Diamond Head Theatre July 16 – Aug 8, 2021 Vol 106. No. 7 Diamond Head Theatre Presents
Conceived and Originally Directed and Choreographed by MICHAEL BENNETT Book by JAMES KIRKWOOD and NICHOLAS DANTE Music by MARVIN HAMLISCH Lyrics by EDWARD KLEBAN Co Choregraphed by BOB AVIAN
Musical Direction by Directed & Choreographed by Set & Lighting Design by MELINA LILLIOS GREG ZANE DAWN OSHIMA
Costume Design by Props Design by Sound Design by KAREN G. WOLFE JOHN CUMMINGS III JUSTIN CHUN
Co-Production Stage Managers CELIA CHUN & TOM BINGHAM
Executive Director Artistic Director DEENA DRAY JOHN RAMPAGE
Platinum Sponsors: CRUM & FORSTER FIRST HAWAIIAN BANK JOHN YOUNG FOUNDATION TOYOTA HAWAII
Gold Sponsors: AMERICAN SAVINGS BANK C.S. WO & SONS CADES SCHUTTE CITY MILL HAWAII PACIFIC HEALTH FRANCES HISASHIMA MARIKO & JOE LYONS DAVID & NOREEN MULLIKEN CAROLYN BERRY WILSON WAKABAYASHI & BINGHAM FAMILIES
A CHORUS LINE is presented by arrangement with Concord eatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. concordtheatricals.com Finale Costumes Provided by COSTUME WORLD THEATRICAL, Deerfi eld Beach, FL. www.costumeworld.com Diamond Head Th eatre • 520 Makapuu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816 Phone (808) 733-0277 • Box Offi ce (808) 733-0274 • www.diamondheadtheatre.com Photographing, videotaping, or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Please turn o all cellular phones. Diamond Head Theatre Cast List Presents Zach Norm Dabalos Larry Levi K. Oliveira Don Chase Bridgman Maggie Marisa Noelle Mike Luke Ellis Connie Kayla Uchida Greg Gabriel Ryan-Kern Cassie Kira Mahealani Stone Sheila Lauren Teruya Bobby Marcus Stanger Bebe Miya Heulitt Judy Seanalei Nishimura Richie David Robinson Al Jared Paakaula Kristine Alexandria Zinov Val Jody Bill Mark Michael Hicks Paul Dwayne Sakaguchi Diana Emily North Lois Ke‘ala O'Connell Vicki Korynn Grenert Tricia Ayzhia Tadeo Frank Brandon Yim Roy Jackson Saunders
A CHORUS LINE is performed without an intermission.
A CHORUS LINE is presented by arrangement with Concord eatricals on UNDERSTUDIES never substitute for listed players unless a specific behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. concordtheatricals.com announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance. Bobby- Jackson Saunders; Sheila, Cassie- Alexandria Zinov, Keala O’Connell (Cassie stand in); Judy, Diana- Ayzhia Tadeo; Mike, Al, Mark- Brandon Yim;
Diamond Head Th eatre • 520 Makapuu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816 Val- Korynn Grenert (stand in); Paul, Richie- Jared Paakaula Phone (808) 733-0277 • Box Offi ce (808) 733-0274 • www.diamondheadtheatre.com Photographing, videotaping, or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Please turn o all cellular phones. Scenes Director’s Notes
AN AUDITION Time: 1975 Place: A Broadway eatre
Musical Numbers
I Hope I Get It Company I Can Do at Mike ...And... Richie, Bobby, Val, Judy At e Ballet Sheila, Bebe, Maggie Sing! Kristine, Al Hello Twelve, Hello irteen, Hello Love Company Nothing Diana Dance: Ten, Looks: ree Val e Music and the Mirror Cassie One Company e Tap Combination Company What I Did For Love Diana and Company One: Reprise Company
e characters portrayed in A Chorus Line are, for the most part, based upon the lives and experiences of Broadway dancers. is show is dedicated to anyone who has ever danced in a chorus or marched in step… anywhere. Director’s Notes
In the winter of 1974, with the New York City economy in a fiscal crisis and many Broadway shows closing at an alarming rate, a group of Broadway veteran dancers (aff ectionally called “gypsies” because they went from show to show) met as a group to talk about their grievances regarding the lack of work and their passion for their art. Looking to create work for themselves, the dancers invited a prominent Broadway Greg Zane director and choreographer, Michael Bennett, who had Musical Numbers the foresight to bring a tape recorder to the “rap” sessions. Th e recorded nine-hour session of stories dealing with the lives of dancers would become A Chorus Line.
