July 2018 Volume 103 • Issue 3

Inside This Issue Shooting Stars Take Manhattan! 1 Nine Characters; One Actor 2 Aloha from Deena 2 Donor Spotlight 6 "Tech-ing" a Show 7 The Glue That Holds The Shooting Stars a Show Together 8 Take Manhattan! Now Playing

July 13 - Aug. 5, 2018

Coming Soon

DHT’s Stars explore the Big takes to make it as a performer, as well as providing them with a few tips of the Apple on the trip of a lifetime trade! It was the perfect introduction to a week filled with the wonders of Broadway. his past March, during spring break, Ta gang of almost 60 eager travelers During the trip, the Stars participated in (27 Shooting Stars, 26 family members 6 different workshops. In addition to their Sept. 21 - Oct. 14, 2018 and 3 DHT staffers) headed to New York workshop with Lindsay, there was a vocal City for 6 days packed with Broadway workshop with Musical Director Michael shows, workshops, great food, a snow Rafter, best known for his work with storm, and a whole lot of fun! Broadway actress Sutton Foster, a musical theatre workshop with one of the dancers We left Honolulu on a red-eye on March from Broadway’s Aladdin, a jazz dance 17th, landing in New York at a bright workshop with Tammy Colucci (the and early 6:30 a.m. After a small rest at director of DHT’s Disney’s Newsies), an Nov. 30 - Dec. 23, 2018 the hotel, we hit the ground running audition workshop with a cast member of with our first workshop with Lindsay the Broadway production of Wicked, and Roberts, who played the role of “Sarah” in a dance workshop with the dance captain DHT’s September production of Ragtime. from SpongeBob SquarePants. Whew! We Lindsay shared her insights with the Stars were busy! For Tickets about her life as a performer on Broadway. Call 808.733.0274 or visit She gave our Stars a real look at what it CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 www.diamondheadtheatre.com Nine Characters; One Actor Garrett Hols takes on the D’Ysquiths

any people would consider playing just one character Mon stage a huge challenge. Imagine having to play nine different characters! Garret Hols did just such a thing for our recent production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.

Garrett had never heard of the show before it was an- nounced in 2017, but once he heard the music, he fell in love with the show’s humor, wit and charm. Then, he found different---if he got the role, this would be first time he out that the D’Ysquith family were all played by ONE would need to play nine completely different characters! SINGLE actor! Now that was something he really wanted to do! And he did a terrific job. When asked how he prepared for the audition, Garrett says he started his groundwork very early. June 2017 as a matter Garrett first moved to Hawaii in 2008 from Virginia of fact! “I started preparing by just listening to the music” for work. His “day job” is as the Assistant Development he said. As auditions drew closer, he started vocalizing Manager for Lendlease. His first audition at DHT was for different British accents, and he used cartoons like Family Showboat in 2014. He was cast as “Steven Baker” and from Guy and Futurama for reference. He then started creating then, he was hooked. Garret has performed in five other separate physical characteristics for each character. He DHT productions, ranging from the ridiculous “Lord explained: “Junior is upright but oily, Henry has a whimsi- Farquad” in Shrek, the Musical to the more serious and cal flamboyancy, Adalbert is kind of mix of ‘Mr. Burns’ stern “Father” in Ragtime, but Gentleman’s Guide show was from The Simpsons and Robert Preston's 'Harold Hill',

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week. Would we be able to use photos from your produc- Aloha tion in this way?” from DHT’s Our photos! From our little theatre in the middle of the Pacific! Of course, we said yes, and when we got the e- Executive Director announcement and then saw the news on MTI’s Facebook page, we spotted our show photos from Diamond Head Happy Summer! As you all know, we Theatre. are in the midst of Disney’s Newsies, but something happened regarding There are literally thousands of regional and community our last show, Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, that theaters across the country, so to have our DHT produc- left me feeling proud as punch (is that even an expression tion spotlighted...well, let’s just say, we were honored and anymore?!) delighted, as were our actors, set designers and costumers!

