Coming SoonLITTLE WOMENDecember 3 - 19

I HATE HAMLETJanuary 28 - February 13

THE KING AND IMarch 25 - April 10

ALTAR BOYZMay 20 - June 5

HAIRSPRAYJuly 15 - July 31

Inside This Issue¡Viva el Flamenco! 1

A Look Back in Time 2

Executive Director’s Message 2

Casey Cameron 3

Curtain Call 3

Star Moments 4

In the Spotlight 6

Season 2010-2011 Opens 7

All the World’s a Stage 7

Mahalo, Volunteers 8

November 2010 Volume 96 • Issue 1

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

For TicketsCall 808.733.0274 or visitwww.diamondheadtheatre.com

¡Viva el Flamenco!Behind the Music at a DHT Dance Class

Diamond Head Theatre offers 25 classes year-round, ranging from Acting for Children to Adult Ballet, Hip-Hop and Flamenco. We simply had to sit in on a flamenco class so we could tell you all about it.

First we met with some of the energetic students to find out why they chose this class and what they liked about it. Linda told us: “I read about the class in the newspaper. I had never taken such a class, so I thought it would be interesting.” Kesha felt the same, and was also inspired by a trip to Spain. She loves the music and the feeling of flamenco dance—“it’s like being in a trance!” Moselle jumped in. “The Arabic and Spanish influences interest me, and the rhythm is fascinating.” Ana finds it both energizing and relaxing. She took flamenco as a child and is happy to return to it. Denise is attracted to all forms of non-Western dance. What she loves about flamenco is that it accommodates all ages and all body types—“no skinny ballerinas here!”

The class instructor, Vanessa Chong Kuna, put the students through their paces. Then we paused the music to ask her a few questions.

How did you start your career/interest in flamenco dance?

I was raised in Hawaii in a Latin home, and dancing was an important part of our household (my mom is from Bolivia, and my dad is from Hawaii). On my first trip to Spain, I saw a few flamenco shows in Sevilla, Madrid and Granada and fell in love with the art form. So when I returned home I found a flamenco dance teacher and began my studies. A few years later, I studied at a special summer workshop in Córdoba, Spain.

In 1994, Diamond Head Theatre gave me the opportunity to teach flamenco dance. I’ve been teaching here ever since, except for a break in 1996, when I decided to seriously explore and study flamenco dance in Sevilla, Spain. I lived there with a host family and took one or two flamenco dance classes every day. Through a University of Hawaii at Manoa study abroad program in Sevilla,

Flamenco class is one of 25 classes offered at DHT year-round.

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Phone (808)733-0277 Facsimile (808)735-1250 Box Office (808)733-0274www.diamondheadtheatre.com

Writer/Publisher Deena Dray Editor Stacy Pope Contributing Writer Karen G. Wolfe Coordinator Cheryl Yamada

Our Mission StatementEstablished in 1915, Diamond Head Theatre is the Broadway of the Pacific, producing the best live community theatre entertainment and advancing the theatre arts through education in Hawai‘i.

Encore! is published by Diamond Head Theatre, 520 Makapuu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816.

A Look Back in TimeAll My Sons

We recently received a call for information about our production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, which opened in September of 1947. It seems there was an event being planned to

honor Judge Samuel King, and Judge King was in this very production at DHT (then Honolulu Community Theatre)! In our research for the caller, we

uncovered some interesting tidbits. All My Sons was the opening show

for HCT’s 1947-1948 season and directed by Elroy Fulmer, then the artistic director of our theatre. It was selected by a Mr. John Halliday, who seems to have been a volunteer for HCT. Mr. Halliday traveled to New York regularly and was always “on the hunt for what I think will be a fine play for Honolulu.” The producer of the NY production gave Mr. Halliday a copy of the script for the show, which was still in rehearsal. “Mr. Halliday writes: ... so I suggested to Mr. Harris that he give us the rights for Honolulu. Much to my astonishment, he said he would not only give us the rights, but they would be exclusive.”

The show was a hit, both in New York and Honolulu. According to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin review: “Many who have seen the play consider it the artistic triumph of Mr. Fulmer’s career. The casting of the characters was superb.”

We assume that superb casting included the esteemed Judge King, whose cast bio states he was “active

in dramatics at Punahou, but has not stepped before the footlights until now.” Judge King was then a practicing young lawyer with the firm of King and McGregor.

Fast forward to present. All My Sons was recently played again on Broadway. The stars: John Lithgow and Katie (Mrs. Tom Cruise) Holmes.

