel DeMoville, my spectacular kid "Nursie" Chelsea, and everybody involved with this dazzlingly funny, tremendously engaging Leeward production!!!” ~ Caroline Wright
“More merriment. Aren't they just fantastic??? we laughed till we cried. MAHALO to everybody involved with this production!!! It was so, so good!!! MERRY MEN at Leeward Theatre... go see it this weekend! It wasn't just funny... it was clever and interesting and engaging!!! The theatre should be FILLED with kids.“ ~ Caroline Wright “The show was amazing!! These beautiful little ladies were my fans today, so blessed! ! ! They literally came out screaming towards me! I’m honored to be in this show.... P.S I was their favorite! ! " " " ” ~ Kamalani Gapol
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
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HONOLULU – Celebrating its 28th anniversary, the internationally-recognized Hakuoh University Handbell Choir will be on O‘ahu from March 9-13 for its 25th Goodwill Tour of Hawai‘i, offering two public concerts, scheduled performances for friends of Hakuoh University, and O‘ahu school children. Led by acclaimed director Hirotaka Arai, who founded the choir in 1988, the 12 student handbell ringers will perform free public concerts on: March 9, at 10 a.m. at The Leeward Theatre at Leeward Community College, 96-045 Ala ‘Ike, Pearl City March 10, at 7 p.m. at Central Union Church, 1660 S. Beretania St., Honolulu The choir will perform a range of selections from classical standards including Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” to contemporary hits from Disney’s Frozen “Let it Go” as well as a Hawaiian favorite “Hawai‘i Aloha.” The choir has the capacity to ring seven octaves of handbells, and their dedication to practice and performance has created worldwide demand for their music. The Goodwill Tour of Hawai‘i includes free performances on Wednesday, March 9, at Leeward Community College, and Tuesday, March 10, at Central Union Church. Also, Hakuoh’s Handbell Choir will be performing during the Honolulu Festival, March 11-13, 2016. From their home in Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, Hakuoh’s ensemble has traveled to performances in Canada, England, Australia, and South Korea, and has entertained audiences including the Emperor and Empress of Japan and the King and Queen of Belgium. They have performed at Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and will perform at the International Handbell Symposium in Vancouver, Canada in July 2016. In September 2013, Hakuoh University renewed an international cooperative agreement with the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges. The annual Handbell Choir Concert, co-sponsored by Hakuoh University and the UH Community Colleges, is one of the cooperative activities undertaken by the two institutions. For more information about the choir’s performances, call (808) 956-0321. The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
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The Leeward Theatre Awards Scholarships to Performing Arts Students! For those of you who may not have heard, thanks to the generous support of Terri and Dan Madden we’ve been able to establish a scholarship for Leeward students who are enrolled in at least one performing arts class (music, theatre, and/or dance). The scholarship recipients for Music are Honybal & Sosa Van-Jon Paio Theatre is Kirstyn Trombetta. While the recipients of the Dance scholarship are Mao Kanno & Shandel Meredino. All of these students are are active in the performing arts and dedicated students here at Leeward. Each has received $250 for the Fall 2015 Semester. If you would like to contribute to the Performing Arts Scholarship Fund here at Leeward, contact the Theatre Manager Kemuel DeMoville to help facilitate the transaction. (808) 455-0381 or KEMUEL@hawaii.edu
Dark and Stormy Knight Causes Light and Sunny Days! For me to had been a part of the production: The Dark and Stormy Knight, was like a dream come true, because for the first time in the ,United States, I played a unique character and I spoked my first language. I am very pleased to had the opportunity to be a part of this fantastic play. My experience was positive, that helped me to once again experienced, Theatre in a very energetic and creative way, but also made me realized how much I love to be on stage, made me renew my love once again for the live performances as an actress I love to be on the stage to perform, to make people happy, to make people lough, to make people cry for a moment. It's amazed me how we actors can pull out emotions from people in the audience. I had fun doing the production, playing the dimwitted son of the Rashers' and it was a nice production to go into after the gap of time since I have last been in a show. Doing something you love is always good for the heart and this was one of those things for me.
There was such much joy and happiness in this production even if we did have some rough patches along the way, we got through it as a cast. The shows were amazing, the effect it had on the audience made all the late long rehearsal nights so worth it.
I have a business marketing class and we have to work in groups. Each week I have new group members and new presentations. Thanks to this production and Betty's direction I am more comfortable with speaking in front of my peers and I work better with others since this production. Being a part of a production requires intense study of the script (including dramaturgical research beyond the written text) within a short amount of time. This kind of studying helped to hone my skills of observation, comprehension, and retention. This was my first show at Leeward, I made new friends and connections and now feel comfortable on campus knowing that I have friends.
