On stage around O'ahu

The Actors' Group

Honolulu's off-off-off Broadway little theater, at Yellow Brick Studio, 625 Keawe St. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays; $10 (2-for-1 student tickets for Thursday shows only). 591-7999.

• "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds," continuing through Sept. 9
  Paul Zindel's play about an eccentric widow and her two impressionable daughters. David Schaeffer directs.

Hawai'i Theatre Center
Honolulu's "Carnegie Hall of the Pacific," at Hawai'i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St. Showtimes and ticket prices vary; 528-0506.

• D.L. Hughley, featuring Pat Morita, Sept. 2 at 8 p.m.
  The star of "The Hughleys" TV series joins forces with the "Karate Kid" actor. Presented by World Cafe.
• Avalon with ZOEgirl, Sept. 14-15 at 7:30 p.m.
  Contemporary Christian music. A Waikiki Beach Chaplaincy presentation.
• "Hawaii Stars," Sept. 23, time to be announced.
  TV taping of "extraordinary abilities" karaoke contestants.
• "The Odd Couple," Sept. 27-30
  (See Manoa Valley Theatre; Joe Moore and Pat Sajak co-star in the Neil Simon comedy)
• "Kamau Pono IV: The Golden Sands of Waikiki," Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.; $18.
  Tony Conjugacion and Halau Na Wainohia present a tribute to the rock 'n' roll era of Hawaiian music. Guests include Jimmy Borges, Melveen Leed, Danny Kaleikini, Leina'ala Haili, Tahiti Rava Nui, Sam Kapu, Don Ho, Iva Kinimaka, Lena Motta, Beverly Noa and Boyce Rodrigues. Performers will also pay tribute to Myrtle K. Hilo and Myra English.
• "Flying Fruit Fly Circus," Oct. 17-21
  (See Tim Bostock Productions.)
• "Bear in the Big Blue House Live "Surprise Party," Nov. 6-11, times to be announced
  Live family stage production, from Vee Corp., creators of the "Sesame Street" shows.
• "P.D.Q. Bach and Peter Schickele: The Jekyll and Hyde Tour," Nov. 14 at 8 p.m.
  Part of Hawai'i Public Radio's 20th Birthday Celebration.
• "A Merry Christmas with Friends & Nabors," Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 2 at 2 p.m..
  Fifth anniversary production with Jim Nabors, Emma Veary, Karen Keawehawai'i, and special guests the Huber Marionettes and Robert Cazimero, with Matt Catingub conducting the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra.
• "A Cazimero Christmas," Dec. 6-8 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.
  The Brothers Cazimero with friends Leina'ala Heine, The Royal Dance Company and Willie Kalikimaka (Willie K).
• "King Kalakaua's Nutcracker," Dec. 14-15, times to be announced
  Premiere of Honolulu Dance Theatre's "Nutcracker," with a Hawaiian storyline.
• "Ho'okena Christmas," Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.
  Ho'okena, in a spectacle of Hawaiian and traditional holiday fare.
• "A Prairie Home Companion," Jan. 5, 1-3 p.m. (tentative)
  Live national broadcast with Garrison Keillor. Part of Hawai'i Public Radio's 20th Birthday Celebration.
• Iolani Dramatic Players, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. and March 1-2 at 8 p.m.
  Iolani School's spring musical, title to be announced.
• "Men Dancing," March 9-10, times to be announced.
  Peter Rockford Espiritu and Tau Dance Theatre's annual dance fest.

Manoa Valley Theatre
Honolulu's off-Broadway theater, at Manoa Valley Theatre, 2833 E. Manoa Road. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $25 for plays, $30 for musicals. Buffet dinner 90 minutes before curtain Wednesdays through Saturdays. 988-6131.

