Windward Is Gold Mine For Paliku Show

Windward Community College graduate Pomai Lopez (top) and area actor Kaimana Ramos play lead roles in Paliku Theatre’s ‘Hairspray,’ which boasts a cast loaded with Windward talent. The hit musical opens Sept. 19. Photo from Tom Holowach.

Local performers make up the bulk of Paliku Theatre’s Hairspray cast, beginning with the lead herself.

Windward Community College graduate Pomai Lopez, a three-time Po’okela award winner, plays the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad, whose goal is to dance on the Corny Collins TV show. Her earlier training and stagework was with former WCC drama professor Ben Moffat.

Link Larkin, Tracy’s heartthrob, is portrayed by area resident Kaimana Ramos. According to producer and theater manager Tom Holowach — of Kailua — the other local actors are Castle High grad Gabe

Wright (Seaweed Stubbs), Johnny Reed (Edna), Chris Gritti, Phylicia Murray, Kahren Balela, Caitlin Bright, Thomas Ilaiole, Cheyenne Lawes, Chazz Dumlao, Kayla Kamisato, Liam deClive-Lowe, Katrina Johnson, Angelia Thurston, Will Thomson and Janine Ransom.

“Even though we are a Windward school, I don’t believe we’ve ever had so many from this side in one of our shows,” declared Holowach, noting the abundant presence of 24-VII dancers “who are actually learning how to act now, as well as dance.”

Counting all of the local back-stage help, the play’s Windward audiences are bound to see or enjoy the contribution of some of their own neighbors in the fall musical, which runs from Sept. 19 to Oct. 12 (tickets at 235-7310 or etickethawaii.com).

Behind the scenes are noted choreographer Marcelo Pacleb, who turns out world-class dancers from his 24-VII Danceforce studio in Kaneohe; set and lights designer Lloyd “Sandy” Riford III of Kaneohe, director Ron Bright of Maunawili, tech director and assistant R. Andrew Doan and Duncan Dalzell of Kaneohe, costumer Lacy Rohlf of Kailua, WCC piano teacher So Jin Kimura, assistant choreographer Spencer Weidie, stage manager Marlina Hufstetler and music director Clarke Bright.

Also helping backstage are localites Jocelyn Ishihara, Brad DeCaires, Akemi McColm, John Pagaduan, Hope Laidlaw, Aine Rhyn, Kawai Pali, Zack Gravitt, London Stanton and Kekela Oku-Fernandez.