Spring 2016
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Houseless in Paradise from: http://www.playbuilders.org/houseless-inparadise/
Who is the old man sitting in A’ala Park or the young mother being helped by Family Promise or the disabled vet holding a sign up at the traffic light that says, “Pray for me?” Listen to the voices of those who are most affected by homelessness and learn that you may have more in common with them than you realize. The goal of this project is to spark creativity and empathy in approaching the issue of homelessness as a community. PlayBuilders of Hawai’i Theatre Company’s Dr. Mark Tjarks has interviewed more than 60 members of the Oahu’s “houseless” community
and has structured a play by and about the homeless using their words,. “Houseless in Paradise” is a unique theatrical event that features a 13 member cast comprised of 7 members from all levels of the “Houseless” Community performing along side 6 members of Honolulu’s Theatre Community. Through a process of mutual mentorship, they tell stories they have either personally experienced or interpreted from the interviews. The play incorporates music and song into what is sure to be a delightful, entertaining, and educational experience for the entire family.
There will be a public reading of “Houseless in Paradise” at the Leeward CC Learning Commons. All are welcome! Check our website for dates and times. See you there!
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The Leeward Theatre Honors Reverend Dennis David Kahekilimamaoikalanikeha Kamakahi as a Distinguished Alumni in the Performing Arts in Music. Reverend(Dennis(David(Kahekilimamaoikalanikeha(Kamakahi,( is(a(multiple(Grammy(winner((National(Academy(of(Recording( Arts(and(Sciences),(multiple(Na(Hoku(Hanohano(winner( (Hawaii(Academy(of(Recording(Arts),(a(2009(Inductee(into(the( Hawaiian(Music(Hall(of(Fame,(a(Hawaiian(slack(key(guitarist,( recording(artist,(and(a(proliKic(music(composer(of(the(Hawaiian( Music(genre.(He(entered(Leeward(Community(College(majoring( in(advanced(music(theory(and(orchestration(under(Charles( Brennan,(with(a(minor(in(sociology(and(psychology.
The Leeward Theatre Honors Marcelo Pacleb as a Distinguished Alumni in the Performing Arts in Dance.
Marcelo(Pacleb(is(the(founder(of(245VII(DanceForce,(one(of( Hawaii’s(premier(dance(studios.(Dancers(trained(by( Marcelo(have(gone(on(to(perform(with(entertainment( icons(including(Janet(Jackson,(Lady(Gaga,(Ricky(Martin( and(Kylie(Minogue.(2457(DanceForce(is(a(non5proKit(that( promotes(creativity(in(our(local(community,(with(beautiful( programs(like(the(HeartBeat(Program,(which(offers(one5 on5one(dance(instruction(for(intellectually(challenged( students.(For(over(20(years,(the(company(has(been( nurturing(the(talent(of(these(islands.
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
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The Leeward Theatre Honors Sarah Y. Whitehead as a Distinguished Alumni in the Performing Arts in Theatre.
