Inside This IssueA Lasting Partnership 1

Executive Director’s Message 2

In the Spotlight 3

Our Theatre, 1990 - 2015 4

DHT’s 100th Anniversary Gala 7

Take a Bow, John Rampage! 8

June 2015 Volume 100 • Issue 4

For TicketsCall 808.733.0274 or visit

www.diamondheadtheatre.com

Coming Soon

July 17 - August 9, 2015

ALasting

Partnership

Diamond Head Theatre Salutes Hawaii’s Troops Throughout the Years

It’s the early 1940s. War is raging—and in the world of Rodgers and Hammer-

stein, Navy nurse Nellie Forbush and Ma-rine Lieutenant Joseph Cable are struggling with issues of race and creed on a remote island in the South Pacific. Meanwhile, in the real-world Pacific, Pearl Harbor has just been bombed. This spurs the members of Diamond Head Theatre (then known as Honolulu Community Theatre) to under-take a new mission: entertaining Hawaii’s military personnel.

Ever since then, Diamond Head Theatre has nurtured a rich, flourishing relationship with Hawaii’s armed forces that continues into our 100th anniversary season with our recent production of South Pacific.

Interestingly, in some ways South Pacific mirrors Diamond Head Theatre’s history.

For example, many of DHT’s early shows were very similar to Nellie Forbush’s pro-duction of The Thanksgiving Follies, which is performed outdoors for the sailors with volunteer actors and a low-budget set.

But DHT’s military family members aren’t just happy theatregoers; they’re happy performers as well. We’re proud to showcase many of the Armed Forces’ finest talent in our shows, and are just as pleased that they find Diamond Head Theatre a loving and nurturing second home. At the theatre, they can find support and share their experiences as they continue to serve their country. South Pacific is no exception, with one-fourth of the cast bringing their backgrounds with the Army, Navy and Coast Guard to the show.

Cody Garner, who played Lt. Cable in the show, is actually a real lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. When asked how his experience

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

September 25 - October 11, 2015

December 4 - 20, 2015

Photography by Brad Goda

Diamond Head Th eatre recently emailed a questionnaire survey

to subscribers. We wanted to get a better idea of things such as who this loyal-subscriber audience actually is, whom they’re attending the theatre with and, most importantly, how they feel about DHT. We were thrilled to receive 605 responses and nearly 400 comments to the survey. Your feed-back told us a lot.

One thing we learned was that our core DHT subscriber audience is well represented by baby boomers (ages 56-70), at 48%. We also discovered that the over-70 crowd is strongly represented at 31%. Th at’s con-sistent with what the arts-marketing gurus tell us—that our 70-plus seniors are an untapped resource.

Generation Xers are also represented at a very decent 19%. Obviously many busy families stretched thin with activities are not yet able to commit to a season, but hope-fully they attend on a show-by-show basis. It seems we don’t have subscribers (or at least any who responded) in the ages 20-25 segment. Th at model works okay for us, as young, social adults are much more likely to pop in to a show versus subscribe. Hopefully we’ll get them hooked as they get older …

In the longevity category, two groups of subscribers vied for the prize. Twenty-nine percent have been subscribers for two to four years. Th at points to a new infl ux of people who see the value in a subscription series, which is great news. Our long-timers also played a role, with 28% being subscribers for 10 years or more.

We also got an idea as to whom subscribers come to the theatre with: 50% with a partner or spouse, and 27% with friends. We were also pleased to see that 6% bring their children. One of my favorite theatre-attending families includes a husband, wife and two sets of married children. Now that’s a true “DHT-subscriber family”!

Th e results regarding show times were interesting, too. A 7:30 p.m. curtain on weeknights was preferred by 72% of those who responded. While we can’t implement this for the 2015-2016 season, the results do call for an exploration of a time change.

And fi nally, the comments. Happily, the overwhelming message was that subscribers love our theatre. Comment after comment complimented the wonderful shows, the volunteers and the staff . Many commended our commit-ment to artistry, praising the professional productions and

activities are not yet able to commit to a season, but hope-fully they attend on a show-by-show basis. It seems we don’t have subscribers (or at least any who responded) in the ages 20-25 segment. Th at model works okay for us, as

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Aloha from DHT’s Executive Director

singling out our dedication to the arts. It was also clear that musicals reigned supreme (although everyone loved Mockingbird!).