• "Smokey Joe's Cafe," Sept. 5-23
  A jukebox full of golden oldies by Leiber-Stoller, from "Hound Dog" to "Love Potion No. 9," from "Stand By Me" to "Under the Boardwalk." 1995 Tony Award winner for Best Musical.
• "The Wash," Nov. 14-Dec. 2
  A play by Philip Kan Gotanda. Japanese tradition collides with contemporary American culture when Nobu Matsumoto and his wife, Masi, in their 60s, separate at her request.
• "Over the River and Through the Woods," Jan. 9-27
  A comedy by Joe DePietro: Nick, a single, Italian American from New Jersey, is close to both sets of grandparents, but a new job beckons and threatens the relationship, leading the older couples to scheme to keep him around.
• "Song of Singapore," March 6-24
  A revival of an earlier MVT hit, set in a seedy nightclub when Japanese invaders threaten nightclubbers while the band plays on. A parody of films such as "Casablanca" with the audience in the middle of and part of the action.
• "Wit," May 15-June 2
  A drama by Margaret Edson, about Vivian Bearing, an English professor and expert on poet John Donne, and her battle with ovarian cancer. 1999 Pulitzer Prize winner for drama and the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Play in New York's off-Broadway season.
• "The Cripple of Inishmaan," July 10-28
  A comedy-drama by Ireland's Martin McDonagh, about crippled Billy Claven, determined to break away from his life of tedium for one in the movies, when word hits the island community that a famed Hollywood director is heading their way. A dark comedy.

Special Event

• "The Odd Couple," Sept. 27-29 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 30 at 4 p.m., Hawai'i Theatre; $17.50-$37; 528-0506.
  Joe Moore is Oscar, Pat Sajak is Felix; Jim Hutchison directs this MVT benefit.

Army Community Theatre
Revivals of Broadway musicals, at Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Tickets: $12 and $15 adults, $6 and $8 children; 438-4480, 438-5230.

• "My Fair Lady," Sept. 6-22
  The Alan Jay Lerner-Frederick Loewe musical, about the crotchety professor Henry Higgins and Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle, is memorable for such hit songs as "I Could Have Danced All Night," "On the Street Where You Live" and "Get Me to the Church on Time."
• "Sayonara," Nov. 15-Dec. 1
  A musical, based on James Michener's novel that was a 1950 motion picture, recounts the "forbidden passion" between a U.S. jet pilot hero and a Japanese actress.
• "Flower Drum Song," Feb. 28-March 16
  The Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, set in the San Francisco Chinatown of the 1950s, tackles elements (picture brides) that may not be politically correct today, but it boasts a tuneful score including "I Enjoy Being a Girl," "Don't Marry Me" and "A Hundred Million Miracles."
• "Oliver," May 9-25
  Based on Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist," this show serves up all the critters of a dark musical — the orphan Oliver, the Artful Dodger, the crooked Fagin. The tunes are also legendary: "Consider Yourself," "You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two," "Boy for Sale."

Army Community Theatre Sunday @2 Matinee Readers Theatre
Rarely performed, small-cast dramas, at Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter. Showtimes: 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $6. 438-4480.

• "The Debutante Ball," Sept. 9, 16, 23
  A comedy-drama by Beth Henley, set in Hattiesburg, Miss., on the morning of a debutante ball.
• "The Redwood Curtain," Nov. 18, 25, Dec. 1
  A drama by Lanford Wilson about a 17-year-old Vietnamese American girl, raised by adoptive parents in the United States, who journeys to the redwood forests in California in search of her natural father.
• "The Queen of Bingo," March 3, 10, 1
  A comedy by Jeanne Michels and Phyllis Murphy, about two sisters on the far side of 50 who search for a little zest and verve in their lives.
• "If We Are Women," May 12, 19, 26
  A drama by Joanna McClelland, dealing with two grandmothers, a daughter and a granddaughter, who assemble on the deck of a beach house in Connecticut. Each has a "what if ..." dilemma.

Kumu Kahua Theatre
Plays dealing with the island experience, often written by residents, at Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Season tickets: $50 for renewals, $60 for new subscribers. Single tickets: $15 adults, $10 students; $10 rate for Thursday shows for unemployed. 536-4222.

• "A Language of Their Own," Sept. 6 -Oct. 7
  A play by Chay Yew, about two gay Asian American men, Oscar and Ming, who seem made for each other. Conflicts arise when Oscar tests positive for HIV. Transcends the boundaries of a "gay play" because of its universal view of love, sexuality, personal identity and more.
• "Olo Ka Lau," Nov. 8-Dec. 9
  A drama by Kimo Armitage, about two brothers; one is reluctant to learn from his roots, including Hawaiian chants and healing rituals, the other an eager student of modern ways faced with an illness that medicine cannot cure. Winner of the 1997 Kumu Kahua/University of Hawai'i Theatre Department Playwriting Contest.
• "To the Last Hawaiian Soldier," Jan. 10-Feb. 10
  A drama by Sean T.C. O'Malley, with parallel story lines, juxtaposing a tale of 19th-century Robert Wilcox, King David Kalakaua and Queen Lili'iuokalani in the days before the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, with a contemporary story about a young Hawaiian man, frustrated by a lack of progress in the sovereignty movement.
• "A Ricepaper Airplane," March 14-April 14.
  Gary Pak's novel, adapted for the stage by John Wat and Keith Kashiwada, deals with Kim Sung Wha, a dying man drifting in and out of consciousness, segueing from the Hawai'i sugar plantation where he worked to his Korean homeland from a century ago.
• "Super Secret Squad," May 16-June 16
  Lee Cataluna's latest comedy, commissioned by Kumu Kahua, focuses on five University of Hawai'i undergraduates who question the deeds of clueless bureaucrats and take matters in their own hands, with comic results.