Robert Dorsen, Ellen Harris and Samuel King

Aloha from DHT’s Executive Director

I’m getting out my winter clothes in preparation for DHT’s annual

Broadway Bound Tour. I grew up in Boston, so I should be used to the cold, but guess what: My 30-plus years in Hawaii have done me in! I’m chilly when it hits the low 70s on my

Nuuanu lanai. So, needless to say, I’ll be doing a lot of layering.

Still, I do look forward to the fall

foliage and the energy of NYC. But what I like best is watching our DHT patrons enjoy the city. We always seem to have a mixed group of NYC travel veterans and first-timers, and the dynamics are fun to watch. The first night we’re all a bit jet-lagged at dinner, and some have a look of apprehension in their eyes at the unfamiliar surroundings. By the third day, I no longer see them lingering in the hotel lobby. They’ve gotten their bearings and they’re off—seeing shows, shopping, enjoying the sights.

Introducing people to something new is the best part of my job. Whether it’s a traveler to the Big Apple, a new patron to a DHT production or the new kid on the first day to our MTE summer

school, every new person in the door is an opportunity. An opportunity to tell our story. And, hopefully in such a way that they’ll come back—to NYC, or to a show, or to another summer session. That’s the second-best part of my job: seeing people who’ve “tried” DHT, liked it … and have come back. We have a lot of them. We could always use more. Help me get them in the door—we’ll take care of the rest!

Have a great holiday season.

P.S. On Facebook yet? Be sure to become a fan (or “like”) Diamond Head Theatre. Lots of news and inside scoops!

Curtain CallOur Fond Aloha to Dorothy Regner

Diamond Head Theatre has recently lost a beloved friend: Dorothy Regner. Dorothy was on our Board of Directors, eventually becoming its chair; she also volunteered for many years in our costume and administrative

departments. She passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Her husband, Jim, sent a very generous gift along with a lovely note: “… despite a span of many years and many locations, a common thread for Dorothy was her love of the performing arts. Her time spent with Honolulu Community Theatre/Diamond Head Theatre was a highlight in her life. Dorothy proudly talked about it, even during her appearance on the TV game

Casey Cameron Takes on ShrekDHT Costume Director Karen Wolfe Tells Casey’s Story

You know you’ve made it when you go national. Talented local costume designer Casey Cameron will be moving on to join the first national tour of Shrek the Musical as a wardrobe supervisor. Proud hardly describes my feelings about my best friend’s success. We met here at Honolulu Community Theatre as teens in 1968—she a dresser and I a dancer in the ensemble of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, directed by L. Newell Tarrant and choreographed by Peggy Ryan Sherman.

At age 12, Casey straight-stitched

I also studied at the Universidad de Sevilla and sped up a master’s degree in Spanish language and literature. My time in Sevilla changed my life! It was such a great experience.

Why do you love flamenco dance? What makes it unique?

I love flamenco dance because it’s elegant, lovely and powerful, all at the same time. The art form is so positive for the mind, body and spirit. The dance incorporates intricate finger, hand and

original designs for her magenta-haired troll using her mother’s White Rotary sewing machine, and she dreamed of mounting her own paper doll show. In college, the

University of Hawaii fashion design program taught her draping, patterning and factory techniques, but called her ideas “too theatrical.” So, she majored in costume design instead. Lucky for us, as Casey ended up designing for many DHT productions, including Barefoot in the Park in 2008, The Taming of the Shrew in 1995 and Fallen Angels in 1991. She produced specialty garments

show, Jeopardy! She enjoyed all her volunteer work at DHT … even cooking up some award-winning chili for the annual Compadres Chili Cook-off [a fundraiser for DHT]. Please accept this $10,000 gift in her memory to help keep Diamond Head Theatre the premiere theatre experience in Hawaii.”

The theatre board and staff feel blessed to have known Dorothy throughout her long tenure here. A hui hou, Dorothy … .

for Madame Thenardier in Les Miz in 2008, Crocodile in Peter Pan in 2003 and hats for My Fair Lady in 1986. In the 1970s, she worked full time in our Costume Shop under Peg Birnie.

In 2006 Casey joined the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 665, which allowed her to work wardrobe for films like The Tempest (starring Helen Mirren and directed by Julie Taymor), Princess Kaiulani and Soul Surfer, The Bethany Hamilton Story. When The Lion King played at the Blaisdell Center a couple of years ago, Casey dressed hyenas, gazelles and water buffalo. It was that job that led to Shrek.

Our congratulations, and aloha oe!

arm movements; strong posture; smooth marking steps; commanding footwork; and interesting rhythms. Flamenco dance is unique because it does not have

an age limit. I have seen little kids, grandmas, grandpas—and everyone in between—dance flamenco.

What about the attire?Women usually wear a

flamenco skirt. Polka-dot fabric is a favorite theme, as well as solids. The skirt is also a prop. You grasp it, flounce it, twirl in it. All done “with attitude!” The feeling of the skirt as it moves is important. And the flamenco shoes

have nails in them! Yes, nails, and literally hammered into the soles at the toes and on the heels. That gives the dance its distinctive sound!

How do you keep fresh with the dance?In order to keep up with my art,

I have studied in Sevilla, Córdoba and Madrid, Spain; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Los Angeles and San Francisco; California; and New York City. I’ve always had great experiences in all of these cities—jumping right into class, being accepted immediately and meeting teachers, dancers and other flamenco aficionados from all over the world.

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FLAMENCO - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

DHT Flamenco instructor Vanessa Chong Kuna

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The DHT Shooting Stars (numbering 45) performed all over town this summer. In addition to DHT’s Volunteer Picnic, the Stars were at Tamarind Park at Bishop Square for a Tap-A-Thon, at McDonald’s in Palolo, and even on TV. The troupe is heading to New York City in March 2011 and has been busy raising money. Check out their variety show, The Stars Come Out for Christmas, December 13 and 14 at DHT. Reserved tickets ($15) are available through Kelly at 733-0277 x306.

Shooting Stars and MTE Kids Take Summer by StormStar Moments

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Shooting Stars and MTE Kids Take Summer by StormDiamond Head Theatre is full to the

rafters with children and teens every summer. Our Musical Theatre Experience summer program contributes 80 of those attendees, and MTE II, another 25. The six-week program (and another two weeks for MTE II) culminates in two performances on two separate weekends. This year’s shows were terrific, with beaming parents, aunties and uncles applauding wildly. They were wonderful and proud moments for all, including the MTE staff, who worked long and hard.

Star Moments

Vernon WongBoard Member

OccupationSenior Vice President and Manager, Private Wealth Management, First Hawaiian Bank

First JobWaiter at John Dominis restaurant

Last Book ReadThe Talent Code by Daniel Coyle

Favorite Travel DestinationJapan—just love the culture and the food

How Long on the Board4 years

Favorite DHT MomentLes Misérables is probably my all-time favorite. I’ve seen it once in New York and three times in Honolulu with the Broadway tour. DHT’s 2009 season opening night of Les Miz just blew me away with Peter Lockyer and Melanie Tojio’s direction, Peter’s performance as Jean Valjean and the unbelievable local talent surrounding them. I was mesmerized and thought I was in New York again. DHT consistently puts out incredible performances!

Dr. Kathleen SuliemanBoard Member

OccupationI practiced general and cosmetic dentistry in Oakland, California for 12 years before moving to Oahu. Once we moved here, I became a full time mom. The children are now grown and I’m managing my husband’s medical offices and sleep labs.

First JobTeen model for JCPenney

Last Book ReadThe Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

Favorite Travel DestinationRome (sigh!)

How Long on the Board3 years

Favorite DHT MomentThe cancan dance in La Cage aux Folles. The dancers were amazing.

Kay HamptonBoard Member

OccupationPresident of Media Matters, a national advertising media rep sales firm

First JobWaitress at a fish and chip restaurant in Detroit, Michigan

Last Book ReadThe Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

Favorite Travel DestinationGreece (after Hawaii)

How Long on the Board17 years

Favorite DHT MomentWhen I saw my granddaughter, Stephanie, perform on DHT’s stage

Susan K. EichorBoard Member

OccupationPresident and COO of aio, a family of businesses in media, sports, technology and food, dedicated to living and promoting the unique values of Hawaii, its culture and its people. The people of aio share one guiding principle: No matter who we are, no matter what our job may be, each of us has the power to make a positive difference in the world around us.

First JobCounter help at Zippy’s!

Last Book ReadBorn to Run by Christopher McDougall

Favorite Travel DestinationAnywhere with ski slopes

How Long on the Board1 year

Favorite DHT MomentWhenever I’m at a DHT production with nostalgic songs that bring up warm, happy memories.

