A three-alarm fire on the roof of the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Monday (May 4) night will force the Tony-winning Broadway hit, “The Book of Mormon,” to shut down indefinitely, beginning tonight (May 5) and tomorrow night (May 6).
Apparently, the building’s fourth floor received substantial damage including a room that is home to lighting equipment and hanging chandeliers.
The blaze, whtich began in an electrical room, caused “substantial damage” to the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, according to David Simms, New York fire department assistant chief. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
There were a lot of catwalks and rigging in the theater, making access difficult, but no one was injured. The cause of the blaze still is under investigation and it’s too soon to set a reopening date.
The marquee of the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, home of “The Book of Mormon.”
The Eugene O’Neill Theatre seats 1,108 patrons and “’The Book of Mormon” has been a popular production since its opening in 2011. It has logged more than 5,000 performances so far.
The show had announced a “Magical Mormon Mystery Week,” marking its 15th anniversary with a myriad of returning cast members the week of June 9 to 14.
Promotional marquee, heralding the 15th anniversary of “Mormon.”
There was no immediate word if the celebration will go on as planned, if theater repairs can be done, or whether the special will be canceled.
The theater, at 230 W. 49th St. in Manhattan, opened in 1925 under a different name, and has had a storied past, with such popular shows as “Sweeney Todd,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Sound of Music,” “Grease,” and “Spring Awakening.” At one point, Neil Simon was the theater owner and staged such hits as “The Odd Couple” and “California Suite.”
Ticket holders will be notified by point of purchase, for refunds or exchanges.
Two icons of Hawaii mele and ‘olelo – Robert Cazimero of Oahu and Keali‘i Reichel of Maui – convened in a rare Lei Day concert last night (May 1) ‘neath the huge white tent erected on the Great Lawn of Bishop Museum.
The gathering was more than a routine May Day spectacle, however, since Cazimero and Reichel shared illuminating chit-chat in pre-recorded video shown on screens. The commentary included fleeting memories from the past that will likely define and shape the future destination of Hawaiian music and dance.
Robert Cazimero
Reichel opined that Cazimero was a visionary model in a trail of stardom. “Thanks for getting me out of the bushes to catch up,” said Reichel, who summed up his trailblazing buddy in a single word: “Gratitude.” Cazimero noted that there were instances where the roles were reversed. “I became a follower, too,” he said.
Keali’i Reichel
It was the first time that both kumu hula and their dancers and singers assembled in a lavish presentation yielding unexpected exchanges. Though the overall mission of both halau is to perpetuate island music, Cazimero’s two-time Merrie Monarch-winning Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehua (earlier known as Halau Na Kamalei O Likolehua) is comprised of gentlemen who elevated kane hula; the guys sing, dance, and play cultural instruments, committed to hula kahiko and hula auana, and expanding its horizons with Christmas productions that appeal to a wide base of fans. With hula as its foundation, Reichel’s Halau Ke‘alaokamaile perpetuates the Hawaiian culture and heritage through the arts, language and dance, with a connection to the ‘aina in its hula experience. He admitted hula was primary, before singing.
Standing, from left: Zachary Lum, Jonah Solatario, and Nicolas Lum. At piano, Cazimero; in front of Solatario, Reichel.
The first-time status also included the participation — again — of Keauhou, the Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning trio comprised of ZacharyAlakaʻi Lum, his brother Nicholas Kealiʻi Lum and Jonah Kahanuola Solatorio. Their roots in Hawaiian run deep, with Kamehameha Schools vintage. They support the three p’s of show biz, performance, preservation and perpetuation. Nick earned a PhD several months ago, Zack is a doctoral candidate, and has emerged as the game-changing producer of the May Day specials like last night’s. Zack and Cazimero were the ones who urged Reichel to join Lei Day.
The gents of Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehua share a kahiko hula.
This was a challenging production to review; I was situated in a midway table which made photographing the artists extremely difficult; in many shots, I captured wee images of Cazimero at his yellow plumeria-draped white piano, but mostly the camera focused on Kuana Torres Kahele’s head, beautifully displaying his beautiful hand-made lei po‘o.
