Diamond Head Theatre July 16 – Aug 8, 2021

Vol 106. No. 7

Diamond Head Theatre Presents

Conceived and Originally Directed and Choreographed by MICHAEL BENNETTBook by JAMES KIRKWOOD and NICHOLAS DANTE

Music by MARVIN HAMLISCHLyrics by EDWARD KLEBAN

Co Choregraphed by BOB AVIAN

Musical Direction byMELINA LILLIOS

Costume Design byKAREN G. WOLFE

Directed & Choreographed byGREG ZANE

Props Design byJOHN CUMMINGS III

Co-Production Stage ManagersCELIA CHUN & TOM BINGHAM

Set & Lighting Design byDAWN OSHIMA

Sound Design byJUSTIN CHUN

Executive DirectorDEENA DRAY

Artistic DirectorJOHN 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 HEALTHFRANCES HISASHIMA MARIKO & JOE LYONS

DAVID & NOREEN MULLIKEN CAROLYN BERRY WILSON WAKABAYASHI & BINGHAM FAMILIES

Diamond Head Th eatre • 520 Makapuu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816Phone (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.

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 Theatre Presents

Diamond Head Th eatre • 520 Makapuu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816Phone (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.

A CHORUS LINE is presented by arrangement with Concord � eatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. concordtheatricals.com

Cast List

Zach Larry Don Maggie Mike Connie Greg Cassie Sheila Bobby Bebe Judy Richie Al

KristineVal

MarkPaul

DianaLois

VickiTriciaFrank

Roy

Norm DabalosLevi K. OliveiraChase BridgmanMarisa NoelleLuke EllisKayla UchidaGabriel Ryan-KernKira Mahealani StoneLauren TeruyaMarcus StangerMiya HeulittSeanalei NishimuraDavid RobinsonJared PaakaulaAlexandria ZinovJody BillMichael HicksDwayne SakaguchiEmily NorthKe‘ala O'ConnellKorynn GrenertAyzhia TadeoBrandon YimJackson Saunders

A CHORUS LINE is performed without an intermission.

UNDERSTUDIES never substitute for listed players unless a specific 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;

Val- Korynn Grenert (stand in); Paul, Richie- Jared Paakaula

Scenes

I Hope I Get It I Can Do � at

...And...At � e Ballet

Sing!Hello Twelve, Hello � irteen, Hello Love

Nothing Dance: Ten, Looks: � ree

� e Music and the Mirror One

� e Tap CombinationWhat I Did For Love

One: Reprise

Musical Numbers

AN AUDITION Time: 1975

Place: A Broadway � eatre

CompanyMikeRichie, Bobby, Val, JudySheila, Bebe, MaggieKristine, AlCompany DianaValCassieCompanyCompanyDiana and CompanyCompany

Director’s Notes

� 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.

Musical Numbers

Director’s Notes

In the winter of 1974, with the New York Cityeconomy 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 director and choreographer, Michael Bennett, who had

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 Linewill 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

Enjoy!

Greg Zane

Greg Zane

JODY BILL (Val) is thrilled to be back at DHT with this incredible cast! She was last seen onstage in productions at Feinstein’s/54 Below and Th e West End Lounge (NYC). Credits:

DHT - Kinky Boots “Nicola”, Beehive, Something Rotten, Nice Work if You Can Get It “Jeannie”, Evita “Eva Perón”, Legally Blonde “Elle”, 9 to 5 “Judy”, Sister Act “Mary Robert”, Shrek “Gingy”; MVT – Avenue Q “Kate”, Lysistrata Jones“Lysistrata”; ACT – A Chorus Line “Val”. Mahalo to Greg, Melina, Celia, John, the cast, and crew. Love to Aiko and Lindsay.

CHASE BRIDGMAN(Don) Chase is happy to be back on the DHT stage aft er performing as "Friedrich Von Trapp” in � e Sound of Music in 2010! Chase has performed in over 15

community theatre productions, since fi rst appearing in ACT’s 2007 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. He wants to thank God for his many blessings, his family for their unwavering support, and you, the audience, for continuing to support the arts.

DR. NORM DABALOS(Zach) returns to Hawaii theater aft er being on the mainland for almost 30 years. His last show in Hawaii was as "Riff " in West Side Story (CPAC) in 1990. His last show at

DHT was Hello, Dolly! in 1989. And he also had the honor of being in the 1988 production of A Chorus Line directed by Tommy Aguilar. He was also a founding 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.

LUKE ELLIS (Mike) is a rising sophomore at Cornell University. He's ecstatic to return to the DHT stage, most recently appearing as "Elmer" in Newsies (DHT). Other credits at DHT

include Holiday Inn, 42nd Street, Mary Poppins, To Kill a Mockingbird, and possibly his favorite role ever as "Michael Hobbs" in Elf. He thanks Jedi Master Greg for once again taking a chance on a young Padawan. He also thanks his supportive family, friends, and all the incredible DHT staff .

KORYNN GRENERT (Vicki) is thrilled to be performing in her fi rst show since "you-know-what" disrupted our lives! Th e last production Korynn performed in at DHT was Something

Rotten! in 2019, and she is ecstatic to be brushing up on her dancing, singing, and acting skills! Korynn loves socializing with others and is stoked to be a part of such an amazing cast. "Th ank you to my family for supporting

me in so many ways!"

MIYA HEULITT (Bebe)is so excited to be back at DHT in one of her favorite shows! She is a rising junior at Th e Hartt School pursuing a BFA in Musical Th eatre. Recent credits include

“Little Sally” in Urinetown (Hartt School), “Deb” in Ordinary Days (Punahou, Self-Directed) and Holiday Inn (DHT). She wants to thank Mr. Greg and Melina for the opportunity, and her parents for the constant love and support.

The Cast

MICHAEL HICKS (Mark) is thrilled to make a return to the stage alongside such a talented cast and creative team! Previous stage credits include, “Prince Chulalongkorn” in � e

King and I (IAMBK), “Billy Understudy/ensemble” in Billy Elliot (DHT), Matilda(DHT), Children of Eden and � e Wiz (IAMBK), along with many ‘Iolani pro-ductions. As a rising junior, Michael looks forward to sharing his love for performing through high school and beyond.

SEANALEI NISHIMURA(Judy)is incredibly grateful to be in this show and to perform alongside this amazingly talented cast. Some of Seanalei’s favorite performance credits

include “Anna” in Disney’s Frozen (PACK), Matilda (DHT), and A Christmas Carol (DHT). She also competed and won Hawaii Stars in 2017 and recently competed in Hawaii Stars Champions of Champions. She wants to thank her family for their support and the amazing people who made this show possible!

MARISA NOELLE(Maggie) is thrilled to be in DHT’s production of A Chorus Line. Th is show came along at the perfect time. She dedi-cates her performance to Freddie, her forever

number one fan. “I know you are out there watching and cheering me on, not only on stage, but in life.”

EMILY NORTH(Diana) is ecstatic to do her fi rst show with DHT aft er 10 years away from theatre. Growing up in Roswell, NM, she enjoyed roles including “Audrey” in Little Shop

of Horrors, “Marty” in Grease, and “Miss Scarlet” in Clue. She also cherished experiences singing at Carnegie Hall (Requiem) and dancing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Snow White). Emily sends endless thanks to her family, friends, coworkers, patients, and fellow cast/crew for their kindness and support.

KE‘ALA O’CONNELL(Lois) is thrilled to be a part of her fi rst DHT show! Ke‘ala graduated summa cum laude from Southern Methodist University with a B.F.A. in Dance Performance

and minors in Arts Management and Communications. Ke‘ala has performed at Th e Joyce Th eater, Winspear Opera House, and Dallas Dance Festival, among others. She recently co-founded a Honolulu-based contemporary dance company, MADWOM-AN Dance Company. Ke‘ala would like to thank her family for their endless support!

LEVI K. OLIVEIRA(Larry) is excited to be back on the DHT stage. He played “Bobby Mills” at ACT in 2009 and is happy to be doing the show again through a diff erent lens. Th anks to

Greg for welcoming him 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(Al) is making his debut on the DHT stage and also his return to the Hawai‘i theatre scene aft er 13 years! Jared performed for Universal Studios Japan for 4 years.

He’s also performed for Legends in Con-cert Waikiki and Disney’s Aulani Resort. Past shows include: Cats (ACT), Aida(ACT), Oklahoma! (PTW). Jared has choreographed for Kamehameha Schools and he is DHT’s Production/Education Coordinator and the Associate Director of the Shooting Stars program. Jared would like to dedicate this show to his mom, Darnette, and his partner, Drexten.

DAVID ROBINSON, JR. (Richie) is so ecstatic to be a part of this performance. Robinson’s performance credits include Arts Beyond COVID-19 (BH), � e Nutcracker (BH),

Fairy Tales in the Park (San Diego Civic Youth Ballet), � e Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker (Moscow Ballet). He is a dancer with Ballet Hawaii and is also a part of their Performing Ensemble. He would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support.

GABRIEL RYAN-KERN(Greg) is honored to be in this show. Perfor-mance credits include “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.

