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‘Wizard of Oz,’ with puppets

Kennedy Theatre will open its 2026-27 season with a new and imaginative production of the film classic, “The Wizard of Oz,” debuting today (Oct. 23) and running on select dates through Oct. 31 at Kennedy Theatre.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Jack Romans, an MFA degree candidate, is directing this Theatre for Young Audiences musical which reimagines the Oz as a world of discarded objects. Targeting a young audience, the musical is inspired by the resourcefulness of childhood imagination, where everyday materials are transformed into the Yellow Brick Road, the Emerald City, and the classic characters audiences have adored for generations.

This outing follows the timeless journey of Dorothy, a native of Kansas, and her pet dog Toto, and the familiar companions she meets along the way on the Yellow Brick Road.

The story underplays the glitzy witches of recent cinematic endeavors, but never forgets the core values we seek in our lives – themes of courage, compassion, wisdom and the  impordtantce of home.

Ayami Kinoshita, front, is Dorothy, holding Toto; rear, Xlamara Gallant Ortis is the Scarecrow puppeteer, Cleonice Hamm is the Tinman puppeteer, ad Kekainalu Keawe is the Cowardly Lion puppeteer. Phono by Christine Lambor Fernandez.

Blending familiar songs, inventive theatrical design, and playful visual storytelling, this fresh interpretation invites children and adults alike to rediscover the wonder of Oz while celebrating creativity, sustainability, and the magic that emerges when ordinary objects are seen through extraordinary eyes.

And this production brings puppetry to the limelight, with an Oz experience with a contemporary twist: issues of landfills and waste. You’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy.

While recent adaptations have explored the untold stories of Oz’s witches, Kennedy Theatre returns to the timeless journey of Dorothy, Toto, and the companions she meets along the way—a story that continues to remind audiences that courage, compassion, wisdom, and undeniable magnet of home, sentiments often found within ourselves.

 L. Frank Baum’s enduring book was adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the story is based on the classic motion picture owned by Turner Entertainment Company.

“Everyone deserves quality art, and everything has the potential to become part of it. Our Land(fill) of Oz transforms discarded materials into Dorothy’s adventure, inviting audiences of all ages to wonder, reimagine, and see new possibilities in the world around them,” director Romans said in a statement.

The cast features Ayami Kinoshita as Dorothy, who manipulates Toto (puppet); Scarecrow Xiamara Gallant Ortiz  (puppeteer), Tinman Cleonice Hamm (puppeteer), and  Cowardly Lion (Kekainalu Kaawa, puppeteer).

Blending familiar songs, inventive theatrical design, and playful visual storytelling, this fresh interpretation invites children and adults alike to rediscover the wonder of Oz while celebrating creativity, sustainability, and the magic that emerges when ordinary objects are seen through extraordinary eyes.

“Everyone deserves quality art, and everything has the potential to become part of it. Our Land(fill) of Oz transforms discarded materials into Dorothy’s adventure, inviting audiences of all ages to wonder, reimagine, and see new possibilities in the world around them,” director Romans said in a statement.

The show is open to kids 5 and older, but there are mild moments of peril and peril, depictions of a witch, and stylized fantasy violence.

Tickets: $9 for UH Manoa students with valid ID, $15 for youths and non-UHM students, $22 for UH faculty, staff, military, and seniors, and $25 for adults; available at the Kennedy box office from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays, and one-hour prior to curtain on performance days.

Box office phone: (808) 956-7655 …

‘Hamilton’ still happening…

The top 10 grossing shows for the week ending on Oct. 18:

1 –”Hamilton,” $2,777 million

2—”The Lion King,” $2,017 million

3—”Other Desert Cities,” $1,817 million

4— “MJ,” $1,760 million

5—”Oh, Mary!,” $1,533 million

6 –”Wicked,” $1,425 million

7—“The Lost Boys,” $1,295 million

8—”890,”  $1,268 million

9—”A Few Good Men,” $1,246 million

10—”Harry Potter and The Cursed Child,” $1,226 million

 The whole list of shows, courtesy the Broadway League:

And that’s Show Biz…

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‘Honu’ marks 10th in Tokyo


“Honu by the Sea,” the Hawaii-produced original environmental musical by Johnson Enos, will celebrate its 10th anniversary residency at the Tokyo Sea Life Park with performances on Oct. 10, 11, and 12. Indeed, it’s big homecoming weekend for the production and its creator.

The conservation-savvy musical, featuring Enos’ original music and lyrics, will be staged for the first time since its hiatus in 2019.

Honu the turtle

“Honu by the Sea,” created by the prolific Hawaii resident, combines storytelling which embraces concerns about the environment, and features marine life characters who sing and dance to Enos’ compositions to introduce youthful audiences to the important message of marine conservation. The show made its debut in 2016 and will be marking its fifth appearance at the Sea Life Park.

