The 'Iolani School performing arts department opened the Stephen Schwartz musical Pippin at Diamond Head Theatre this week!
The story is loosely based on the life of Pippin the Hunchback, son of Emperor Charlemagne. As the musical begins, an acting troupe, led by the Leading Player, invites the audience to watch their "Magic to Do." This troupe will guide Pippin through a production of music and dance, which turns out to be a journey of self-discovery.
With direction by Rob Duval, choreography by Katherine Jones, and musical direction by John Alexander and Wayne DeMello, the production features talented ‘Iolani students and an eight piece orchestra. Cast includes Trent Nakamura as the Leading Player, Stephen Toyofuku as Pippin, Jana Souza as Fastrada, Chaz Silva as Lewis, Sean Yancey as Charlemagne, and Rachelle Nilo as Catherine. 
Tickets are on sale at ‘Iolani’s performing arts department. Reserved tickets are $5 to $25 for February 26 to 28.
Call 943-2244 for information or to purchase tickets by credit card. Prepaid tickets may be picked up at will call at the theater. Tickets will not be sold at the door. So, buy now or call in your oder because this show is too good to miss. Photos by Al Linsky.
THEATER REVIEW:
The following was written by history teacher Jeffrey Hackler.
In 1996, I played the faculty cameo role of "the Head" in Pippin. Therefore, I knew several things about the play before arriving at Wednesday's dress rehearsal. I recalled that the play had a number of catchy tunes and that the 1996 cast, comprised of a few stars and a large ensemble, had a fun, musical and physical time on stage. I also recalled the plot. Pippin is the king's son who returns home thinking he is an "extraordinary" young man. While he knows he does not want to be a student, he does not know what he wants to do for the rest of his life. He explores several options, such as being a soldier in his father's army, but finds none to be "meaningful and fulfilling." The Finale, the last scene in the play, should leave everyone, especially our high school students, with a thoughtful, powerful message. I was really looking forward to seeing this version of the play from the audience's point of view.
What a delightful two hours at Diamond Head Theatre. Unlike Hawaii Theatre, this is an intimate theatre experience. The audience sits close to the action. Throughout the show, I smiled and laughed often and even hummed along at times. I admit shedding a few tears at the end of the play. Director Rob Duval did a magnificent job of casting the eight key characters. I expected spectacular performances from Trent Nakamura, as the Leading Player, Stephen Toyofuku as Pippin, Jana Souza as the king's wife and Chaz Silva, as the king's warrior son, and they WOWed me again. The four new stars were superb finds. The king, Sean Yancey, was believable from his opening lines. His singing and comedic touch were surprisingly wonderful. Emily Shimkus showed off her singing voice and oozed the right amount of sassiness as the grandmother. Rachelle Nilo starred as the beautiful widow who snares Pippin, and we were introduced to a talented 8th grader, Jarret Lin.
The biggest star, however, was the ensemble, 18 women and 11 men. They were on stage for much of the action, dancing, singing, fighting or creating crowd scenes. Choreographer Katherine Jones had the actors moving in the right place; no one looked stiff or out of place. Director Duval and student Assistant Director Claire Mosteller had the actors acting or reacting with just the right amount of intensity and integrity.
The music was still charming. More than half the songs are gems. Grandma Berthe even allowed the audience to sing the chorus of "No Time at All." The small orchestra led by Mr. Wayne DeMello and Mr. John Alexander played beautifully and at the right volume throughout the evening. The students running lights and sound, costumes, sets and make-up should be commended for their months of hard work. It paid off.
I felt rejuvenated when I left the theatre, and this was only dress rehearsal. While I did see several stars start a bit tentatively tonight, by the second act, the actors had fully embraced their roles, which means the shows for the rest of the run will be fantastic experiences. Don't miss a chance to enjoy a terrific play and witness the final performances of our sterling seniors. And, what does the final scene, the Finale, really mean?