DWAYNE SAKAGUCHI (Paul) is a veteran to local stages here in Hawaii and was a DHT Shooting Star. He won a Po‘okela Award for his performance in Newsies (DHT) in 2018. He has

danced at APA, PDS and has choreographed main stage produc-tions at KHSPAC, CPAC and MVT’s recent production of � e 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He is excited to be back on stage and is honored to be playing the role of Paul under the direction of Greg Zane.

JACKSON SAUNDERS (Roy) is excited to be in A Chorus Line. He wants to thank those who have been instrumental to his successes and those who have supported him throughout his life.

MARCUS STANGER (Bobby) is very excited to be back at DHT. He has previously been in Newsies as “Spot Con-lon” and Kinky Boots as an “Angel” both at DHT.

He is beyond ecstatic to be back onstage aft er this rough year! He’d like to thank his wonderful friends and family for supporting him through everything.

The Cast cont’d

KIRA MAHEALANI STONE (Cassie) is thrilled to be back on the DHT stage in A Chorus Line. She practically grew up doing shows at DHT,

but was last seen on this stage as “Katherine Plumber” in Newsiesfor which she received a Po‘okela award. Kira is a sophomore studying Drama at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She started dancing at age two and is overjoyed to have the “chance to dance for you!” Th ank you, Greg and John, for this incredible opportunity!

AYZHIA TADEO (Tricia) is excited to be part of this show! She is making her debut in her fi rst DHT show. She is a recent high school graduate. Her perform-ing credits include; Shrek

the Musical “Princess Fiona”, Disney’s Frozen Jr. “Lead Dancer”, Disney’s Newsies “Buttons” (PACK), Punahou Tap Company & Shooting Star (DHT) alumni. She would like to thank her family for all of the support throughout her musical theatre journey.

LAUREN TERUYA(Sheila) is overwhelm-ingly excited to be back for her 10th show on the DHT stage. She was last seen dancing her heart out in Mamma Mia! and is honored

to fi nally work with the phenomenally talented Greg Zane and Melina Lillios. “Th ank you, Greg, for putting all your heart into this show and dealing with my endless questions, Melina for making my harmonies possible, and the entire cast for keeping my heart so full!"

KAYLA UCHIDA(Connie) is thrilled to return to the stage in her 10th production at DHT. Favorite credits include “Midge” in Nice Work If You Can Get It (DHT), 42nd Street

(DHT), “Lou Ann” in Hairspray (PTW), Spamalot (DHT), Phantom of the Opera (PTW). When she is not on stage, Kayla maintains a violin studio teaching students ages 4-18, and is also on the dance fac-ulty at Punahou School and DHT. Many thanks to Greg, Melina, my family, and the cast and crew!

BRANDON YIM(Frank) is a student at the University of Edin-burgh studying Econom-ics and Mathematics. He graduated from ‘Iolani School and was a DHT Shooting Star for 4 years.

He was previously seen in Rent, Curtains, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, and more at ‘Iolani school. At university, he also led an award-winning tap team. Lastly, he would like to thank Mr. Greg for this opportunity.

ALEXANDRIA ZINOV(Kristine) is so excited to now join the DHT fam-ily. She was last seen as “Janet” in Rocky Horror (MVT) where she was awarded Best Actress by BroadwayWorld Hawaii.

Other credits include “Sleeping Beauty” in Disenchanted! and “Wendy Jo” in Footloose. For 4 years she danced profes-sionally for the Utah Jazz in the NBA. She is so grateful for all that performing has given her and wants to inspire others to always reach for your dreams!

The Cast cont’d

The Artisans

GREG ZANE (Director/Choreographer) Before the world went into lockdown, Greg directed & choreographed DHT’s last big musical:� e Sound of Music in 2019 and is so thankful to be back at the theatre in 2021. Back in 2015, Greg had been the Associate Choreographer for Lincoln Center Th eater’s Tony Award winning production of � e King & I and its various incarnations: Broadway production, 1st & 2nd US National Tours, London Palladium production, UK Tour, the Tokyo Th eater Orb production and the International Tour. His direction and/or choreographic credits include: Singin’ In � e Rain, Elf the Musical, Flower Drum Song, Peter Pan, Carousel, Junie B Jones (National Tours) at theaters such as the Zac Th eatre, Lyric Th eatre of Oklahoma, Th eatreWorks USA, Diamond Head Th eatre. Film & TV: Tony Awards (2015), Olivier Awards (2019), BBC One Show, and Th e King & I: Live From Th e Palladium. Performance credits include: Th e King & I (1996 Broadway revival), A Chorus Line(Paul San Marco), Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Alberta Ballet (Canada), Atlanta Ballet, Hawaii Ballet Th eatre. He is also on the ballet faculty of Broadway Dance Center (NYC) and has also taught at Peridance Center, American Ballet Th eatre, Queen Emma Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company. Special thanks to my dear friend John Rampage and also Deena Dray and the incredible artists and staff at DHT. Staging this “One Singular Sensation” needs many collaborators and I am grateful 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,

teaching me the role of Paul, entrusting me with carrying on the ACL legacy, and making ACL an important milestone in DHT history. It is also dedicated to my ACL brethren who are “On Th e Heavenly Line”: Gary, Kaulana, Stephen, Timmy, and Jimmer. “Gone. Love is never gone. As we travel on, love’s what we’ll remember.”

MELINA LILLIOS (Musical Director)has been music-directing theater in Hawaii for over 30 years. She is a 6-time Po’okela award winner and has music-directed over 35 shows here in Hawaii. Some of her favorite shows as music-director include Jesus Christ Superstar (DHT), � e Who’s Tommy (MVT), Next to Normal (MAPA), Ragtime (DHT), � e Full Monty (DHT), Titanic (DHT) and Miss Saigon (ACT). Her most recent production was in 2017 when she produced an original theater piece at Paliku Th eater called “Rise-Up”, a “call-to action” production that gathered over 55 musicians and singers from around the state.

KAREN G. WOLFE (Costume Designer)tap dances through life and brings humor and levity to the DHT costume shop with wonderful help from volunteers and the ONE SINGULAR SENSATION= Brenda Chee! Th e brain behind the scenes, Brenda brings tremendous cutting and stitching skills to our stage every production, not to mention superb organizational methods. Th ank you for your dedication to our shop for the last 14 years!!!

The Artisans The Artisans cont’d

DAWN OSHIMA (Set Designer/Lighting Designer) works at DHT as the technical director and master stage electrician when she's not designing lights. Some of her past works at DHT include Titanic, Amadeus, Jesus Christ Superstar, Seussical, � e Full Monty, You Somebody, � e Joy Luck Club, Xanadu, Catch Me If You Can, To Kill a Mockingbird, Mamma Mia, Billy Elliot, All Shook Up, Ragtime, Beehive, Matilda, and Kinky Boots. My personal thanks to all who have helped and inspired me through this creative process. I couldn't have done it without y'all.

JOHN M. CUMMINGS III (Props Designer) More than a year under the pandemic saw Broadway and theaters large and small across the nation shuttered and dark. John is honored to be on the DHT design team as we re-emerge to present award-winning live theater that so many have missed, so many have asked for and so many truly need. Mahalo to the DHT ‘oha-na, John’s props bestie Frances Hisashima and of course his wonderful wife Adaline. We got this people!

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 toyour ears!

CELIA CHUN (Co-Production Stage Manager) is happy for the opportunity to work with her fi rst dance partner (Greg Zane) in a show that they both learned together back in 1985. Many years have since passed, but her love for dance is still going strong. Th ank you, Greg, for the opportunity, John for your guidance, Tom for your help, Emily and Max for your love!

TOM BINGHAM (Co-Production Stage Manager) has been a proud volunteer for DHT for over 10 years, working with concessions, ushering, opening night receptions, scene shop, Mystery Dinners, Ilima Awards, chaperone, parking atten-dant, landscaping, and more than 30 shows as a member of the deck crew. Th anks to Mr. John for the opportunity to work with this iconic show, to Celia (couldn’t ask for a better partner), to the fi rst-class veteran stage managers for their guidance and encouragement, and especially to the exceptional cast and (unseen) crew members who create the magic. It’s the opportunity to work with these wonderful people that brings Tom back every season, Love to Ruth for putting up with all the nights out.

Acknowledgments

� ank you to all the ushers and volunteers who have helped with this production.

ASSISTANT COSTUME DESIGNERBrenda Chee

COSTUME CONSTRUCTIONKate EllisCes FujiokaCynthia HytryIzzy HytryKimmerie JonesLuana KuhnsHolly MoyJohn RampageDebbie TandalCandace Yoshioka

SCENE SHOPHarry CanapinoGary MurakamiPaul Palmore

DECK CREWKenny AuneIzzy HytryRandy Tandal

FOLLOW SPOT OPERATORSLa Tanya Fa‘amausili-SiliatoKenji ShimataJayla Wakabayashi

PROPSFrances Hisashima

DRESSERSAntoinette LillyMathias Maas Elyse TakashigeAnnie Motteler

SOUND BOARD OPERATORJustin ChunKerri Yoneda

LIGHT BOARD OPERATORDawn Oshima

PHOTOGRAPHYBrandon Miyagi

SPECIAL THANKSAnnie Motteler