Here’s the story: Music Theatre International (MTI) is a Patrons who go to see shows on Broadway often tell us worldwide licensing company. John and I visit them, armed how wonderful our shows are at DHT. And John and I with Big Island Candies, in NYC every November, to cajole truly feel our production values hold their own (albeit on them into giving us early releases to the big Broadway a smaller scale and budget) in comparison, but let’s face shows. One such success story was Gentleman’s Guide. We it, we work here, and our patrons love us, so we are well- were the first community theatre to mount the show, and it aware of some partiality. This random stamp of approval was a terrific success. was unexpected. Applause from afar, so to speak. It felt nice. A week or so ago, I got an email from MTI. It said: “We're coming up on our A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder release and I'm looking for photography to use in conjunc- tion with our web and social media announcements next etc.” Obviously, Garrett’s long prep and hard work paid and dressers, saying, “the dressers had the system down, off. After auditions concluded, the role (or should we say prepping facial hair pieces, setting props, turning out roles?!) was his! clothing, even toweling me off – everything! They were absolutely amazing.” Once into rehearsal, Garrett found there were three main challenges: developing distinct voices for each character Garrett really enjoyed the variety of the characters saying, (all in a very specific type of British accent), the physical- “They are each so different, it was almost as if I was in ity of the roles, and the mental challenge of being 9 differ- nine different mini-plays each night!” Though he loved ent people at each performance. Plus, there was the sheer playing each character, his favorite was Lord Adalbert hard work. “I think I drank four gallons of water through- (“Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun”). Garrett explained, out the day and during the show just to stay hydrated,” he “Lord Adalbert is a jerk and a more than a bit insane, but said. Mentally, he also had to stretch his limits. “During he gets away with it because of his wealth and title; play- rehearsals I tried to be a little scatter-brained and eccen- ing him I got to be an outrageous ham!” When asked if he tric all the time, both to help me stay in character, and to ever accidentally slipped into the wrong character at the be able to easily switch gears between characters,” Garrett wrong time, Garrett said, “Thankfully no. Between scenes says. “I’m pretty sure I annoyed my fellow cast members I usually had a moment to remind myself of the next with my shtick from time to time!” he added. character’s lines, and the costumes really helped remind 3 me which character I needed to play.” Yet another challenge were the very fast costume changes. One costume change was literally a matter of seconds. A truly remarkable tour de force for an actor. Bravo, Garrett gives high praise to the team of DHT costumers Garrett!

Encore! is published by Diamond Head Theatre, 520 Makapuu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816. Our Mission Statement Phone (808)733-0277 Writers Mary Calantoc and Deena Dray Established in 1915, Diamond Head Theatre is the Box Office (808)733-0274 Graphic Designer Bernie Kim Broadway of the Pacific, producing the best live www.diamondheadtheatre.com Coordinator Mary Calantoc community theatre entertainment and advancing the theatre arts through education in Hawaii. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 After each show, the Stars were given the option to go to Each workshop was different, challenging, and most the Stage Door to see the actors from the shows, and each importantly, fun! The students had a blast learning from night we were not disappointed. The kids were able to get Broadway performers, and the instructors seemed to autographs and take photos with actors at all three shows. have just as much fun. Andrew Cao, the instructor for our Aladdin workshop loved working with our kids and The trip wasn’t all shows and workshops, though, and we commented that we were the most enjoyable group of got to see some of the sights New York City has to offer. students he had ever worked with. Thank you, Andrew! In true New Yorker fashion, we did a lot of walking. There was a walking tour of Columbus Circle up to Lincoln In addition to the workshops, we also attended 3 Broadway Center, a tour of Central Park, and a walk around Times shows, School of Rock, Dear Evan Hansen, the 2017 Tony Square and 5th Avenue. One big highlight was a tour of Award Winning Best Musical, which was an emotional Radio City Music Hall, where we were given a backstage experience for all and last, but not least, SpongeBob look of the iconic hall, as well as the chance to meet and SquarePants, the Musical. This was the show that many in talk with a Radio City Rockette. the group weren’t sure about seeing (a show based on a cartoon?!), but it ended up being one of the most fun and One of the highpoints of the trip was something not even fantastic shows that many of us had ever seen! planned. A snowstorm! Midway through our visit, New

4 York City was hit by a good-sized snow storm. We awoke Later in the afternoon, one group of Stars and some on Wednesday morning to huge, fluffy snowflakes falling DHT staff decided to take full advantage of the winter from the sky. It was beautiful, and it didn’t stop for the wonderland and go ice skating at Rockefeller Center. We entire day! The kids were thrilled. Truth be told, even the had the best time ice skating in the snow and for a while parents and DHT staff were excited! we were the only people on the rink, which made the experience even more unforgettable. None of the Stars had seen snow actually falling before; they had so much fun just standing on the sidewalk, The trip went incredibly fast and at the end, the entire trying to catch snowflakes with their tongues. We were group was exhausted, but incredibly happy. The Shooting not about to let a snowstorm stop us, so we embarked on Stars left New York with a ton of experience, lots of a quick subway ride to the financial district and enjoyed hilarious stories, and newly deepened bonds with each a very snowy walking tour of the 9/11 Memorial, Trinity other. The skills gained, and information gathered in such Church, the Charging Bull statue, and Wall Street. Getting a short amount of time were really remarkable. A trip, sure SIXTY people on and off the subway, together, was one to be remembered for very long time! memorable experience!