Sarah Y. Whitehead has been with The Leeward Theatre since 1986. During this time she has worked on literally thousands of shows. Don Ranney was her mentor in the development of her expertise in theater. Her innovative lighting design has twice been recognized with a nomination for a Po’okela Award. Sarah has been the lighting designer for many Leeward productions, and has worked as a lighting designer and technician throughout Oahu’s theatres. The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
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YOUR LEEWARD THEATRE
The Lullaby Project Comes to Your Leeward Theatre What’s(in(a(lullaby?(Why(do(these( nighttime(songs(occur(in(every( culture(and(get(passed(down(for( generations?(Why(does(it(matter(to( have(those(verses(to(murmur(while( rocking(or(walking(a(fretting(baby?( What(opportunities(could(composing( a(lullaby(offer?(The(Lullaby(Project( gives(parents(living(in(challenging( circumstances(the(opportunity(to( write(and(record(a(song(for(their( babies(or(very(young(children.(John( Signor(has(been(working(with( caregivers(and(professional(award5 winning(singers(and(musicians(to( create(this(inspiring(evening(length( concert. Lullabies(are(at(the(heart(of(this( creative(project(that(focuses(on( caregivers(in(challenging(situations.( The(Lullaby(Project(offers(pregnant( women(and(new(mothers,(their( partners(and(extended(family,(or( other(caregivers(an(opportunity(to( create(and(share(a(personal(lullaby,( with(the(help(of(artists(working(in( communities(across(the(country.((( Caregivers((mothers/fathers/ grandparents/siblings/fosterparents/aunts(&(uncles)(collaborate( with(professional(musicians(to(write( personal(lullabies(for(their(babies.( The(lullabies(are(performed(at(a(live(
concert,(and(recorded(and(uploaded( to(a(National(SoundCloud(site( administered(by(Carnegie(Hall.(This( creative(experience(helps(new( Caregivers(imagine(themselves(as( parents,(bond(with(their(babies,(and( establish(positive(support(networks.( The(Leeward(Theatre(is(proud(to( partner(with(Carnegie(Hall(Weill( Music(Institute(in(New(York(for(The( Lullaby(Project.( For(over(a(century,(Carnegie(Hall(has( been(the(place(where(distinctive( artists(of(all(stripes(have(come(to( make(their(names(in(New(York(City.( This(tradition(of(excellence(has(made( Carnegie(Hall(an(essential(part(of(the( city’s(cultural(fabric(and(the(world’s( most(famous(concert(hall.(( Leeward(Music(Professor(John( Signor(is(the(Director(of(the(event.( Leeward(Community(College’s( Hawaiian(Ensemble(will(premiere( these(new(lullabies,(and(are(joined( by(guest(vocalists(Naeha(Breeland,( Nara(Cardenas,(Analiese(Esopenko,( Starr(Kalahiki,(Kristian(Lei,(and( Sharon(Myung.( When:(Saturday(April(2(at(7:30pm.(Box( ofKice(opens(at(6:30pm.(There(are(two(parts( to(this(event:(Hawaiian(food(sales(by(Pomai( Kulolo(and(entertainment(will(take(place(in( the(Theatre(Courtyard(area(from( 6:0057:15pm.(The(Main(Stage(performance(is( from(7:30(–(8:30pm
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
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SIGHTLINES This Production is Brought to You by... You! Is there a Dance Company, Musical Act, Broadway Style Musical, or some other act that you’ve been dying to see? If you’re willing to help pay for them to come out here, we’ll do what we can to get them on the Leeward stage. There are lots of expenses we have to cover if we want to bring out a particular act - and many times we just can’t find room in the budget to justify the expense - but with your help we’re more than willing to do what we can to get a company, group, play, musical, or troupe out here so that you can share what touched or inspired you with your community. Email Kemuel DeMoville at KEMUEL@hawaii.edu if you would like to get more information.
P ERM A N EN T N AMI NG O P P O RTU N I TI ES
5 YEA R NA MIN G
Individual Seats
$1,000
N/A
Lighting Booth
$100,000
Colgan
Ticket Booth
$200,000
$10,000
Private Dressing
$200,000
$10,000
Men’s Dress
$200,000
$10,000
Women’s Dress
$200,000
$10,000
Green Room
$200,000
Aadland
Dance Studio (2)
$300,000
$15,000
Scene Shop
$300,000
$15,000
Lab Theatre
$300,000
$15,000
Theatre Lobby
$400,000
$25,000
Main Stage
$4,000,000
$75,000
Room (2)
YOUR LEEWARD THEATRE