Cazimero hugs Jon de Mello.
There were notables all over the house; Kumu hula Vicky Holt Takamine, singer and Cazimero’s best friend, Kaipo Hale, longtime Cazimero manager and recording producer Jon de Mello, entertainment lawyer Mark Bernstein, restaurateur and chef Kelvin Ro. Sitting next to me: Fred Krause, Reichel’s manager and partner; and so on.
Kelvin Ro makes the rounds.
The music seemed to be hand-picked by both kumu stars and Keauhou, nicely paced but with somewhat abrupt and awkward TV commercial breaks (Hawaiian Airlines was title sponsor of the production, Hawaii News Now televised the show live). The concert will be aired on Mele.com this month.
Reichel’s best treats were “Kawaiokalani” and “Ode to a House” (but no “Kawaipunahele”). Cazimero was effectively reflective on “Downtown Honolulu” (his favored composition) and “Lei Onaona.” Keauhou’s “Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai” was an op for hula dancers to strut their thing between the rows of diners. And a grand slam-dunk finale choice, “Hanohano Ka Lei Pikake” included rotating verses by Reichel, Cazimero and Keauhou.
‘Twas precisely the kind of robust, energetic and soul-touching moment – fleeting memories attendees could savor, cherish and take home to enjoy till the reflections fade.
P.S.: Reichel created an unintended memory, slipping in the mud (it rained earlier in the day) en route to the stage, and a brown smudge on his white pants at his left knee was prominent. He couldn’t change clothes because his spare clothing was back at the hotel. “It’s like a pimple on your face,” he surmised…
In “Michael,” the biopic with Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, JaafarJackson as the centerpiece, there’s authentic movie magic. Jermaine Jackson’s son is launching a film career, and yep, it’s a stunning mix of emotional acting and enticing impersonation. By end of the flick, you may feel Jaafar isn’t a copycat here; after all, he’s got that DNA to vocalize and dance.
Here are 10 take-aways:
1—“Thriller,” MJ’s iconic Halloween-y vocal/dance, is the No. 1 in the roster rock from the King of Pop’s catalogue. So the precision and enactment of the famous MTV video depended on the dancers learning and reimagining the moves and grooves for the big screen. So yes, “Thriller” is a killer!
Jaafar Jackson, as Michael Jackson: : “Thriller” defines his moves and grooves.
2—“Billie Jean” is a super duper second-placer. Again, the recreation chills because of the energy and power delivered.
3 – The single-glove lives and shines. Supposedly worn, to shield scars of a developing skin condition. What happened is that the glove became an iconic element of his presence.
Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s cousin as MJ: A star is born.
4 – The moonwalks are plentiful and Jaafar didn’t create them, but he perfected the glides and bouncing to and fro, and his uncle must be proud that the crown has been sort of unofficially turned over.
Colman Domingo, as Joe Jackson
5—Colman Domingo— as Joseph “Joe” Jackson, MJ’s real-life father — is perfection as the meanie patriarch who belt-whipped the kid in his mentorship of Michael and the Jackson 5. It’s the film’s toughest and most challenging and complex character – a bad dad – with personal greed in his veins with demonic demands. However, he could earn an Oscar nomination next year.
6 –MJ’s link to Peter Pan and Neverland was real; it explains a lot why he wanted to be forever young.
7 – His at-home zoo was strangely real; peacocks, a giraffe, a snake, a llama and the adorable chimp named Bubbles were among his animal pals depicted. And toys – MJ was a boy-man who loved stuffed figures including Mickey Mouse. And ‘twas cute, when he taught Bubbles how to navigate the Twister gameboard.
8 – As painful it must’ve been in real life, that horrid accident of MJ’s misfortune – his hair caught on fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial – was a moment of terrifying winching. Yet he persevered, and this misfortune changed him into a humanitarian supporting hospital burn units.
8 – Missing in action: Janet Jackson.Pourquoi? Marvelous in action: child actor Juliano Valdi(aka Juliano Krue Valdi) as Young Michael at 12: he fibs, saying he’s 8, at one point of the film. Mystiful.