Aft er numerous workshops, the show opened Off -Broadway in 1975, and would soon aft er transfer to Broadway, receive nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize For Drama. A Chorus Line became a phenomenon spawning National and International Tours as well as London and Australian companies. It also became the longest run- ning Broadway show in 1983 and would run for 6,137 performances before closing in 1990. A Broadway revival was mounted in 2006. Th ere was also a 1985 movie (which we will sum up in one word: ugh.)
At first glance, A Chorus Line is a glimpse into the events that have shaped dancers’ lives, the sacrifice, and the decisions they made to become dancers. Focusing on danc- ers auditioning for a Broadway show, the dancers reveal their personalities through stories - some verbatim from the recorded “rap” sessions and some an amalgamation of those stories. Here was a ground-breaking musical that addressed what no Broad- way musical had prior: black stories, gay stories, Asian-American stories, and Latino stories though text, song, and dance. While shift ing focus from character to character, this concept musical also shift s from childhood, to adolescence, to adulthood and eventually to the end of a career. Looking beneath the surface layer of gypsy hoofers desperate to dance, audiences found resonating universal themes. Th e dance audition becomes a metaphor for life. Everyone has a dream. Everyone has interviewed and applied for a job — has put themselves “on the line.” Desperation, anxiety, joy, love, seeking approval, the fear of failure, regret, being ostracized, prejudice, and sacrifice are all common human experiences.
Th e last time A Chorus Line was performed at Diamond Head Th eatre was 36 years ago and I am grateful to have played Paul in that amazing company. Th at production was a milestone in the theatre’s history as DHT was one of the first theatre companies to have permission to present the show while the Broadway production was still running. Th ose 1985 audiences, through laughter and tears, experienced a musical that is a meditation on real life and real people. It is my hope this 2021 A Chorus Line will not only bring you that experience, but also bring you joy and give you a deeper understanding as to why this beloved show has meant so much to so many people.
Enjoy!
Greg Zane The Cast
JODY BILL (Val) is LUKE ELLIS (Mike) is thrilled to be back at a rising sophomore at DHT with this incredible Cornell University. He's cast! She was last seen ecstatic to return to the onstage in productions DHT stage, most recently at Feinstein’s/54 Below appearing as "Elmer" and Th e West End in Newsies (DHT). Lounge (NYC). Credits: Other credits at DHT DHT - Kinky Boots “Nicola”, Beehive, include Holiday Inn, 42nd Street, Mary Something Rotten, Nice Work if You Poppins, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Can Get It “Jeannie”, Evita “Eva Perón”, possibly his favorite role ever as "Michael Legally Blonde “Elle”, 9 to 5 “Judy”, Hobbs" in Elf. He thanks Jedi Master Greg Sister Act “Mary Robert”, Shrek “Gingy”; for once again taking a chance on a young MVT – Avenue Q “ K a t e”, Lysistrata Jones Padawan. He also thanks his supportive “Lysistrata”; ACT – A Chorus Line “ Va l ”. family, friends, and all the incredible DHT Mahalo to Greg, Melina, Celia, John, the s t a ff . cast, and crew. Love to Aiko and Lindsay. KORYNN GRENERT CHASE BRIDGMAN (Vicki) is thrilled to be (Don) Chase is happy performing in her fi rst show since "you-know- to be back on the DHT what" disrupted our stage aft er performing lives! Th e last production as "Friedrich Von Korynn performed in Trapp” in e Sound of at DHT was Something Music in 2010! Chase Rotten! in 2019, and has performed in over 15 she is ecstatic to be brushing up on her community theatre productions, since fi rst dancing, singing, and