Page 15 - MidWeek - Sep 7, 2022

SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 MIDWEEK 15
A Century Of Great Entertainment
FROM PAGE 14
Wizard of Oz Sept. 21-25. Finally, rock band Hot Tuna performs acoustic hits Sept. 30.
After that, Dunn guarantees a year’s worth of blockbuster programming that covers genres fit for the whole family.
He recalls past performances by Stars of American Ballet, rock band Jefferson Star Ship, The Beach Boys and hip-hop artist Jay Park as some of his favorites, and the hope, he adds, is to reach entertainment lovers of all ages, styles and preferences who will then build long-lasting relationships with the theater.
“We adjust to the community’s changing needs,” he shares. “Our future is solidifying the diversity or programming and giving ev- eryone a good taste of entertainment in the genres they would most like to see.”
(Above) The former stage’s mural and organ
(Below) The iconic sign fronting the theater remains in place today. PHOTOS COURTESY HAWAI‘I THEATRE
It’s showtime for Cathy Lee, Vikram Garg and Gregory Dunn.
ANTHONY CONSILLIO PHOTO
In true Hawai‘i Theatre fashion, its 100th birthday will be filled with talent and entertainment packed to the rafters, and organizers and volunteers are ready to get the show on the road Sept. 10 with two exciting events.
First up is a Through the Decades musical review at 6 p.m. that walks guests through a compilation of hits from the last century. Slated to take the stage for the variety show are the likes of Amy Hānaiali‘i, Johnny Valentine, Kristian Lei, Pōmaika‘i and more, and the troupe will cover hits from movies and shows performed at the theater over the last century.
“Rather than just bringing in one mainland talent to participate, we thought it was an excellent opportunity to work with local performers and have them do a musi- calvarietyshowonstage,”explainsGregoryDunn,Hawai‘i Theatre president and CEO. “We will show the breadth of talent we have locally, and we’re so grateful to each of the performers and volunteers.”
Following the musical review, guests are also invited to the Centennial Soiree at 8 p.m. that same night, which will shut down Bethel Street for a glamorous night of food by chef Vikram Garg and entertainment. Chairing the 100- year celebration is Cathy Lee, who’s been working with a team of volunteers to put finishing touches on this mo- mentous event that’s aimed at raising $500,000 for the historic theater to make needed repairs and upgrades to keep it running for 100 more years.
Visit hawaiitheatre.com to purchase tickets.
Amazing acts have performed within the walls of Hawai‘i Theatre for 10 decades, and Dunn includes in that assembly the local hula hālau, dance groups and nonprofits who stage productions at the Chinatown playhouse year after year. The theater — on both the state and National Register of Historic Places — is a monumental gathering place for friends and family to create lifetime memories, and it’s al- ways looking for help to continue that legacy.
of the Pacific’s
next century of
service. For in-
spiration and a
bit of encourage-
ment, he looks to
those who have
come before him,
like Sarah Rich-
ards, who served
at the helm of
the nonprofit for
25 years as pres-
ident. Richards
led the charge
that secured more than $32 million to restore Hawai‘i Theatre to its current glory, and as the facility enters a new century in Honolulu, Dunn is poised to ensure it remains on center stage for generations to come.
“We’re thankful to those who recognize the value of our nonprofit venue and help support through donors, memberships, contributions and volunteering,” he says, adding that the theater receives no government funding.
The giving hearts behind Hawai‘i Theatre who love the arts have propelled the historic site through the first 100 years, and it’s what will get it through the next century.
“We survived one of the darkest times that the theater has ever faced and came out the other side,” he says.
“Through their leadership and dedication, we have this amazing community treasure still with us today, and it’s up to us now to continue supporting the theater so it’ll be here for the next 100 years,” he says.
Now, Dunn and the rest of the Hawai‘i The- atre staff are working on solidifying the Pride
vie ith en, pt. se, ed- hip the
he(Above left) Art deco in the orchestra lobby; (above right) people working behind the scenes back in the day.
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