Johnson Enos

Honu is the Hawaiian name for sea turtle, and for the 10th anniversary, Marlise Ahuna will reprise the role of Lehua, Mama Honu, which she originated in the 2012 premiere performance at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. For this run, she will perform alongside her daughter Clara, who is enacting Malia.

“Honu,” set ‘neath the waters of Hawaii, tracks Kainoa, a teen surfer from Waikiki, who is granted a wish to spend one day undersea, after helping a magical sea star return to the ocean. Thus, Kainoa meets wondrous critters under the sea, including Hula Hoop the octopus, Shaka the crab, Kapper the seahorse, and the denizens of the deep teach Kainoa about the importance of protecting marine life and keeping the ocean free of plastic water bottles.

Seven songs will be featured in the anniversary show, including a few with Japanese lyrics. 

Underwater creatures share environmental concerns.

A highlight will be “Remember,” which will be heard in Japan for the first time. The tune, about caring for and protecting the ocean, was released in an extended version for World Oceans Day in 2020, featuring cast members and images from Honu’s performances around the world. 

Also returning: “Ocean Cleanup Parade,” an opportunity for interactive participation with youngsters in the audience joining the cast to help clean up trash from beneath the sea. It’s a learn-by-doing moment.

“I’m so grateful to the partners and audiences in Japan who have welcomed us,” said Enos. “The heart of the show has always been simple: use music and theater to help kids understand why taking care of our ocean matters. It means a lot to return to Tokyo Sea Life Park and celebrate this anniversary where our Japan journey began.”

Performances will be at the outdoor Sky Plaza at Tokyo’s Sea Life Park.

Multiple performances are set Oct. 10, 11 and 12; prevailing park admission includes a performance; park admission will be waived on Oct. 10 to mark the park’s anniversary.–

And that’s Show Biz…

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‘Moana’ singer inspires QB Allen

Josh Allen, the popular quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, was quite taken and thrilled when island singer-actress Auli‘i Cravalho, of “Moana” fame, rendered the National Anthem at the Bills’ inaugural home game at the new Highmark Stadium in Buffalo last Sept. 17.

Josh Allen

“Do you know who this is? It’s the voice of Moana,” Allen whispered to the Bills’ head coach, Joe Brady, when the anthem was rendered. For whatever reason, Allen wanted his teammates and coaching staff that he knew Cravalho’s voice from the popular hit Disney film. He recalled her voice since she voiced the Moana character, in the original animated film.

It was logical that Allen – a superstar quarterback – would know a film figure like Cravalho since he has a young daughter, Harper Haize, who happens to be fan of Cravalho and she likely adored the movie and her voice, just like daddy.

Auli’i Cravalho

Must’ve been be a motivational omen to have Cravalho sing the “Star-Spangled Banner.”  The Bills played the Detroit Lions and the home team won, 41 to 31 Allen scored five touchdowns, throwing three and rushing another two into the end zone.

Harper’s mom and Josh’s wife, actress Hailee Steinfeld, is having a good run in her DIY Dress TV commercial. She’s the one who cuts up a luxurious sectional sofa to create her own original gown…

From the Spider-Man Web

Hawaii’s Jacob Batalon, the sidekick Ned Leeds to Tom Holland’s Peter Parker from the “Spider-Man” film series, got married to Veronica Leahov, an interior designer, in France recently.  It was their second ceremony, since they tied the knot earlier. Here’s how People magazine reported the marriage…without mentioning the three-day (Aug. 25 to 27) event.
Maui’s Destin Daniel  Cretton directed the latest “Super-Man: Brand  New Day” hit film…

Shari Berenobis dies

Shari Berenobis

Sorry to report the unexpected death of Shari Floyd Berinobis, wife of entertainer Tito Berinobis, the longtime performer at the Chart House.

Shari, a familiar face in the audience of numerous shows, died Oct. 3 at a hospital. She was always at the Chart House and she regularly took in Robert Cazimero’s serenades at Chef Chai, where I last saw her this summer. She had heart issues and suffered a heart attack last year, but apparently she was too weak to combat a bout with pneumonia and the Covid virus. May a flight of angels accompany her in her flight to the heavens…

Note worthy

Another second tribute celebration, FIJI Fest Hawaii,  is set for Nov. 21 at  at the Aloha Stadium parking lot. It’s likely to echo the “A Hui Hou”  memorial held last year at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell, to remember the legacy of Fiji, the beloved reggae entertainer whose formal name was George Veikoso…

Gail Mack and Gordon Kim are assembling their musical buddies for shows in the weeks ahead. The gigs are from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 16 at The Edge at 31 N. Pauahi St.; call (808) 888-3228;  and a Christmas show  and dance, from 5:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at Mango  St.; call (808) 621-5451). Performers will include Gail and Gordon, Lance, Keith and Bobby, and others…

And that’s Show Biz..