9—Gasping, screaming, fainting girls are part of the shrieking and adoring fan ship. Happens quite often in rock shows, dating back to Elvis Presley, but the hysteria was vital, providing raw energy.
10 –This is Part One of the MJ story; Part Two is coming — unnecessary, since No. 1 showed and glowed with the MF the world cherished. The sequel will downplay the magic of his music and deal with MJ’s dark side as a pedophile, with a tangle of accusations and court issues, for sure. This is not “Wicked.” …
One is a Lonely Number
And there was only one again, in the challenging and elistis $2 Million Club. And that’s “Harry Potter,” again and again and again.
The Top 10:
1—”Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,”$2.31 million
2—“Hamilton,” $1.94 million
3—“The Lion King,” $1.89 million
4–Every Brilliant Thing,” $1.65 million
5—“Death of a Salesman,”$1.47 million
6—“Chicago,” $1.59 million
7—“MJ the Musical,” $1.35 million
8—“Moulin Rouge,” $2.64 million
9—“Ragtime,” $1.17 million
10—“Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” $1.00 million
“Funny Girl” — the acclaimed Broadway musical and hit film that made Barbra Streisand a superstar – opens May 22 at the Diamond Head Theatre, for a run through June 6.
Already, many playdates are sold out, so it’s prudent to secure tickets sooner than later, if you intend to go.
“Funny Girl” is the biographical musical about the feisty, determined wanna-be performer Fanny Brice, who is from New York’s Lower East Side, and her inspired journey to become a stage star as a headliner in the Ziegfeld Follies in the era when vaudeville was king.
It’s a tale of big dreams, challenging goals and immense hurdles, fueled by tuneful staples from the Bob Merrill and Jule Styne musical score, including such evergreens as “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” The show — with book and original story by Isobel Lennart –has become a star-maker; two years ago, Lea Michele famously resuscitated the Brice role on Broadway and turned a so-so interpretation into a magical blockbuster.
John Rampage, veteran artistic director of Diamond Head Theatre, is charged with directing and choreographing “Funny Girl.”
Becca Brake will portray the effervescent and Indefatigable Fanny Brice; Mark Sanders will enact Nick Arnstein, her financially unstable gambler-husband; Shari Lynn will be Mrs. Rosie Brice, Fanny’s mom not immediately convinced about Fanny’s quest; and Joe Martyak will play Florenz Ziegfeld Jr, who gives Fanny the nod to put her stamp on his famous Ziegfeld Follies show.
Others in the cast are David Weaver (Eddie Ryan), Brianna Johnson (Emma), Tracey Villiger (Mrs. Strakosh), Betty Bolton (Mrs. Meeker) LeeNebe (Tom Keeney), Jody Bill (Keeney Girl, Showgirl, Fanny Brice understudy), Landon Ballesteros (John the Stage Manager), Mary Rydell (Mrs. O’Malley), Federico Biven (Heckie), Brandon Yim (Workman), Presley Wheeler (Workman, Ziegfeld Production Tenor), Christina Sutrov (Keeney Girl, Showgirl), Anastasia Chrysler (Keeney Girl, Showgirl), Alexandra Langley (Keeney Girl/Showgirl), Salote Vaha’i (Mimsey, Showgirl), Timmy “Tino” Nozaki (Paul), Bob Calvert (Mr. Renaldi), James Lauer (Coronet Man, Jody) and Suzanne Green (understudy for Mrs. Brice, Mrs. Strakosh, Mrs. Meeker, and Mrs. O’Malley)..
Ensemble members are Casey Kekoa Lauti, Jaiyu-Li, Brittany Lewis, Ani O’Hanlon, Emily Lane, and Teagan Staskawicz.
Performance days are at 7 p.m. Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. DHT’s website may not list certain sellout dates. Tickets range in price from $43 to $70, available at www.diamondheadtheatre.com and (808) 733-0274…
Robert Cazimero, the esteemed kumu hula and Hawaiian music industry icon, has been tapped to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of Hawaii.
Cazimero, who earned his hula stripes as a student of Maiki Aiu Lake, earned the seal of approval from the UH Board of Regents, at its April 16 meeting at Leeward Community College.