John MagauranBoard Member

OccupationMedical Director at ORI Helemano Plantation, a residential facility and community based program for developmentally disabled adults

First JobDishwasher

Last Book ReadThe Paris Vendetta by Steve Berry

Favorite Travel DestinationI love going back to Ireland—Dublin in particular—and Connecticut, to visit my family

How Long on the Board10 years

Favorite DHT MomentWhen my sister, Mary, was on stage in It’s a Wonderful Life. She was in the ensemble and had so many different roles that sometimes, due to the costuming and wigs, I wasn’t always sure it was Mary! In that same production, my friend Randy Hubbard, playing George Bailey, sang the song “Precious Little” to the daughter, Zuzu. That was amazing. Then of course there was the production of The Sound of Music a few years back when Uli Cutter, dressed in her own Austrian dirndl dress, stomped across the stage, indignantly accepting second place to the Von Trapp Family Singers! She didn’t say a word, but I never laughed so hard. She brought down the house!

In the SpotlightMeet Members of Our Board

Diamond Head Theatre is honored to have 40 community leaders and theatre buffs serving on our Board of Directors. We would like to introduce several of these special individuals to you and thank the entire board for their enthusiastic support.

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Tom Ishii Jr., Sally Ishii, Joey Harris and Randy Harris

Kelly Sanders, Revell Newton, Riley Newton and Candes Meijide Gentry

John Magauran, Cheryl Dickerson and Jess Aki Joyce Morrows, Pat Kwiecinski and Sarah Richards

Every year, Diamond Head Theatre holds an annual dinner for our “MIAs.” No, not people missing in action. These folks are anything but missing! They’re our Maestro, Impresario and Angel Producers–generous donors who contribute annually to our Producer gift club at the higher levels.

The dinner is an opportunity to welcome them to the new season and thank them for their support. Downtown @ the HiSAM has been the scene for several of these dinners. Chef Ed Kenney is a good friend and he creates a special menu that always dazzles our guests.

The evening also includes entertainment (after all, we are a theatre!). This year, DHT Artistic Director John Rampage pulled together the actresses from our hit show, SHOUT: THE MUSICAL. They knocked it out of the park and had the room up and dancing to favorites such as “Preacher Man” and “Shout!” (“You make me wanna … ”)

Thanks again to these bighearted donors. If you want to be one of our “MIAs,” please call Sabrina at 733-0277 x305.

Downtown @ the HiSAM chef/

owner Ed Kenney, and Sharon

McPhee

Myrna Cundy, Richard Cundy, Gabe Lee and Shirley Lee

Richard Aadland, Karen Wolfe, Roberta Bishop and Howard Bishop

Tricia Marciel, Renee Noveck, Vanessa Manuel Mazzullo and Megan Mount

Season 2010 - 2011 Opens It Was “Crazy!”

It was “crazy” times at Diamond Head Theatre in September. We opened our season with Crazy for You and it was an unqualified hit. We again thank our good friends at the Sheraton Waikiki for a wonderful opening night reception, which set the stage for an even more wonderful show.

DHT had presented this production in 1997, but since many did not remember it, we took some time to offer tantalizing tidbits: “… filled with all the best Gershwin tunes … a high-energy, tap-dancing extravaganza featuring guest artist David Spangental from NYC …” and so on. The word spread and the crowds poured in. Our final weekend was really crazy, with everyone calling for tickets and none to be had!

What a great way to open our season. Kudos to the artisans, cast, crew, musicians and volunteers for making this show one to remember. “Who could ask for anything more?”!

All the World’s a StageAnd We Played Well at the Annual Producer’s Club Dinner

520 Makapuu Avenue

Honolulu, HI 96816

NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDHONOLULU, HAWAII

PERMIT NO. 260

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Mahalo, VolunteersA Sunset Evening Picnic Celebrates the End of the Season

The DHT lanai and lawn area was the setting for our annual Volunteer Picnic on August 20. The weather cooperated and we enjoyed a nice, cool summer day.

Several years back, the Board Directors were drafted to cook for

the event. Now thanks to generous donations, this year from Joan Bellinger, Randy and Joey Harris, Alton Kuioka and Wendell Wo, we were able to secure a caterer (Big G’s Catering). No offense, but it’s pretty nice to have pros cooking the food! And there was plenty of food indeed, along with some tasty desserts.

Our volunteers showed up in droves. From actors and actresses to ushers, ticket takers, concession teams, and

costume and set volunteers, we had them all!

DHT employees, Board Directors and community advisory board members staffed the check-in, the food service and the door-prize giveaways (we had almost 40 gift baskets), and the Shooting Stars put on a great show, as usual. We so appreciate our volunteers. We would not be able to operate without them. Mahalo!