coming soon inside this issue the drowsy chaperone

Coming SoonIRVING BERLIN’SWHITE CHRISTMASDec. 4-20, 2009

THE JOY LUCK CLUBJan. 29-Feb. 14, 2010

SHOUT! THEMOD MUSICALMarch 19-April 4, 2010

GUYS AND DOLLSMay 14-30, 2010

THE SOUND OF MUSICJuly 9-25, 2010

For TicketsCall 808.733.0274 or visitwww.diamondheadtheatre.com

Inside This IssueExecutive Director’s Message 2

The Wedding Singer 4

An Evening to Remember 5

Summer Fun 6

A Team Act 8

A Toast to Curtains Rising 9

In the Spotlight 10

November 2009 Volume 95 • Issue 1

continued on page 3

The Drowsy ChaperoneBehind the Scenes with director/choreographer James patterson

James Patterson, director and choreographer of Diamond Head Theatre’s The Drowsy Chaperone, welcomed DHT artistic director John Rampage to get the behind-the-scenes scoop on man and show as opening day neared.

John: Welcome to Diamond Head Theatre, James. I know you’re friends with or have worked with many of our past guest directors, like Darren Lee, David Spangenthal and Greg Zane. Did they give you any advice or details about directing a show at our theatre?

James: Thank you for having me here—I’m very excited to be here and to be doing The drowsy chaperone at DHT. Greg Zane actually told me about DHT and put feelers out about the possibility of me directing here, and I’m so grateful that he did. Both Greg and David Spangenthal told me wonderful things about the theatre community [in Hawaii] and the theatre itself. They had said that everyone would be very receptive to new ideas and would be eager and excited to challenge themselves with working with a new director.

John: We’re so happy to have you directing and choreographing our production of The drowsy chaperone. You’ve had a very long relationship with the show—can you give us a little background on what parts you’ve played in it, how long were you associated with it and why you enjoy the show so much?

James: I was a member of the original cast of the first national tour of The drowsy

chaperone, and was lucky enough to work with all the original creative team as well as perform with some original cast members, such as Bob Martin, the original Man in Chair, and Georgia Engel, a former member of the Diamond Head Theatre community. I was originally hired to be a swing and assistant dance captain, as well as the cover for Man in Chair, Adolpho, Robert Martin and the Best Man. It was a lot of work, but each of the parts was so much fun I really enjoyed learning about all of them as well as the inner workings of the production.

John Rampage with Yvonne Iversen and Madison Eror of The Drowsy Chaperone

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Aloha from DHT’s Executive Director

Last summer, my husband and I took a bicycle trip in Austria along the Danube. Much as I love my job, it was nice to get away, expand my horizons and fit in some much needed exercise!

Diamond Head Theatre was never far from my thoughts, however, and during the trip I visited the oldest theatre in Austria, still in use. It was tiny! Most fascinating were the seats that locked upright, so only key holders could unlock them to sit down. Talk about an incentive to become a season subscriber! I’m glad we don’t have to go to that extreme here.

Meantime, our season subscribers have signed up in force. I am truly grateful for such loyalty. That loyalty means that

DHT will achieve its goal of 3,300 season patrons and raising $400,000, a magnificent down payment on the more than $750,000 in box office receipts that we need to carry on. What great news! In this economy, it’s nothing short of remarkable.

A Look Back in TimeThe doughgirls

Honolulu Community Theatre’s 1944 wartime production of The Doughgirls

was significant on several levels. People often ask how Diamond Head Theatre (formerly called Honolulu Community Theatre) can be considered one of the oldest continually operating community theatres

in the U.S., given the relative newness of Hawaii’s drama history. The answer is that it’s because of shows like The Doughgirls—shows that ran throughout the war years, contributing to our record of continuously operating since 1915.

Another nugget of trivia regarding The Doughgirls is about the man who cabled us the permission to do the show: Max

Gordon. In Depression-era New York, Gordon was one of the city’s most successful producers. His cable to Hawaii, dated January 11, 1944, stated:

“OK DOUGHGIRLS—REGULAR ROYALTIES—TEN PERCENT OF GROSS—PERFORMANCES FOR SERVICE MEN FREE.”

Gordon was, among other things, notable as the producer of the original stage incarnation of The Jazz Singer, which ran from September 1925 to June 1926. His reputation during this era was immortalized in Cole Porter’s song “Anything Goes” from the musical of the same name:

When Rockefeller still can hoard enoughmoney to let Max Gordonproduce his shows—anything goes!

The Doughgirls’ playbill summary of the season also mentions the hugely popular previous show, Angel Street—cut short “because Uncle Sam needed the services of the lead, Earle Ernst, as a Japanese interpreter, and he was called into the Army immediately after the eight performances.” Such were the theatre days of the 1940s!

Your confidence really inspires us. It means we’re doing what I feel we should—bringing you topnotch entertainment in a friendly and welcoming environment. Our theatre is a place for escape and enchantment, a haven from the long workweek where you can laugh, sing along and just feel good. You believe in what we do, and your signing on for the season encourages us to work harder to deliver on our promise to you. Bravo, and thank you. We’ll see you at the theatre!

P.S. For those of you on Facebook, check out the Diamond Head Theatre site. We’re constantly updating it with DHT news, photos and videos. Become a fan today!

1944

Aloha from the Stadttheater in Grein, Austria!

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

Editor Stacy Pope Contributing Writers Deena Dray, Kelly Moulson, John Rampage Coordinator Cathy Pai

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.

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I was eventually moved to being an onstage ensemble member and left the tour for another production job.

I think I love this show so much because it has such heart. Many shows nowadays are based on movies, or a catalogue of songs—not that there’s anything wrong with that—but it lacks creativity and originality. This show wasn’t written with dollar signs in mind. It was originally written as a skit to be done at a bachelor party and grew from there. We theatre lovers are missing pieces like The drowsy chaperone, pieces that are based on heart and inventiveness, and this piece not only pays tribute to the bygone, old-style book musical, but those who love them as well.

John: Why were you attracted to a career in the theatre? Did you start as a child?

James: I actually didn’t do theatre as a child. I grew up in El Paso, Texas, and there was little or no opportunity to do theatre. When I went to college in Boston, it was really the first time I was able to try theatre out—and it stuck. I had very supportive parents and relatives who made my going into theatre possible.

There are so many things I love about the theatre. I really love the rehearsal process where you are presented with the challenges of creating and problem solving, and also with the excitement of being in front of an audience. Every night, every show, is a chance to look at the material again and find a way to connect to the piece and with the audience.

James Patterson, director and choreographer ofDHT’s The Drowsy Chaperone

John: In addition to directing and choreographing, I know you still have a very busy career as a performer. Do you prefer one more than the other, or do you enjoy both jobs equally?

James: I really do like both equally. I have had more experience as a performer, and welcome the opportunities to do more directing and choreographing.

John: You’ve performed in so many great shows both on Broadway and across the country. Do you have a favorite show or role in a show you’ve appeared in?

James: I can honestly say that I don’t have a single favorite, but I have “top five” or “top ten” favorites, one of which is drowsy chaperone. The show is so smart and funny, and the cast so wonderful, I really feel honored to have been a part of it. Last year I was lucky enough to perform in a production of Bye Bye Birdie at the now-defunct North Shore Music Theatre [in Boston]. Birdie was the first show I’d ever done and I was now doing it in a fantastic theatre, and playing the lead. The whole experience was fantastic, from all the brilliant creatives to the amazing cast members. It was a great production.

John: We have so many young people in our theatre with an interest in pursuing a career in the performing arts. Do you have any advice for them on how to prepare?