5 Donor Spotlight the ushers and other volunteers. Bob became a well-known face to our audience members Bob Todd – 30 Years and Counting! and is still recognized today when he attends shows. He still volunteers from time to time, rms waving, gravelly and always looks forward to the volunteer Avoice calling, Bob Todd picnic, which he says is his favorite annual was a visible force here at DHT tradition. Diamond Head Theatre for almost 30 years. As our Bob made the decision to become a donor to former House Manager, DHT because he truly believes in the power of there was not a single show theatre to enrich lives. As Bob says, “Theatre that did not feature, as its makes people happy.” He also loves that the “opening act”, our Bob, hus- theatre gives people a purpose, something to tling people into the theatre before the curtain do. Having been a volunteer himself and then went up! Now retired as HM, Bob attends as a during his time as HM, Bob knows firsthand patron and donor, still by force of habit, keep- the joy that comes from volunteering at DHT. ing an eye on things on opening nights. “It’s something to look forward to,” he says, “and all our volunteers take their responsi- Bob came to Hawaii from Pennsylvania bilities very seriously and can’t wait for their while serving in the Army. While stationed night at the theatre.” at Schofield, Bob saw a sign on a door at Army Community Theatre (ACT), saying “Singers Wanted”. He signed up, and from that moment started his theatre career on Oahu. Bob became ACT’s musical director and did that job for 10 years, music directing over 30 musicals at Schofield Barracks. While he 6 was involved with ACT, he got to know many theatres, including Diamond Head Theatre, then known as Honolulu Community Theatre and that led him to our door.

Bob started volunteering for DHT in 1981. In Bob (center) in Camelot with ACT in 1970 his years with DHT, Bob worked in a variety of volunteer positions---deck crew; he helped Looking to the future, Bob is excited about with costumes and set; he ran the light board, the new building and is thrilled to be a sup- and even stage-managed show, Oklahoma porter of that venture. “I have loved watching in 1986. Settling in, to what was then called the growth of DHT over the years,” he said, the night manager job, is where Bob found “this theatre has always done amazing things his true calling. He excelled at making sure with what we have. It will be great to see what everything ran smoothly for the audience, we can do in the future with a new facility!”

Bob with Vanita Rae Smith of ACT and DHT Musical Director Emmett Yoshioka “Tech-ing” a Show How the DHT team gets a show ready for opening night

s most of our readers know, to be there as well, so they can stand from the truth. The hours put into Athe time and effort that go into on stage to demonstrate where they tech-ing a show prove that. Watching creating one of our productions is will be in each scene and how they an all-day tech rehearsal may not enormous. From designs to rehearsals will move. It is like a quiet, carefully seem like the most exciting way to to costumes to building sets, there are choregraphed dance, and each part spend a Sunday afternoon, but it is countless moving pieces that all go must be practiced over and over, so it truly amazing to see the care that into one of our shows. all works together. goes into our wonderful produc- tions at DHT. Watch carefully at 7 But, how do the cast, crew, and Some may not realize how care- your next show. You may get a peek artisans put it all together? All of the fully shows are put together, perhaps at the graceful behind-the-scenes planning for a show comes together at thinking it all comes together sort of ballet that ends up, if done correctly, what is known as our “tech rehears- organically. Nothing could be further mostly invisible. als”. These rehearsals take place the weekend before a show opens and they are when all the technical ele- ments of a show are put into place.

"Tech-ing” a show, in theatre-speak, can take hours to complete, but it is hours well spent for both the cast and crew. Essentially, at a tech rehearsal, there is a run-through of the entire show’s technical elements. This allows the lighting designer and director to see what each lighting cue will look like, the spotlight operators to get an idea of which actors need to be spot- lighted in each scene, the deck crew to understand the logistics of each scene change, i.e., where the scenery will be placed and ultimately “live”, and the sound designer and stage manager to see everyone through each and every step. The actors need NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

520 Makapuu Avenue PAID Honolulu, HI 96816 HONOLULU, HAWAII PERMIT NO. 260

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It’s a big job! And not only a big job, but a serious com- mitment. The Stage Manager comes for the first audition The Glue that Holds and they are there through closing night. In addition, they recruit the crew people, create and distribute rehearsal the Show Together schedules, communicate almost daily with the director and Workshop demonstrates the ins the entire cast, call cues for each performance, etc. The and outs of stage management Stage Manager is really the glue that holds an entire show together.

It takes a very special person to take on such a job, and at DHT we are incredibly lucky to have had many amazing Stage Managers throughout the years. As we are always looking for new people to take on this role, we held a free workshop in May, to let people know what it takes to be a Stage Manager.

The workshop attendance was good, 25 eager individuals, all ready to learn more about Stage Management. The workshop was run by veteran Stage Manager, Theresa Riedman, who walked participants through the skills ear round, Diamond Head Theatre actively seeks needed and expectations involved for being a successful Yvolunteers and show-by-show contract workers to Stage Manager. DHT Artistic Director John Rampage was mount and maintain our wonderful shows. One such also on hand and spoke about what he looks for in the contracted position is the Stage Manager, who is a critical ideal Stage Manager. Big thanks to both these individuals piece of the puzzle to assure a smooth and successful (and Education Director, Mary Calantoc) for their work in running show. Not many people realize that on opening creating this special workshop. night, the show director turns the show over to the Stage Manager. At that point, the show is considered “frozen” We hope this will be the first of many free workshops with no additions or subtractions allowed to the physical hosted at DHT to offer theatrical training to our com- production itself. The Stage Manager is then charged with munity! If you, or someone you know, has any interest in maintaining the quality and integrity of the show over 16 learning more about working as a Stage Manager or any of or more performances. our backstage positions, please call us at 733-0277 x302.