Stage Scene
Let us now return to the antics of 'Aloha Friday'

By Jean Chow
Advertiser Staff Writer

"She went spoil!" exclaims Aunty Evangeline Pavao (portrayed by Pemarina) of Menehune Cable Vision's "Use Up Da Milk Before He Spoil" hit show, just one part of Lee Cataluna's "Aloha Friday." Brad Goda "Aloha Friday" Opens at 8 p.m. Thursday; repeats at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Aug. 12 Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St. $12 Thursdays ($10 seniors, $5 students); other shows $15 ($12 seniors, $10 students) 536-4441

"I try to write to the new actors," Cataluna, who's now an Advertiser columnist, said. "There are dynamic changes when there's a different cast."

Clarie Antenorcruz reprises her role as Mahela, the new hire at the cable station, and Daryl Bonilla returns as Clayton, the cable man. Tammy Haili'opua Baker is a new addition in the role of Lei, program director of the station.

The goat-hunting Monizes are played by Keith Kashiwada, who returns as Milton, and newly added Rick Comilang, who plays his brother Dilton. Also new to the cast is the actor known as Jedi, who plays Norris, the omniscient station engineer who is almost always on stage but never speaks.

BullDog, a member of the Honolulu Theatre for Youth acting company, returns as director of the show.

Last season, "every show was sold out, and people still wanted to see it," said Gene Shofner, managing director of Kumu Kahua Theatre. "It's hysterically funny. There are outlandish but recognizable characters, and there's a hilarious turn of events."

"I think it goes back to my theory about local humor," Cataluna said. "Our culture is so unique and colorful that sometimes it's funny. As silly as the play is, there are lots of parts that are true — the way things happen, how we behave, how we are."