Another loud-and-clear message was the wish for DHT to improve its facilities and amenities—especially with more bathroom stalls. We did recently add two stalls, but we’ll see if we can implement additional solutions prior to the completion of our new theatre. Other repeated wish-list items included more handicapped seating, more consis-tent air conditioning and improved seat conditions.

It’s clear that you want a new and improved DHT. We’re listening! In the meantime, here are a few responses from us:

• Th e theatre is warmer in the second act because the doors have been open during intermission. We’ll try to get you back in faster! And we’ll keep an eye on the thermostat.

• Th e seats and the angle will be rectifi ed (I promise) in the new facility. In the interim, we will be re-cushion-ing some of the more seriously worn seat bottoms.

• Folks love our headphone sets (which assist in hear-ing), but some don’t seem to know we have them. Drop by the Box Offi ce on show night and try them out!

• Some subscribers want classic musicals and some want newer shows. We work hard to accommodate both every season, mixing the fresh-from-Broadway with well-known faves. Next season, for example, we’ll feature Th e Mousetrap and Camelot, then Sister Act and Mamma Mia.

• We received a request for a parental rating code—interesting idea. We may try it, but we recognize sensibilities are diff erent.

• Th e dates for shows are chosen to accommodate the timing of things such as the building of sets, costumes that must be sewn, and casts that must be auditioned and rehearsed. And, as much as we would like to, we usually cannot avoid the Super Bowl, the Punahou Carnival or Easter Sunday!

• Finally, regarding the comments for healthier or bet-ter snacks. We tried! No one purchased the high-end chocolates, fruit or granola bars, but instead wanted their M&Ms back.

We are so grateful to all of you who took the time to participate. Your responses provided tons of good ideas to make your experience at DHT even better. Mahalo, and see you at the theatre!

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Meet Members of Our BoardDiamond Head Th eatre is honored to have 45 community leaders and theatre buff s serving on our Board of Directors. We would like to introduce you to some of our newer board members and thank the entire board for their enthusiastic support.

Denis K. IsonoBoard Member

On the BoardLess than six months, but we’ve been subscribers for almost 15 yearsOccupationExecutive Vice President and CFO, Central Pacifi c BankFirst JobAuto parts delivery person Favorite Travel DestinationSan FranciscoFavorite DHT MomentSitting in the audience for A Chorus Line

In theSpotlight

Nigel PentlandBoard Member

On the BoardJust over a yearOccupationInvestor/Retired Investment BankerFirst JobInvestment Manager in LondonLast Book ReadTh e Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst by Nicholas Tomalin andRon HallFavorite Travel DestinationI have too many: Hong Kong, Tokyo, Northern Ireland, Italy.Favorite DHT MomentShow Boat—it was a huge and moving production of a very powerful show.

Elisia FloresBoard Member

On the BoardSince November 2014OccupationVice President and CFO, L&L Hawaiian BarbecueFirst JobCashier at the Kahala L&LLast Book ReadTh e Girl on the Train by Paula HawkinsFavorite Travel DestinationAs simple as it sounds, I love spending time in Los Angeles.Favorite DHT MomentTh e 100th Anniversary Gala!

Our Mission StatementEstablished in 1915, Diamond Head Th eatre is the Broadway of the Pacifi c, producing the best live community theatre entertainment and advancing the theatre arts through education in Hawaii.

Writers Mary Calantoc, Deena Dray, Kathryn Mariko Lee

Editor Stacy Pope Graphic Designer Bernie Kim Coordinator Mary Calantoc

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

Encore! is published by Diamond Head Th eatre, 520 Makapuu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816.

Over the last year, we’ve featured highlights of Diamond Head

Th eatre’s colorful 100-year history in celebration of our anniversary—and now we reach the fi nal quarter century of our retrospective.

Th e last 25 years kicked off with the 1990-1991 season, the fi rst under the

theatre’s new name, Diamond Head Th eatre. Th ings revved up from there: Since 1991, DHT has produced 157 shows, seven of which were Hawaii premieres. We even showcased several world-premiere productions written by local talent and performed on our stage, such as You Somebody.