Robert Cazimero
Thus, his fame and presence will shine anew in the realm of academia.
“I’m so honored,” he said this morning. “It was such so unexpected.”
“I never really thought about this before, and to have it happen in such a truly beautiful, humbling—and even overwhelming—way, I’m grateful,” said Cazimero in an earlier statement. “I’m really happy to be here.”
The honorary doctorate recognizes individuals of national or international distinction whose contributions have had a significant impact in areas such as business, public service or scholarship.
The degree will be formally conferred during Leeward Community College’s fall convocation.
It was Leeward Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza, who requested the laurel for Cazimero, who has staged his famed Hawaiian concerts with his halau, Hālau Nā Kamalei O Līlīlehua, in showcase performances at Leeward Theatre, bringing his signature shows to a new zip code. Over the decades, legions of adoring fans flocked to “town” venues in Waikiki hotels and in special showcases at Bishop Museum, Blaisdell Arena and the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell. Cazimero established Leeward as a Hawaiian music anchor via an enduring partnership in cultural learning and mentorship, helping to deepen students’ experiences with ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge).
Throughout his career, Cazimero has been a steadfast partner to UH, supporting its mission to nurture knowledge, improve cultural identity and inspire future generations. Across UH’s 10 campuses, he has shared his time and expertise through guest lectures, workshops, performances and mentorship rooted in a deep sense of kuleana (responsibility).
“His engagement with our campus community has provided students, faculty and staff with meaningful opportunities to learn directly from a master practitioner whose work bridges ancestral knowledge and contemporary expression,” said Keala Chock, a former student and Leeward CC vice chancellor for academic affairs, in a statement.
Cazimero and Abercrombie: History
During the meeting, Regent Neil Abercrombie — Hawaii’s seventh governor — shared an emotional memory of seeing Cazimero perform for the first time at UH Mānoa’s Andrews Amphitheatre in the 1970s; at that time, Robert was staging Hawaiian music with brother Roland Cazimero. “We go back many years,” Cazimero said of his longstanding ties with Abercombie…
Waimanalo Kanikapila set on Saturday
The Annual Waimanalo Kanikapila and Limu Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday (April 25) at Waimanalo Beach Park.
The musical celebration owes its roots to the backyard kanikapila of Gabby Pahinui, and his residency in ‘Nalo Country.
The daylong event will feature a host of emcees and a small army of performers, including Henry Kapono, Jerry Santos, Alan Akaka, George Kuo, Greg Sardihja, Kawiki Kahiapo, Kamuela Kimokeo, Eric Keawe, Mike Kaawa, and Kata Maduli, among many others..
Limu Hui Waimānalo — a community organization working to restore Hawaiʻi’s native limu and coastal ecosystems – is partnering in the mele celebration.
Admission is free.
Earth, Wind & Fire and documentary
Prior to their June 13 concert at Blaisdell Arena, Earth, Wind & Fire will open the 25th anniversary Tribeca Festival with a new documentary, premiering June 3 at the Beacon Theatre in New York.
The film was directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson; the HBO Original Film has a hefty title, “Earth, Wind & Fire: To be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World,” and will debut on HBO and HBO Max.
The event also will feature a concert by Earth, Wind & Fire and The Roots…
New York still wild about ‘Harry’
The Harry Potter “Curse” is hard to beat; the family drama’s wizardry has landed the show atop the Broadway charts again, and to reflect its power of the box office, it’s the lone member of the “2 Million Club.” Again.
The Top 10:
“Hamilton” ranks No. 2, followed by “The Lion King.”
1—”Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” $2.376 million
2—“Hamilton,” $1.944 mi41llion
3—“The Lion King,” $1.869 million
4—“Moulin Rouge, $1.663 milion
5—“Every Brilliant Thing” $1.566 million
6—“Wicked,” $1.348 million
7—“Death of a Salesman,” $1.277 million
8—“Ragtime,” $1.152 million
10—“Dog Day Afternoon,” $1.114 million
The full list for the week ending April 19 follows, courtesy the Broadway League:
