Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
opera and symphony performances. The other major venue on Oahu is smaller
but so much nicer: Waikiki Shell, 2805 Monsarrat Ave., in Kapiolani Park
( & 808/527-5400; www.blaisdellcenter.com). The best way to see a concert in
Hawaii is under the stars at this outdoor amphitheater. Walking distance from
most Waikiki hotels, with Diamond Head for a backdrop, and with Waikiki
Beach just across the street, the Waikiki Shell is a unique venue for outdoor con-
certs, from Hawaiian music and dance performances to rock and reggae.
THEATER
Audiences have stomped to the big off-Broadway percussion hit Stomp, and have
enjoyed the talent of Tap Dogs, Momix, Forever Tango, Cool Heat, Urban Beat,
the Jim Nabors Christmas show, the Hawaii International Jazz Festival, the Amer-
ican Repertory Dance Company, barbershop quartets, and John Ka'imikaua's
halau —all at the Hawaii Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., downtown ( & 808/528-
0506 ), still basking in its renaissance following a 4-year, $22-million renovation.
The neoclassical Beaux Arts landmark features a 1922 dome, 1,400 plush seats,
a hydraulically elevated organ, a mezzanine lobby with two full bars, Corinthian
columns, and gilt galore. Breathtaking murals, including a restored proscenium
centerpiece lauded as Lionel Walden's “greatest creation,” create an atmosphere
that's making the theater a leading multipurpose center for the performing arts.
Every year Honolulu Theatre for Youth, 2846 Ualena St., Honolulu
( & 808/839-9885; www.htyweb.org) presents a full season of plays for children
(preschool to high school) across the state. HTY produces plays based on chil-
dren's literature, adaptations of classics, and work that draws from or reflects on
the cultures that make up modern Hawaii—including history, folklore, or issues
that impact the children in Hawaii. Plays scheduled for the 2005-06 season
include Lily's Purple Plastic Purse, a revival of Kevin Kling's amazing stage version
of the popular books by Kevin Henkes; Ibong Adarna, a world premiere play by
Elizabeth Wong (Amazing Adventures of the Marvelous Monkey King) based on a
well-known Filipino legend; Othello, a revival of Y York's hip-hop adaptation of
the Shakespeare classic, with rap from BullDog and others; Obake, Japanese and
local ghost stories from kabuki master David Furumoto; and Go Dog. Go! a con-
trolled, joyous mayhem based on the famous P.D. Eastman book by playwrights
Allison Gregory and Steven Deitz. Tickets are generally $8 for children and $16
for adults; call for a schedule of current attractions.
CONCERTS & DANCE
The Honolulu Symphony Orchestra ( & 808/792-2000; www.honolulu
symphony.com) generally performs in the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall ( & 808/
591-2211 ). Meanwhile, the highly successful Hawaii Opera Theatre ( & 800/
836-7372 or 808/596-7372; www.hawaiiopera.org) also draws fans to the Neal
Blaisdell Concert Hall, as do many of the performances of Hawaii's four ballet
companies: Hawaii Ballet Theatre, Ballet Hawaii, Hawaii State Ballet, and
Honolulu Dance Theatre. Contemporary performances by Dances We Dance
and the Iona Pear Dance Company, a strikingly creative group, are worth
tracking down if you love the avant-garde.
HAWAIIAN MUSIC
Oahu has several key spots for Hawaiian music. Most of them are in lounges,
restaurants and bars; children generally are okay for afternoon music (4-6pm)
and in restaurants during dinner hours, but later evening performances (say,
after 10pm) generally are reserved for adults.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search