acting skills! Korynn appearing in ACT’s 2007 Joseph and the loves socializing with others and is stoked Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. He to be a part of such an amazing cast. wants to thank God for his many blessings, "Th ank you to my family for supporting his family for their unwavering support, me in so many ways!" and you, the audience, for continuing to support the arts. MIYA HEULITT (Bebe) is so excited to be back DR. NORM DABALOS at DHT in one of her (Zach) returns to Hawaii favorite shows! She is theater aft er being on the a rising junior at Th e mainland for almost 30 Hartt School pursuing a years. His last show in BFA in Musical Th eatre. Hawaii was as "Riff " in Recent credits include West Side Story (CPAC) “Little Sally” in Urinetown (Hartt School), in 1990. His last show at “Deb” in Ordinary Days (Punahou, DHT was Hello, Dolly! in 1989. And he Self-Directed) and Holiday Inn (DHT). also had the honor of being in the 1988 She wants to thank Mr. Greg and Melina production of A Chorus Line directed by for the opportunity, and her parents for Tommy Aguilar. He was also a founding the constant love and support. board member for the I'm A Bright Kid Foundation. He would like to thank his girlfriend, Tricia Marciel for being a true inspiration in theater and in life. The Cast cont’d
MICHAEL HICKS EMILY NORTH (Mark) is thrilled to (Diana) is ecstatic to make a return to the do her fi rst show with stage alongside such a DHT aft er 10 years away talented cast and creative from theatre. Growing team! Previous stage up in Roswell, NM, she credits include, “Prince enjoyed roles including Chulalongkorn” in e “Audrey” in Little Shop King and I (IAMBK), “Billy Understudy/ of Horrors, “Marty” in Grease, and ensemble” in Billy Elliot (DHT), Matilda “Miss Scarlet” in Clue. She also cherished (DHT), Children of Eden and e Wiz experiences singing at Carnegie Hall (IAMBK), along with many ‘Iolani pro- (Requiem) and dancing at the Edinburgh ductions. As a rising junior, Michael looks Festival Fringe (Snow White). Emily sends forward to sharing his love for performing endless thanks to her family, friends, through high school and beyond. coworkers, patients, and fellow cast/crew for their kindness and support. SEANALEI NISHIMURA (Judy) KE‘ALA O’CONNELL is incredibly grateful to (Lois) is thrilled to be be in this show and to a part of her fi rst DHT perform alongside this show! Ke‘ala graduated amazingly talented cast. summa cum laude from Some of Seanalei’s favorite Southern Methodist performance credits University with a B.F.A. include “Anna” in Disney’s Frozen (PACK), in Dance Performance Matilda (DHT), and A Christmas Carol and minors in Arts Management and (DHT). She also competed and won Hawaii Communications. Ke‘ala has performed at Stars in 2017 and recently competed in Th e Joyce Th eater, Winspear Opera House, Hawaii Stars Champions of Champions. and Dallas Dance Festival, among others. She wants to thank her family for their She recently co-founded a Honolulu-based support and the amazing people who contemporary dance company, MADWOM- made this show possible! AN Dance Company. Ke‘ala would like to thank her family for their endless support! MARISA NOELLE (Maggie) is thrilled to LEVI K. OLIVEIRA be in DHT’s production (Larry) is excited to be of A Chorus Line. Th is back on the DHT stage. show came along at the He played “Bobby Mills” perfect time. She dedi- at ACT in 2009 and is cates her performance happy to be doing the to Freddie, her forever show again through a number one fan. “I know you are out there diff erent lens. Th anks to watching and cheering me on, not only on Greg for welcoming him stage, but in life.” back home. Favorite shows include DHT’s e King & I “Ensemble,” MVT’s Once Upon One Time “Da Prince,” PTW’s West Side Story “Snow Boy” and DHT’s Titanic “Lightoller.” A 5, 6, 7, 8!