DO YOU WANT TO KNOW HOW YOU CAN HELP THE THEATRE? Donations: We(have(had(a(number(of(you(come(up(and(offer(suggestions(for(our( season(–(we(should(bring(over(a(certain(performer(or(produce(a(musical( like(on(Broadway…(Well,(now(it’s(time(to(put(your(money(where(your( mouth(is!(Producing(musicals(and(hosting(artists(cost(money,(and(your( donations(help(us(to(realize(our(mission(of(community(involvement(and( cultural(sustainability.(If(everyone(on(our(mailing(list(gave(just($20(a( month,(our(season((and(the(scholarships(we(offer(students(in(Theatre,( Music,(and(Dance)(would(expand(dramatically!(Email(Kemuel(DeMoville(at( KEMUEL@hawaii.edu(if(you(would(like(to(get(more(information.(
Name a Seat (or something bigger!): Be(a(part(of(The(Leeward(Theatre(for(the(next(40(years(5(and(beyond!(We( have(lots(of(naming(opportunities(right(now:(the(Lab(Theatre,(the(Dressing( Rooms,(the(Main(Stage,(Dance(Rooms,(even(the(Seats!(We’ll(even(put(a(nice( plaque(up(in(the(lobby(acknowledging(your(generous(contribution.(Email( Kemuel(DeMoville(at(KEMUEL@hawaii.edu(if(you(would(like(to(get( more(information.(
Volunteer: Giving(your(time(to(help(the(Theatre(can(be(just(as(valuable(as(a(monetary( donation((although(we(still(need(the(monetary(donations).((Volunteers( support(us(by(ushering,(taking(tickets,(and(manning(our(concessions( booth.(As(a(bonus,(you(get(to(see(the(show(for(free!(Email(Kemuel(at:( KEMUEL@hawaii.edu(if(you(would(like(to(sign(up(or(get(more( information.(
Door Prizes: Do(you(have(something(that(you(think(would(make(a(perfect(silent(auction( or(door(prize?(Do(you(have(contacts(with(small(businesses(or(corporations( who(are(looking(to(get(their(name(out(to(the(public(through(merchandise( or(service(donations?(Talk(to(us!(Your(stuff(could(help(bring(in(some( money(for(the(Theatre(and/or(scholarships(for(Leeward(students(in(the( Performing(Arts.((
Tell a Friend (better yet, buy them a ticket!): One(of(the(best(ways(to(support(the(theatre(is(to(come(out(and(buy(a(ticket!( We(offer(a(wide(range(of(professional,(community,(and(student(centered( events.(Come(out(for(a(night(at(the(Theatre!(Help(us(preserve(the(unique( cultural(and(community(heritage(that(has(been(a(part(of(The(Leeward( Theatre(for(40(years!(It’s(through(your(generosity(and(patronage(that(we( are(able(to(keep(our(doors(open(and(our(tickets(affordable.
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu
Spring 2016
P a g e !2 4
Make a Tax Deductible
Donation!
If advertising isn’t your thing, you can also help out by donating to The Leeward Theatre! Every little bit helps us to serve our students and our community.
HELP US HELP OUR COMMUNITY! The$Leeward$Theat+e$is$the$only$major$ar4s$ presenter$on$the$Leeward$side$of$Oahu,$and$we$ take$that$responsibilit<$seriously.$By$donating$to$ the$Friends$of$Leeward$Theat+e,$you$suppor4$us$ in$continuing$our$t+adition$of$excellent$ prog+amming$at$affordable$prices.$The$fDnds$you$ ent+Dst$to$us$suppor4$facilit<$repair,$communit<$ out+each$and$local$ar4ists$E$so$your$donation$has$ a$direct$impact$within$your$local$communit<.$
YES! I WANT TO HELP STUDENTS & THE PERFORMING ARTS AS A DONOR! ☐ $25
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☐ OTHER: ________________ (any amount is appreciated)
☐ I have enclosed a separate check payable to:
“UH Foundation, Friends of LCC Theatre”
☐ I have donated online at:
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Program: Leeward Community College, Account: Friends of Leeward CC Theatre.
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Thank You to Our Donors and Sponsors for 2015! We are able to help build community through the performing arts because of the support we’ve received from people like you. With the help of your donation The Leeward Theatre is able to offer free master classes in the performing arts, lecture-demonstrations, seminars, and workshops - in addition to mounting a diverse season performances and public events.
Walterbea J. Aldeguer Alice S. Arakaki Michael J. Bauer Mr. & Mrs. David A. Bumanglag Kathleen & Manuel J. Cabral, Jr. Kevin M. Carr & Elizabeth Burdick Dr. Paul Cravath Ashley & Kemuel DeMoville Ms. Rosemarie Frances Espiritu Olivia Evenson Clement T. Fujimoto Kim K. Gilbert Mr. & Mrs. Richard K. Hayashida Deborah T. Kelly Paul Kuehn Stephen Herr & Beth Kupper-Herr Dr. Paul Lococo, Jr. Terri & Daniel F. Madden Ms. Lenore S. Maruyama Mr. Matthew M. McNutt Florence S. Miyano Martha J. Myers
Name as you wish it to appear in our programs: (please type or print)
Dr. Lurana O'Malley & Mr. Sean O'Malley
_____________________________________________
Mr. & Mrs. Michael H. Pecsok
or Anonymous
When complete, please mail this document to:
The Leeward Theatre 96-045 Ala ‘Ike, TH-207
Pat's Poodle Grooming Ms. Lauren Salem Mr. Robert C. Tabije Mr. Ralph E. Vaughn The Yashiki Ohana
The Leeward Theatre • 96-045 Ala ‘Ike • Pearl City, HI • 96782 • http://LCCTheatre.hawaii.edu