Musical Review
Christmas musical set in Hawai'i has potential as holiday perennial

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

•	'Santa Claus Lives in Hawai'i' A musical by Art Freedman and Roslyn Catracchia produced by Army Community Theatre 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday; also at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter $15, $12 438-4480, 438-5230

At least, that's the game plan. Debuting at Army Community Theatre last weekend, "Santa Claus" repeats this weekend in an ambitious five-shows-over-three days schedule. If you need a spiritual boost, haul the kids into the theater.

Though unevenly cast with occasionally wobbly (under-rehearsed?) performances, the show has cheer, stamina and determination — and a musical score with at least two or three potential hits.

Art Freedman, a rhyme meister, wrote the book and lyrics, enlisting the kokua of composer Roslyn Catracchia. Amazingly, their styles mesh and blend beautifully.

"Give Me a Smile," in particular, radiates with warm, endearing lyrics that explore the often forgotten reason for the holidays. "Ev'rything's Free," a comedic number, builds a sense of character. And "Thanks for the Gift" puts appreciation and gratitude on the mantle.

The plot is simple and predictable: Kimo (played by Marcus Shinbo) doesn't believe in Santa Claus because his dad is stuck on the Mainland, and his mother (portrayed by Jandee Abraham) has to cope with a frugal holiday because they can't afford to do much of anything.

Spurred by two delightful teen-aged no-gooders, Loki (Elitei Tatafu Jr.) and Moki (Matt Junmar), Kimo is prodded to turn to crime, seeking loot to acquire bucks to enjoy a material Christmas.

The kid refuses, upholding his own ethics.

Of course, you know the outcome. Good triumphs over evil. Reunion replaces isolation. Clouds give way to sunshine.

In other words, Santa (played by David L. Vega) delivers.

Director Jim Hutchison had to work with a range of talent, in true community theater spirit. Bespectacled Shinbo is a cutie, though his delivery of lines is wooden, and his dancing is more like measured prancing. Tatafu and Junmar turn in the best acting, behaving like an Augie and Lanai-type duo with expressions to spare. As the narrator Melf, Chuck Bates is serviceable, though his vocals often are incomprehensible.

The show poses some valid grade-school questions, like "Why Does Santa Always Wear Red?" The query and the song enable costumer Kathe James to put a colorful spin on Santas in various ethnic dress. In the end, red remains hot.

Freedman resorts to name-dropping midway in the show, when Santa and Mrs. Santa (Robbie Brandt) check their gift lists. Among the roll call: Joe Moore and June Jones. The recognition factor charmed the audience.