The Cast cont’d
JARED PAAKAULA DWAYNE SAKAGUCHI (Al) is making his debut (Paul) is a veteran to on the DHT stage and local stages here in also his return to the Hawaii and was a DHT Hawai‘i theatre scene Shooting Star. He won a aft er 13 years! Jared Po‘okela Award for his performed for Universal performance in Newsies Studios Japan for 4 years. (DHT) in 2018. He has He’s also performed for Legends in Con- danced at APA, PDS and cert Waikiki and Disney’s Aulani Resort. has choreographed main stage produc- Past shows include: Cats (ACT), Aida tions at KHSPAC, CPAC and MVT’s (ACT), Oklahoma! (PTW). Jared has recent production of e 25th Annual choreographed for Kamehameha Schools Putnam County Spelling Bee. He is and he is DHT’s Production/Education excited to be back on stage and is honored Coordinator and the Associate Director of to be playing the role of Paul under the the Shooting Stars program. Jared would direction of Greg Zane. like to dedicate this show to his mom, Darnette, and his partner, Drexten. JACKSON SAUNDERS (Roy) is excited to be DAVID ROBINSON, in A Chorus Line. He JR. (Richie) is so wants to thank those who ecstatic to be a part have been instrumental of this performance. to his successes and those Robinson’s performance who have supported him credits include Arts throughout his life. Beyond COVID-19 (BH), e Nutcracker (BH), Fairy Tales in the Park (San Diego Civic MARCUS STANGER Youth Ballet), e Moscow Ballet’s Great (Bobby) is very excited Russian Nutcracker (Moscow Ballet). He to be back at DHT. He is a dancer with Ballet Hawaii and is also has previously been in a part of their Performing Ensemble. He Newsies as “Spot Con- would like to thank his family and friends lon” and Kinky Boots as for their love and support. an “Angel” both at DHT. He is beyond ecstatic GABRIEL RYAN-KERN to be back onstage aft er this rough year! (Greg) is honored to He’d like to thank his wonderful friends be in this show. Perfor- and family for supporting him through mance credits include everything. “Nutcracker Prince” in Nutcracker (Hawaii State Ballet), Matilda (DHT), and with Waialae Performing Arts as “Lord Farquaad” in Shrek Jr., “Grimsby” in Little Mermaid Jr., Into the Woods Jr., and Lion King Jr. Gabriel dances with Tau Dance Th eatre and Page Academy. He would like to dedicate this show to Artemis and thank her for all her love and support. The Cast cont’d
KIRA MAHEALANI KAYLA UCHIDA STONE (Cassie) is (Connie) is thrilled to thrilled to be back return to the stage in on the DHT stage in her 10th production at A Chorus Line. She DHT. Favorite credits practically grew up include “Midge” in Nice doing shows at DHT, Work If You Can Get but was last seen on this It (DHT), 42nd Street stage as “Katherine Plumber” in Newsies (DHT), “Lou Ann” in Hairspray (PTW), for which she received a Po‘okela award. Spamalot (DHT), Phantom of the Opera Kira is a sophomore studying Drama at (PTW). When she is not on stage, Kayla NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She started maintains a violin studio teaching students dancing at age two and is overjoyed to ages 4-18, and is also on the dance fac- have the “chance to dance for you!” Th ank ulty at Punahou School and DHT. Many you, Greg and John, for this incredible thanks to Greg, Melina, my family, and the opportunity! cast and crew!