James: The best advice I can give is to really concentrate on your training. Training speaks volumes for any performer. Be as well rounded as you can, and know what makes you special. Are you a great dancer, do you have a gift for comedy, are you a power belter, or a classic leading lady or man? In other words, be yourself and let everyone see what a unique and special performer you are. Every audition is an opportunity to perform and show your gifts to other people. One more thing: Know your show history. The drowsy chaperone is a 1920s-style show, but we had several people come in and sing songs from Rent or Les Misérables—completely inappropriate. Know all styles of songs and have some prepared to go for auditions.

continued fRoM page 1

a classic Summer Love Story, 1980s StylePop musical The Wedding Singer delighted DHT

audiences this past summer. Our opening night was festive (wedding attire optional!) and our invited guests (Producer’s Club members and show sponsors) enjoyed the fine wines and delicious food provided by Grant Sim of Big G’s Catering.

DHT Artistic Director John Rampage congratulates Scott White, director of The Wedding Singer

John and Sandra Stevenson, Tim Guard, and Joey Harris

Jeanette Magoon, Bev Noa, Margaret Murchie and Yvonne Iversen

The extended Hampton-Zaharis family celebrates at opening night

Steve Ahlers, Sharon McPhee

and Linda Ahlers

DHT Marketing Manager Cathy Pai, Willow Chang and Honolulu Magazine Editor A. Kam Napier

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The cast and crew of Gypsy celebrated eight wins at the

Po‘okela Awards

Musical DirectorEmmett Yoshioka, Gypsy

ChoreographyChristine Yasunaga, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Overall MusicalLes MisérablesGypsy

Costume DesignKaren Wolfe, Les MisérablesMorgan Lane-Tanner, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Sound DesignMikel Humerickhouse, Gypsy

Light DesignDawn Oshima, Peter Pan

Several of DHT’s award winners: Katie Beth Hicks, Justin-Patrick Hashimoto, Victoria Morgan and Caroline Lawo

Hair, Make-Up, WigsJess Aki, Dirty Rotten ScoundrelsJess Aki and Doug Scheer, Les Misérables

Guest ArtistsPeter and Melanie Lockyer,Directors of a Musical, Les Misérables

Peter Lockyer,Leading Male in a Musical, Les Misérables

Greg Zane,Choreography, Peter Pan

Scott White,Choreography, The Wedding Singer

DHT also congratulates Nancy Koelper as Volunteer of the Year, winning the Excellence in Service Award!

Leading Male in a MusicalMatthew Pennaz, Dirty Rotten ScoundrelsDennis Proulx, Gypsy

Leading Female in a MusicalShari Lynn, GypsyKatie Beth Hicks, The Wedding Singer

Featured Male in a MusicalJustin Hashimoto, The Wedding SingerDaniel Kunkel, Dirty Rotten ScoundrelsDoug Scheer, Les Misérables

Featured Female in a MusicalCathy Foy, GypsyLisa Konove, GypsyCaroline Lawo, The Wedding SingerVictoria Morgan, The Wedding Singer

Director of a MusicalJohn Rampage, Gypsy

An Evening to RememberHawaii State Theatre council Honors dHt with 26 po‘okela awards

Diamond Head Theatre shone brightly at the 2009 Hawaii State Theatre Council’s Po‘okela Awards. We received 26 awards, turning an already glorious “Stars Night Out” party into an even more memorable affair. Our production of Gypsy in particular swept up eight awards, including tying for best musical with our Les Misérables.

Congratulations to all, and mahalo to every cast member and “behind-the-scenes” professional who gave their best to make DHT a success.

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It was a bright and exciting summer at DHT. Everywhere we turned, there were children singing, dancing and rehearsing. The theatre was literally alive with music!

Musical Theatre Experience (MTE), our very popular six-week summer program, embarked upon an ambitious repertoire. The performance theme was Andrew Lloyd Webber music, and for weeks, 75 students sang songs from Cats, Phantom and

Summer

“DHT’s Kids”

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SummerSummer

Joseph, working hard to get their dance steps perfected. The final performance was a huge success. DHT’s Shootings Stars also had a busy summer. In years past, the Stars had mounted a “junior”

version of one of our main stage productions. This year, however, Stars director John Rampage decided that a revue to showcase their unique talents might be fun. Every student auditioned and was selected to do “acts” such as a hula, playing musical instruments or performing hip hop and contemporary dance numbers. In addition, the Stars delighted the audience with their ensemble numbers.