Diamond Head Th eatre Celebrates 100 YearsPresenting a Medley of Hit Moments from 1990 - 2015

Many beloved aspects of our theatre that may seem to have been in place “forever” at DHT were in fact launched in the last 25 years. Our summer Musical Th eatre Experience (MTE), for example, which to this day is one of our most popular programs, was founded in 1994. In its fi rst year, MTE was taught by J. Tom Kidd and Rebecca Mae Silvey. Rebecca moved to the Mainland the following year, so Nanilisa Pascua was brought in to take over for her. Th e program has main-tained its popularity over the years, and this summer will welcome more than 100 kids to perform in MTE I and MTE II.

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Scrooge Love Letterswith Tom Selleckand Carol Burnett

Jesus Christ Superstar

Steel Magnolias � e Wizard Of Oz Seussical � e Musical

Singin’ In � e RainHairsprayYou Somebody

19901992

1993

2001 2003 2004

2007 20112012

Another favorite program, the Shooting Stars, also had its start in the early 1990s. First known as the ShowKidz when it launched in 1995, the group was slated to perform as part of the children’s choir in a 1996 tour of Joseph And Th e Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which was set to come to Hawaii. Unfortunately the tour canceled its Hawaii stop—but Diamond Head Th eatre was able to secure the rights to do the show and the ShowKidz, along with other local kids’ choirs, performed in the showstopper. Th e group was renamed the Shooting Stars in 1997, and the fi rst performance under the new name was the Stars’ very own version of Little Shop Of Horrors.

Many of the original ShowKidz are still performing on the DHT stage and some were recently seen perform-ing in Diamond Head Th eatre’s 100th Anniversary Gala alongside the current Shooting Stars and other alumni.

Two other well-known faces began their relationship with Diamond Head Th eatre in 1995: Executive Director Deena Dray and Artistic Director John Rampage. Th e Board of Directors hired Deena in September. In December, after an extensive local search, Deena then hired John.

Th ough both had been involved with the theatre before accepting their positions (Deena as board member and John as actor, director and choreogra-

pher), their biggest roles started the day they commenced running the theatre together almost 20 years ago. Th eir successful partnership, augmented by an extremely talented staff and a hard-working Board of Directors, has brought artistic and fi nancial success for the theatre.

Over the last 100 years, thousands of people and stories have created the intricate fabric of our “Broadway of the Pacifi c”—if only we had room to include every one! We’re proud to carry forward this legacy and hope you will join us as we open the curtain on a new chapter.

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Cabaret

Happily Eva Afta

� e King And I

Beauty And � e Beast Into � e Woods

To Kill A MockingbirdMTELegally Blonde

1996

1998

1998

2005 2006

2013 2014 2015

6

in the military added to his perfor-mance, he answered, “Th e practice of military bearing was a big part of how Cable conducted himself and inter-acted with superior offi cers, and there have been several distinct events during my time in the military that remind me of Cable’s preparation for his mission on Marie Louise Island.”

In the case of Erin Fasone, who plays Nellie, she is happily married—not to a mysterious French man, but a loveable Army captain named Joe. “Th e Army has been wonderful to my family,” Erin says. “I’ve had the op-portunity to travel to new places, meet new people and sing with amazing musicians.”

Erin adds that “it can be hard to be the new girl in a completely new environment, but I try to be brave and try new things.” For instance, a DHT show. She likens herself to her char-acter, saying, “Nellie is in a completely new environment in the South Pacifi c, and I think that she was looking to broaden her horizons by serving in the Navy Nurse Corps. We see her charac-ter arc from a naive girl-next-door from Arkansas to a confi dent, responsible woman of the world. I have never been through anything like that,” she admits. “But I knew going into this that she was an unbelievably strong character and that I was responsible for taking care of her and telling her story.”

“Telling the story” is the primary goal of any production at DHT, but it proved more challenging than usual when staging South Pacifi c. Accurate portrayal of naval bearing and man-nerisms was critical, so Directors

John Rampage and Loretta Ables Sayre turned to retired Command Master Chief Mo Radke, who played Commander Harbison in the show. “Because of my military experience and appreciation of honors and courtesies,” he says, “I was able to help [the direc-tors] with proper positioning, saluting and other idioms of that era.”

Ironically, Mo notes that his own military experiences didn’t help him form his role in the show.

“I really disliked Commander Harbison,” he says. “He was a lecher-ous goon who, while maintaining a modicum of military decorum, had an almost open disdain for his command-ing offi cer. So no, I didn’t draw from my military experiences, thankfully.” He admits, however, that he’s very much like another character he played in an earlier show this season: Army Corporal Ralph Sheldrake [from Irving Berlin’s White Christmas]. Mo describes him as “kind of a wheeler/dealer, who might miss the intricacies of an inside joke … I really enjoyed that role.”