AYZHIA TADEO BRANDON YIM (Tricia) is excited to be (Frank) is a student at part of this show! She the University of Edin- is making her debut in burgh studying Econom- her fi rst DHT show. She ics and Mathematics. He is a recent high school graduated from ‘Iolani graduate. Her perform- School and was a DHT ing credits include; Shrek Shooting Star for 4 years. the Musical “Princess Fiona”, Disney’s He was previously seen in Rent, Curtains, Frozen Jr. “Lead Dancer”, Disney’s Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, Newsies “Buttons” (PACK), Punahou Tap and more at ‘Iolani school. At university, Company & Shooting Star (DHT) alumni. he also led an award-winning tap team. She would like to thank her family for all Lastly, he would like to thank Mr. Greg for of the support throughout her musical this opportunity. theatre journey. ALEXANDRIA ZINOV LAUREN TERUYA (Kristine) is so excited to (Sheila) is overwhelm- now join the DHT fam- ingly excited to be back ily. She was last seen as for her 10th show on “Janet” in Rocky Horror the DHT stage. She was (MVT) where she was last seen dancing her awarded Best Actress by heart out in Mamma BroadwayWorld Hawaii. Mia! and is honored Other credits include “Sleeping Beauty” to fi nally work with the phenomenally in Disenchanted! and “Wendy Jo” in talented Greg Zane and Melina Lillios. Footloose. For 4 years she danced profes- “Th ank you, Greg, for putting all your sionally for the Utah Jazz in the NBA. She heart into this show and dealing with my is so grateful for all that performing has endless questions, Melina for making my given her and wants to inspire others to harmonies possible, and the entire cast for always reach for your dreams! keeping my heart so full!" The Artisans
GREG ZANE (Director/Choreographer) teaching me the role of Paul, entrusting Before the world went into lockdown, me with carrying on the ACL legacy, and Greg directed & choreographed DHT’s making ACL an important milestone in last big musical: e Sound of Music in DHT history. It is also dedicated to my 2019 and is so thankful to be back at the ACL brethren who are “On Th e Heavenly theatre in 2021. Back in 2015, Greg had Line”: Gary, Kaulana, Stephen, Timmy, and been the Associate Choreographer for Jimmer. “Gone. Love is never gone. As we Lincoln Center Th eater’s Tony Award travel on, love’s what we’ll remember.” winning production of e King & I and its various incarnations: Broadway MELINA LILLIOS (Musical Director) production, 1st & 2nd US National Tours, has been music-directing theater in Hawaii London Palladium production, UK Tour, for over 30 years. She is a 6-time Po’okela the Tokyo Th eater Orb production and the award winner and has music-directed International Tour. His direction and/or over 35 shows here in Hawaii. Some of her choreographic credits include: Singin’ In favorite shows as music-director include e Rain, Elf the Musical, Flower Drum Jesus Christ Superstar (DHT), e Who’s Song, Peter Pan, Carousel, Junie B Jones Tommy (MVT), Next to Normal (MAPA), (National Tours) at theaters such as the Ragtime (DHT), e Full Monty (DHT), Zac Th eatre, Lyric Th eatre of Oklahoma, Titanic (DHT) and Miss Saigon (ACT). Th eatreWorks USA, Diamond Head Her most recent production was in 2017 Th eatre. Film & TV: Tony Awards (2015), when she produced an original theater Olivier Awards (2019), BBC One Show, and piece at Paliku Th eater called “Rise-Up”, a Th e King & I: Live From Th e Palladium. “call-to action” production that gathered Performance credits include: Th e King & I over 55 musicians and singers from around (1996 Broadway revival), A Chorus Line the state. (Paul San Marco), Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Alberta Ballet (Canada), KAREN G. WOLFE (Costume Designer) Atlanta Ballet, Hawaii Ballet Th eatre. He tap dances through life and brings humor is also on the ballet faculty of Broadway and levity to the DHT costume shop with Dance Center (NYC) and has also taught wonderful help from volunteers and the at Peridance Center, American Ballet ONE SINGULAR SENSATION= Brenda Th eatre, Queen Emma Ballet, Paul Taylor Chee! Th e brain behind the scenes, Brenda Dance Company. Special thanks to my