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L’Chaim! ‘Fiddler’ a hit at DHT

There is much to embrace and admire in the luminous and luscious “Fiddler on the Roof,” now in residency at Diamond Head Theatre.

Let’s start with Garrett Hols, as Tevye the dairyman-papa, and Mary Chesnut Hicks, as Golde his wife and the mama, perfectly cast as denizens of the European community of Anatevka, where families live, work, and worship together in natural harmony. 

And oh, there’s literally a storybook fiddler on the roof here.

Based on tales of Sholem Aleichem, “Fiddler” features a book by Joseph Stein, with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and was an award-winning entity produced by Harold Prince on the Broadway stage, and directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. To work, the show requires vision and  competence to bring the characters to life through dialogue, music and dance.

There are no Hols barred as Hols inhabits Tevye with determined trust, adventure and joy; his vocals and dances are expressive, from the opening spectacle “Tradition ” with the Villagers, to plot-moving classics like “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,”  “To Life” and “Do You Love Me,” the latter with a comedic strain with mama Golde, and she charms every time she speaks and vocalizes.

Garrett Hols is Tevya, Mary Chesnut Hicks is Golde, in DHT’s ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ Easton Ikenaga photo, courtesy DHT.

The show is a journey boasting a chockful of hits delivered by secondary characters vital in connecting the dots in the storyline. Kyle Conner (Motel the tailor); R. Andrew Doan, (Lasar Wolf the butcher); Betty Bolton (Yente the matchmaker); plus the five marriageable daughters Tzeitei, (Marie Staples) ; Hodel (Salote Vaha’i), Chava (Anya Teruya); Kara Katayama/Hayden Lau (Shprinyze); and Bieke (Leia Kandel/Kara Katayama).

The ensemble numbers are extraordinary, with vigor and unity. Co-directors Roberta Stephens Satori and David Weaver move mini-armies of villagers, and filli the stage with genuine spirit and life. L’Chaim!

The precise bottle dance. photo by Easton Ikenaga, courtesy DHT.

The robust choreography  – with the ritualistic bottle dance at the top of the list – projects the spirit of life; David Weaver recreated the original staging. Emily Stone’s costumes – gorgeous in assorted hues —  add to the festive momentum and fill the eyes of this cultural treat.

But overall, the technical work is awesome. Deanne Kennedy’s set design taps segments of moveable sectors of a rustic home, displaying versatility of outdoor and indoor looks. Aiko Schick’s hair and makeup continues to bring sheen to the show, and Janine Myers’ lighting design takes adventures of the key set pieces and brings silhouettes to the party, a nice element. Jericho Sombrio’s sound design is top-notch, too.

Finally, dependable Jenny Shiroma’s nine-piece orchestra is back in the pit, with Richard Lee, in the role of The Fiddler, earning two big spotlight moments beginning with the opening scene fiddling on the roof, plus an Act 2 reprise.

So fiddle no more; seats are selling fast, but extension dates are available.

And that’s Show Biz…

‘Fiddler on the Roof’

What: A musical featuring book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, based on the stories by  Sholem Aleichem.

Where: Diamond Head Theatre

When: 7 p.m. Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; extended playdates on Oct. 16 and 17.Tickets: $45 to $56, at 808-733-0274

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Halloween pins are en route

An early Halloween toast to those who are receiving  my annual holiday pins. Yep, the Halloween season beckons. Some already have received the little boxes sent to those on my list. To others, have patience; you’ll get yours shortly.

A sampling of the range of boo! characters are depicted here — ghosts, bats, witches, pumpkins, and even Frankenstein.

‘Twas a fun project, but often a painful mission, since I had to take numerous breaks (read: halt the pin-making) because of my recurring  nerve attacks on my right leg. Yep, the sciatic nerve has been relentlessly active.

The early  Halloween launch, last June, enabled me to map out a creative pin-making schedule to work on moments before and after the pain eruptions. The production,  despite the nagging pain, is virtually done, with the final batch of boxes somewhere in the postal mailing system.

It required a different strategy, when you try to make, make, make the pins, then take breaks, breaks, breaks and rest pauses for the pain to subside.

The effiort enabled me to complete 1,000 pins — yeah, a lot! — and it might have been plentiful, but my mailing list isnearly 100 (I deliver, traditionally, to my handful of doctors, since I have appointments), but only these pins have yet to reach their recipients. 

For insurance, I created 200 additional  pins, in case I ran short (I do) mostly since multiple pins go into each of the little box..

So I’ll take a breather, but rest assured, the Christmas pin project is lurking. I’ll be focusing on Santas and snowmen as Halloween festivities proceed. But I can’t locate my red card stock paper — found the green sheets — so I will have to go out shopping this weekend.