Honolulu Theatre for Youth
Youth- and family-oriented drama and comedy, including original works, at several venues, with varying showtimes. Season tickets: $60 adults, $45 for students 13-19, $30 youths 3-12 and senior citizens; make-your-own-package season of four plays, $35, $26, $17.50. Single tickets: $10 adults, $7.50 students, $5 youths and seniors. 839-9885.

• "Winnie-the-Pooh," Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., Leeward Community College Theatre, 96-045 Ala Ike St.
  A dramatization of the stories by A.A. Milne, adapted by le ClanchÚ du Rand, with Pooh, Kanga and Roo, Eeyore and Piglet, augmented by songs. For ages 4 and up.
• "Beauty and the Beast," Oct. 13, 20 and 27 at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter
  A new version by Bret Fetzer, with the romance of the original and modern observations about double standards. For ages 7 and up.
• "Christmas Talk Story," Dec. 1, 8 and 15 at 2:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., Tenney Theatre, 224 Queen Emma Square
  A collection of holiday stories, celebrating the season, by local writers. Also featuring a range of Christmas songs. For ages 6 and up.
• "Othello," Feb. 9, 16 and 23 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., Tenney Theatre, 224 Queen Emma Square
  An adaptation by Y York, of Shakespeare's classic tale of jealousy and intrigue, embracing three rapping actors and a DJ with turntables. For ages 10 and up.
• "Wondrous Tales of Old Japan," March 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, 2454 S. Beretania St.
  A play written and directed by David Furumoto, incorporating kabuki costumes, props and sets and staged in kabuki style; includes "The Story of Urashima Taro," "Yuki Onna, the Snow Woman" and "Momotaro, the Peach Boy." For ages 7 and up.
• "Runny Noses, Tiny Tails (Still More Mixed Plate)," April 27, May 4, 11 and 18 at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Park
  A collection of four original stories, derived through the HTY's Playwriting Hui, by Dance Aoki, Daniel A. Kelin II, Sean T.C. O'Malley and Susan Lee St. John. Featuring "Runny Nose Boy," "Da Bugga Like Eat," "No Tigers in Borneo," "The Frog Dance." For ages 4 and up.
• "Musubi Man," April 27, May 4 and 11 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Park
  Lee Cataluna's adaptation of the book by Sandi Takayama, inspired by the classic Gingerbread Man children's favorite, with a local flavor and twist.

Leeward Community College Theatre
An eclectic slate of visiting and resident shows, at Leeward Community College Theatre, 96-045 Ala Ike St. Showtimes and ticket prices vary. 455-0385.

• "Winnie-the-Pooh," Sept. 8-29
  (See Honolulu Theatre for Youth.)
• "Woman Far Walking," Sept. 21-22 at 8 p.m.; $22 adults; $18 students, seniors, active military; $15 groups.
  Powerful Maori dance drama from New Zealand. (Also part of Tim Bostock Productions season.)
• "FourPlay," Oct. 6 at 8 p.m.; $18 adults; $14 students, seniors and active military.
  A David Ward dance piece.
• "Rome + Jewels," Oct. 12-13 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.; $25 adults; $20 students, seniors and active military; $15 groups.
  Rennie Harris PureMovement from Philadelphia, includes a hip-hop "Romeo and Juliet" with break dancing.
• "On the Spot," Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m.; free.
  Improvisation theater with Loose Screws and LCC students.
• "World Blend," Nov. 9-10 and 15-17 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 11 at 4 p.m.; $13 adults; $11 students, seniors and active military.
  LCC students enact tales from around the world in "story theatre" style.
• LCC Holiday Concert, Nov. 25 at 4 p.m.; $3.
  Annual holiday concert.
• Donald Byrd, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m.; $25 adults; $20
  students, seniors and active military.