brings tremendous cutting and stitching dear friend John Rampage and also Deena skills to our stage every production, not to Dray and the incredible artists and staff at mention superb organizational methods. DHT. Staging this “One Singular Sensation” Th ank you for your dedication to our shop needs many collaborators and I am grateful for the last 14 years!!! to my brilliant creative team: Melina Lillios, Karen Wolfe, Dawn Oshima, Kerri Yoneda, John Cummings III, Th omas Bingham, Judy Yoshioka, the amazing Celia Chun and the incredibly talented cast and crew of this 2021 production. It would also be remiss if I didn’t thank the spectacular support, guidance and assistance of Baay- ork Lee, Michael Halden, Annie Motteler, Michael Bingham, and Jared Paakaula. Th is production is dedicated to the memory of Tommy Aguilar who made all of this pos- sible through his 1985 DHT production, The Artisans The Artisans cont’d
DAWN OSHIMA (Set Designer/Lighting CELIA CHUN (Co-Production Stage Designer) works at DHT as the technical Manager) is happy for the opportunity to director and master stage electrician when work with her fi rst dance partner (Greg she's not designing lights. Some of her past Zane) in a show that they both learned works at DHT include Titanic, Amadeus, together back in 1985. Many years have Jesus Christ Superstar, Seussical, e since passed, but her love for dance is still Full Monty, You Somebody, e Joy Luck going strong. Th ank you, Greg, for the Club, Xanadu, Catch Me If You Can, To opportunity, John for your guidance, Tom Kill a Mockingbird, Mamma Mia, Billy for your help, Emily and Max for your love! Elliot, All Shook Up, Ragtime, Beehive, Matilda, and Kinky Boots. My personal TOM BINGHAM (Co-Production Stage thanks to all who have helped and inspired Manager) has been a proud volunteer me through this creative process. I couldn't for DHT for over 10 years, working with have done it without y'all. concessions, ushering, opening night receptions, scene shop, Mystery Dinners, Ilima Awards, chaperone, parking atten- JOHN M. CUMMINGS III (Props dant, landscaping, and more than 30 shows Designer) More than a year under the as a member of the deck crew. Th anks pandemic saw Broadway and theaters large to Mr. John for the opportunity to work and small across the nation shuttered and with this iconic show, to Celia (couldn’t dark. John is honored to be on the DHT ask for a better partner), to the fi rst-class design team as we re-emerge to present veteran stage managers for their guidance award-winning live theater that so many and encouragement, and especially to have missed, so many have asked for and so the exceptional cast and (unseen) crew many truly need. Mahalo to the DHT ‘oha- members who create the magic. It’s the na, John’s props bestie Frances Hisashima opportunity to work with these wonderful and of course his wonderful wife Adaline. people that brings Tom back every season, We got this people! Love to Ruth for putting up with all the nights out. JUSTIN CHUN (Sound Designer) will serve as one of the wizards behind the fi gu- rative curtain for his fi rst DHT production. With a background in audio production, Justin’s career has included recording, scor- ing, producing and performing on various projects. A veteran theater educator, Justin has been involved with productions of Seussical Jr., Honk!, Pippen and more! Justin is excited to be back in his native Hawaii, helping bring glorious theater back to your ears! Acknowledgments
ASSISTANT COSTUME DESIGNER PROPS Brenda Chee Frances Hisashima
COSTUME CONSTRUCTION DRESSERS Kate Ellis Antoinette Lilly Ces Fujioka Mathias Maas Cynthia Hytry Elyse Takashige Izzy Hytry Annie Motteler Kimmerie Jones Luana Kuhns SOUND BOARD OPERATOR Holly Moy Justin Chun John Rampage Kerri Yoneda Debbie Tandal Candace Yoshioka LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR Dawn Oshima SCENE SHOP Harry Canapino PHOTOGRAPHY Gary Murakami Brandon Miyagi Paul Palmore SPECIAL THANKS DECK CREW Annie Motteler Kenny Aune Izzy Hytry Randy Tandal
FOLLOW SPOT OPERATORS La Tanya Fa‘amausili-Siliato Kenji Shimata Jayla Wakabayashi
ank you to all the ushers and volunteers who have helped with this production.