By Miguel Gonzalez
Editor
All Photos by Dean Hoofnagle, courtesy of the Mountain Apple Company.
(Honolulu)– Hawaii Theatre’s Hawaii Kalikimaka opened Friday night to the delight of true fans of Hawaiian-themed Christmas music. The event, which lasts about two hours, offers a nice arrangement of the classics with a Hawaiian twist on each performance, making it a unique and most enjoyable theater experience.
Hawaii Kalikimaka stars Robert Cazimero, one-half of the award-winning Brothers Cazimero, with this year’s special guest star is Nā Hōkū Hanohano winner, Starr Kalahiki. Cazimero and Hanohano compliment each other well as both are rare talents who have the gift of connecting with the crowd. Cazimero is a talented musician and a clever entertainer, Hanohano’s voice is remarkable and dazzled the crowd on Friday night.
The holiday presentation featured hula by Robert’s Hālau Nā Kamalei O Līlīlehua; Miss Aloha Hula 2014, Keʻalohilani Tara Eliga Serrao, of Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe; Miss Keiki Hula 2014, Keolani Hokuleʻakeaouli Hosino, and Master Keiki Hula 2014, Kamaka Leao Kaleionapali Hoʻopiʻi, from ʻIliahi and Haunani Paredes’ Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi.
The program featured many of the Christmas classics along with local originals by some of Hawaii’s most talented composers. These songs were also complimented by vocals by the very talented Hawaii Theatre Christmas Glee singers, comprised of local, award-winning 19th Avenue and Aloha Spirit Quartets.
Cazimero served as MC of the event but also had the chance to play along with the awesomely talented Hawaii Theatre Hawaiian Ensemble under the musical direction of Aaron Sala.
The event is a well produced, well rehearsed Christmas pleasure that is sure to delight those attending Saturday and Sunday nights. It is easy to see why this aloha-themed event continues to gather more attention each year, a definite must see.
Hawaii Kailikimaka was brilliantly produced and directed by Hawaii Theatre Center’s artistic director and general manager, Burton White.
Ticket(s)
$30 – $40 – $50 – $75
Discount(s)
Hawaii Theatre Members, Groups (10+), Seniors (62+), Youth (4-17), Students (w/ valid ID), Military (w/ valid ID). 1/2 price “Rush” tickets available to these same groups, day of performance only, in-person from the Theatre box office only. Some restrictions may apply.