One of the high points of the show was the inclusion of Stars alumni. Stars administrative director Kelly Moulson worked the phones and Facebook, contacting “old” Stars—and 22 of them joined our current troupe on stage. It was a very proud moment for DHT!

Take the Stage

Fun!Fun!Fun!

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A Team ActdHt performers/educators Bill and ann ogilvie

Meet husband-and-wife team Bill and Ann Ogilvie, who have been involved in Diamond Head Theatre for many years both as performers and educators. Ann is a full-time teacher with the Department of Education (DOE) and a performing arts teacher at DHT. Bill is also a teacher with the DOE and a DHT instructor. He also coaches privately and acts professionally. We caught up with this busy couple for a chat and would like to introduce them to you, as well as thank them for all their years of dedication to our theatre.

You both have long and illustrious careers here at Diamond Head Theatre. How long has it been?

Bill: I’ve been involved since 1994.

Ann: Twenty-five consecutive years; however, I also taught in back in 1975, and then off and on before I started on my consecutive stint in 1984.

Was acting your first love? How did you decide to make a career choice of acting and drama?

Bill: I started down the path to the stage when I met Boris Karloff at age 7. I was befriended by him and watched him play Born Yesterday and Arsenic and Old Lace back-to-back in repertory. I was hopelessly hooked. Now I teach, produce, act and direct.

Ann: Teaching was always my first career choice—preferably teaching acting as well as English. I got my BA from Colorado College in Fine Arts with a drama concentration, and my MA from Arizona State University in theatre. I enjoy children, and I like them to use their imaginations and improve in skills that will help them in life as well as on the stage.

You both have been in many productions here at DHT and at other theatres around Honolulu. Name a few, especially some favorites.

Bill: At DHT: Noises Off, Evita, Scrooge, The Lisbon Traviata, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. My favorites have been A Little Night Music, and recently at Manoa Valley Theatre, the play Frost/Nixon.

Ann: There have been many, starting with the most recent: Bye Bye Birdie at Army Community Theatre and Anything Goes at DHT, all the way back to shows like Harvey and Oklahoma (performed with Ed Kenney and Emma Veary at the Blaisdell). My favorite was the first time I did Anything Goes at DHT, then known as Honolulu Community Theatre, in 1971.

If you could play any role, what would it be?

Bill: King Lear—in about 10 years!

Ann: Mother of the Bride in Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite.

Which do you enjoy more: performing, directing or teaching?

Bill: All equally satisfying.

Ann: My order of preference would be teaching, acting and directing.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Bill: Daughter Julia—not because she happens to be a gifted performer, but because she’s a well-adjusted artist and person. We put in the time and effort, and somehow she got the best of Ann and myself.

Ann: Helping students to find their inner voices via imagination and theatre.

What makes being on stage special?

Bill: I act for the same reason that I breathe. It makes me feel completely alive and in the moment.

Ann: I enjoy the exercise it gives my imagination as well as my intellect, emotions and body. Remember, I started in theatre as a dancer!

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A Toast toCurtains Rising

In late August, Sergio’s Italian Restaurant on Kapahulu Avenue was the setting for a spectacular Diamond Head Theatre appreciation dinner. The mood was festive as DHT sponsors, Producer’s Club members and FriendRaisers celebrated the opening of season 2009–2010, which

kicked off September 25 with The Drowsy Chaperone.

Tim Garrard and his gang at Wine Merchants of Hawaii, a division of Johnson Brothers, provided fine wines, and Chambers & Chambers shared the celebration with additional wines and champagnes. The beer kept flowing, thanks to Steve Cole of Kona Brewing Co. The Absolut Mojitos and The Glenlivet Scotch pours were popular, and for the teetotalers,

Waialua Soda Works provided delicious lilikoi, mango and vanilla cream sodas. Our host, Gary Manago, provided scrumptious Italian specialties (the lobster ravioli was a huge hit). Willow Chang at vocals kept the mood mellow.

Diamond Head Theatre is lucky to have such generous neighbors. Stop in for a pre-theatre dinner at Sergio’s. Gary and his folks will be sure to have you out in time for the curtain!