Dance performance

• "Full Moon Madness," Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.; $3.
  Annual LCC festival of student works.
• "The Nutcracker," Dec. 8 and 15 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 9 and 16 at 2 p.m.; ticket prices to be announced.
  Hawaii Ballet Theatre's annual ballet production featuring professional and student dancers.
• Noche Flamenca, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m.; $25 adults; $20 students, seniors and active military.
  Dance performance.
• Second Hand Company, Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 3 at 2 p.m.; $25 ($20 and $15 advance).
  Dance performance.
• Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m.; $22.50 adults; $18 students, seniors and active military.
  Swing, blues and jazz dance.
• Laurie Anderson, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m.; $35 adults; $25 students, seniors and active military.
  Musical performance artist.
• Hubbard Street Dance, March 2 at 8 p.m. and March 3 at 4 p.m.; $35 adults; $25 students, seniors and active military; $22 groups.
• New Shanghai Circus, March 7-9 at 7 p.m. and March 9 at 2 p.m.; $35 adults; $25 students, seniors and active military; $20 children.

Diamond Head Theatre
Mainstream musicals, comedies and dramas, at Diamond Head Theatre, 520 Makapu'u Ave. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays. Season tickets: $45-$180. Single tickets: $10-$40, with discounts for chidlren, full-time students, active military and seniors 62 and older. 733-0274.

• "Jekyll & Hyde," Sept. 14-30
  The Broadway musical features book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and music by Frank Wildhorn and the score is noted for the show-stopping tune, "This is the Moment."
• "Annie," Nov. 30-Dec.16
  Winner of seven Tony Awards, this musical is based on the comic strip "Little Orphan Annie." The score is rich with hit tunes such as "Tomorrow" and "It's the Hard-Knock Life."
• "Blithe Spirit," Jan. 25-Feb. 10
  Noel Coward's timeless classic continues to provide theatrical laughs. It's a ghostly tale dealing with a medium who, through an arranged seance, brings back mischievous spirits from the past.
• "Mame," March 22-April 7
  The indomitable Auntie Mame, who ministers to her nephew Patrick, has been a stage classic for years. Hit songs include the title song, "Bosom Buddies," "If He Walked into My Life" and "We Need a Little Christmas."
• "Titanic," May 24-June 9
  This musical won five Tony Awards in 1997, and features story and book by Peter Stone and music and lyrics by Maury Yeston. Not to be confused with the movie.
• "You Somebody," July 19-Aug. 4
  Lee Cataluna's musical is about the Lusa family's hilarious journey to celebrity, via beauty pageant, keiki hula, karaoke and 'ukulele-playing.

Tim Bostock Productions
Unusual, on-the-edge, experimental and trendy shows, at various venues, with varying showtimes and ticket prices; 521-2903.

• "Woman Far Walking," Sept. 21-22, 7:30 p.m., Leeward Community College Theatre; $15 and $20; 455-0385.
  Maori drama by Witi Ihimaera, embraces acting and poetry.
• "The Flying Fruit Fly Circus," Oct. 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 20-21 at 2 and 8 p.m., Hawai'i Theatre; $15-$45; 528-0506.
  Australian company of 20, ages 8-18, engages in aerial maneuvers and body contortions.
• Marcel Marceau, Nov. 1-2 (times to be announced), Blaisdell Concert Hall; $25-$60; 526-4400.
  The legendary mime, in his first-ever Island performance. Part of the forthcoming French Festival.
• "Slava's Snowshow," Dec. 19-24 and 26-29 at 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 22, 26, 28 and 29 at 1:30 p.m., Hawai'i Theatre; $25-$55; 528-0506.
  Award-winning Russian clown Slava Polunin returns for more whimsy. And yes, it will "snow" again.

"On the Edge" Season
Shows will be at The ARTS at Marks Garage; showtimes and ticket prices to be announced; 521-2903.

• "Ola's Son," Jan. 24-26
  Return showing from TIPA Productions.
• "No. 2," Jan. 30-Feb. 2
  Madeleine Sami from New Zealand in a solo performance that traces the saga of an immigrant Fijian family in Auckland.
• "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," Feb. 12-16
  Winner of six Po'okelas; a limited Valentine's run performed by the Manoa Valley Theatre team.
• Ridiculusmus Theatre, Feb. 19-23
  The "physical theatre" company from Northern Ireland returns with "Yes Yes Yes" and "Say Nothing."