Regardless of the role, Mo enjoys every minute with his DHT ohana, since the moment his wife convinced him to audition for Showboat last season.

“Th e DHT family is spectacular!” he says. “It was indeed an honor to participate in shows of this type and caliber at this stage of my life. I’m always looking to learn new things and stretch the envelope of what I think and feel I can do.” Mo adds that “this foray into theater has even helped with teaching golf and teaching a transition seminar. Both careers are ‘stages of

sorts,’ and DHT training has helped me to be an even better coach, teacher, facilitator and mentor.”

South Pacifi c certainly displayed a wide range of the Armed Forces. As Navy CTI2 Richard Bragdon, who played Navy pilot Lt. Buzz Adams, explains, “One thing that was impor-tant to me was whether or not we were following the script when it said sailors, army or marine. Most people just lump them all together and call them military, but each service attracts a distinct personality. Not only that, but break it down even further and each rate, or job, in the Navy attracts certain personalities. So knowing whether we were Seabees or radiomen was more important than you might realize.” However, as Richard says, “regulations change, policies change, even some cus-toms change—but what never changes is the people.”

And what fi ne people have come to us through our relationship with Hawaii’s Armed Forces. Still, when it comes to meeting new faces, we recognize that our military ohana has it kind of tough. Life on base can be isolating, and going to a club, the beach or one of the island’s many shopping malls doesn’t always provide an op-portunity to create fulfi lling and lasting relationships with people. Th at’s why Diamond Head Th eatre is so proud to have provided such a unique and sup-portive environment, onstage and off , for Seabees and civilians alike.

~KML

DHT’s 100th Anniversary GalaA Magical Evening of Celebration

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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On April 25, a standing-room-only crowd gathered at Sheraton

Waikiki to celebrate 100 years of Diamond Head Th eatre. And what an evening it was!

More than two years ago, when the planning for this special fundraising event began, John and Deena deter-mined a vision for the night. Th ey wanted it to be memorable, unique and a true celebration of 100 years. Th ey vowed no speeches, no auctions—just pure fun. Th e night was exactly that, with table donors and their guests genuinely dazzled.

Although the event was executed with perfection, a lot of hard work was behind it, including the eff orts of more than 50 performers and countless

dedicated volunteers. Our day began midmorning, with performers arriving for rehearsals. And, before we knew it, it was time for the show—even though we’d been in the ballroom the entire day. All the hard work paid off when the lights dimmed and the show com-menced.

From the moment the hula chanting began, the room was charged with an energy and excitement that continued to build from one act to the next (acts were positioned between the dining courses). Act One presented a Broad-way medley featuring some of DHT’s best and brightest. Act Two featured the Shooting Stars—both current and alumni, from as far back as 1995. Act Th ree showcased Th e Leading Ladies

of DHT, who belted out show tunes that set the crowd whooping and hollering. And the fi nale was perfect: a special performance by DHT’s Tony-nominated alum, Loretta Ables Sayre, singing “Bali Hai.” Th e evening was over all too soon.

We’re so grateful to everyone who celebrated with us. We’re also grateful for the wonderful DHT@100 committee, skillfully chaired by Steven Ai and Sisi Takaki; the fabulous Sheraton Waikiki, for their generosity and perfect setting; Current Aff airs, for providing elegance and fun; and to our amazing staff and Board of Directors. One hundred years is an impressive milestone, and we could not be more proud of our remarkable institution.

DHT’s 100th Anniversary GalaA Magical Evening of Celebration

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Take a Bow,John Rampage! The National Society of Arts and Letters Applauds DHT’s Artistic Director

On May 4, DHT’s esteemed artistic director, John Rampage, was honored at the National

Society of Arts and Letters Roselani Gala Dinner. The Pacific Club was overflowing with friends, supporters and fans, including U.S. Congress-man Mark Takai, who presented John with a special tribute.

It was also an evening of entertainment from those who have had the pleasure of perform-ing for and with John over the years, including a surprise performance from both current and alumni Shooting Stars. The Stars performed their amazing “Campaign” number from The Will Rogers Follies with the lyrics rewritten just for “Mr. John,” who is still the group’s director.

It was a great night to celebrate John and the amazing impact he’s had on so many people at Diamond Head Theatre and beyond.