Bruce Liebert, Judith Kellogg, Kathryn Nicholson and Madalyn Burr Milan Drager, Candes Meijide-Gentry and Kathryn Nicholson

Mariko Lyons, Howard Bishop, Rose Reed and Roberta Bishop Ed Hampton, Pam Princenthal, Renee Hampton and Jason Princenthal

Pat and Al Kwiencinski enjoy the festivities Good friends celebrate: the Kanazawas, Paul deVille, the Kuiokas and the Francises

uson Y. ewart Board MemberOccupation Real estate consultant

First Job Newspaper delivery

Last Book Read Lincoln at Gettysburg by Gary Wills, and Won Ton Lust by John Krich

Favorite Travel Destination

The Lodge at Koele on Lanai

How Long on the Board? I’m guessing close to 30 years!

My FavoriteDHT Moment

Enjoying the great food and wines at the ‘Ilima Awards with good friends after a fun show, while the music is soft enough to carry on a conversation at our table.

george chalekian Board MemberOccupation Advertising and marketing consultant

First Job Pump monkey, Unocal 76

Last Book Read Gentlemen of the Road by Michael Chabon


Anywhere outside my front door

How Long onthe Board?

Six years


The rollicking, ribald (forgive me) climax of The Full Monty, when the trousers came down and the footlights came up and the audience was transported, literally, from their seats to their feet, making me appreciate just how good our Diamond Head Theatre really is.

Lynn cook Board MemberOccupation Writer/Artist/Photographer

First Job Roofing houses for my dad

Last Book Read Honolulu by Alan Brennert


Anywhere there is a rock art site, preferably one that is nearly impossible to reach

How Long onthe Board?

Since God was a child (in real terms: 25 years)


At DHT’s former fundraiser, The Compadres Chili Cook-Off—taping up a hastily-lettered sign on the chili cooks’ men’s room door: “Wash Hands BEFORE Entering” (think about handling fiery chilies and the consequences—ouch!).

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In the SpotlightIn the Spotlight

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Meet Members of our BoardDiamond Head Theatre is honored to have 40 community leaders and theatre buffs

serving as Director on the Board. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce several of these special individuals to you, and to thank the entire board for their unshakable, enthusiastic support.

Meet Members of our BoardDiamond Head Theatre is honored to have 40 community leaders and theatre buffs

serving as Director on the Board. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce several of these special individuals to you, and to thank the entire board for their unshakable, enthusiastic support.

gabe Lee Board MemberOccupation American Savings Bank, EVP Commercial Markets

First Job Salt Lake Chevron gas station

Last Book Read Good to Great by Jim Collins


San Francisco

How Long on the Board?

Seven years


Attending the “Murder Mysteries” at The Producer’s Club dinners.

Kelly Sanders Board MemberOccupation General manager, Sheraton Waikiki

First Job Busboy at a Pocatello, Idaho hotel restaurant

Last Book Read Ice Hunt by James Roland


New York City, of course!


Two years


My favorite moment had to be the first time I attended the ‘Ilima Awards, the creative presentation of the winners, followed by the extraordinary dining options and then dancing the night away. The wine helped also….

Sharon S. Mcphee Board MemberOccupation Currently a community volunteer

First Job A friend’s bakery in high school

Last Book Read The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama by Gwen Ifill


Africa—learned so much about how we evolved! Visited the Olduvai Gorge where earliest fragments of humans were found


13 years


Loved checking volunteers in for our annual volunteer thank-you picnic. Interesting variety—all ages, backgrounds—and I learned how we all can grow and age gracefully, being useful, involved and socializing with friends. Lucky us!

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HaveYou

Heard?Are you having trouble

catching every word at our performances? Missing any of the jokes? DHT has hearing-assist headphones that will make the words and songs come alive!

The headphones are free—all you need to do is leave an ID as a deposit. So drop by the Box Office just prior to the show, grab a headset and make your theatre experience that much more enjoyable.

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coming soon inside this issue the drowsy chaperone

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