Posted on: Friday, November 23, 2001

Twenty ways to get into spirit of Christmas

•	Here comes Santa Claus — at your favorite mall
•	Nutcracker-o-rama
•	St. Nick parades

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Let the Christmas holiday begin! We offer 20 ways to make your yuletide merrier. Illustration by Martha Hernandez • The Honolulu Advertiser

Santa Claus comes to town today — as if you didn't know.

It's the season, hohoho, so you may as well join the fun.

After you rush out to buy a tree, check the garage to dust off the holiday decorations, and get immersed in mall madness, start planning your holiday calendar to get into the merry motif.

If you've got the time, we've got the suggestions.

And away we go!

one

• What: "A Merry Christmas with Friends and Nabors."

Jim Nabors

• Who: Jim Nabors, Karen Keawehawai'i, Emma Veary, Phil Huber and the Huber Marionettes and, for the first time, Frank DeLima. Plus Diamond Head Theatre's Shooting Stars, Hui O Kapunahala O Nu'uanu YMCA, Halau Kawaili'iulu, and members of the St. Peter's Choir and Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club Chorale.

• When and where: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, and 2 p.m. Dec. 2, Hawai'i Theatre.

• Why go: With Nabors in charge, this has emerged as Hawai'i's version of the Radio City Music Hall holiday tradition — with lots more aloha. But can the Honolulu Symphony (conducted by Matt Catingub) keep up with DeLima's "Filipino Christmas"?

• Details: $40 and $50 ($5 discounts for seniors and students), at the box office (528-0506).

two

The Brothers Cazimero

• What: "A Cazimero Christmas."

• Who: The Brothers Cazimero, with Leina'ala Heine Kalama, the Royal Dance Company, and Halau Na Kamalei; plus Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom.

• When and where: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6-8 and 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Hawai'i Theatre.

• Why go: After several seasons linked with the Honolulu Symphony, Robert and Roland Cazimero return to old glory days — staging their Kalikimaka package with their own inimitable blend of contemporary and traditional holiday and Hawaiian favorites. And they've got the tita who sings like one auntie, too!

• Details: $22.50-$40, at the box office (528-0506).

three

The Local Divas

• What: "This One's for You, Loyal."

• Who: The Local Divas (Carole Kai, Melveen Leed, Nohelani Cypriano) will remember one of their own, Loyal Garner, who died Nov. 15. Mel Cabang is the opening act, Kevin I. makes a cameo during Kai's segment of the show.

• When and where: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29, Hawai'i Ballroom, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.

• Why go: The Local Divas, who have individual careers, have created quite a following and legacy in their two years together. With Garner orchestrating the entire show before her death (while enduring personal pain), this one's going to be a keeper and a weeper, so bring Kleenex. Think of it as a celebration of the Lady of Love's life of music and why she was a one of a kind.

• Details: $28, $40 and $50 ($10 more at the door), with $5 per ticket going to a fund to help pay off Garner's medical expenses. 922-4422.

four

Frank DeLima

• What: "Frank DeLima's Holiday Special."

• Who: Frank DeLima with Na Kolohe (Bobby Nishida, David Kauahikaua).

• When and where: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 25, Japanese Cultural Center in Moili'ili; show at 12:30 p.m.

• Why go: DeLima does his own take on Santa and Christmas, so expect him to sing parodies, forget a line or two, but delight 'em all with his "Filipino Christmas" number, usually staged in a twinkling Christmas tree costume.

• Details: $25 in advance, $29 at the door; $13 in advance for children 4-10, or $16 at the door. 621-6758.

five

Jay Larrin

• What: Christmas Eve with Jay Larrin and Frank DeLima.

• Who: Larrin is the poet at the piano, DeLima is the clown prince of comedy, joined by Na Kolohe.

• When and where: 6-9:30 p.m. Dec. 24, Hibiscus Ballroom, Ala Moana Hotel; show from 7:30-9:15 p.m.

• Why go: An unlikely coupling of talents, but you'll receive the gifts that keeps on giving: music and laughter.

• Details: $50 for adults, $35 for children under 12, includes dinner buffet; cocktails extra. 955-4811.

six

Na Leo Pilimehana

• What: Christmas with Na Leo Pilimehana and the Honolulu Symphony.

• Who: Na Leo (Nalani Choy, Lehua Kalima and Angela Morales) join Matt Catingub and the Honolulu Symphony Pops; Daniel Ho, slack-key guitarist, is on the first half of the bill.

• When and where: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13-15 (third show just added), at Blaisdell Concert Hall.

• Why go: Na Leo's angelic vocals, coupled with the orchestral backdrop, make for a joyous celebration. Ho's instrumental dexterity (he's both a slack key and 'ukulele whiz) will be a nice addition.

• Details: $15, $25, $30, $40 and $55, at the symphony box office (792-2000) and Ticket Plus locations (526-4400).

seven

• What: Honolulu City Lights.

• Who: The folks at City Hall and the downtown corridor deck the halls with boughs ... and lights galore.

• When and where: Opens Dec. 1, Honolulu Hale, with pre-show entertainment on the municipal lawn, opening ceremony at 6 p.m., Electric Light Parade at 6:25 p.m., official Christmas tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m., Santa arrival at 7:30 p.m. Indoor tree and wreath displays at City Hall 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily except New Year's Eve. The light displays encompass Beretania, Bishop, King, Kapi'olani and Alapa'i, and may be viewed during nighttime hours, through Jan. 1.

• Why go: It's a wholesome family destination that can be equally enjoyed on foot or from car.

• Details: Free. 527-6060.

eight

• What: "Slava's Showshow."

• Who: Slava Polunin, a Russian clown, brings his cast of acrobats and mimes back to the Islands.

• When and where: Opens 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Hawai'i Theatre; repeats at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-24, 25-29, with 1:30 p.m. matinees Dec. 22, 26, 29 and 30.

• Why go: Slava is to clowning what Cirque du Soleil is to circuses; but he goes one better, delivering a finale of snow. Wild fun and pure enchantment for family audiences.

• Details: $25 for opening night seats, benefiting Hawaii Foodbank; other shows, $40 and $50 ($20 discounts on $55 tickets and $15 discounts on $40 tickets, for students, military with ID and seniors 62 and over), at the box office (528-0506); also on sale at Ticket Plus (526-4400).

nine

• What: The First Noela.

• Who: Dr. Garrett Saikley and Robert Carpenter's Diamond Head mansion, decorated by Emmy-Award-winning Wally White (and designers from Picket Fence, Neiman Marcus, C.S. Wo, Bedach Glass Bingo and others), will be open for a rare peek. Music by Don Conover during preview tonight.

• When and where: From 6-10 p.m. today (preview) and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday, 3929 Noela Place.

• Why go: Rare chance to see a pre-statehood home, decked out in holiday finery, with many items available for purchase, all benefiting the Hawai'i Theatre.

• Details: Opening night, $125, includes cocktails and pupu from Compadres Bar & Grill, Don Ho's Island Grill, Nick's Fishmarket, Brew Moon Restaurant and Microbrewery, and Starbucks; call Victoria Okada (791-1302); $20 tomorrow and Sunday, at the door or theater box office (528-0506).

ten

Ho'okena

• What: "Home for the Holidays."

• Who: Ho'okena (Manu Boyd, Horace Dudoit, Glen Smith, Chris Kamaka and Ama Aarona), who last year launched a special Christmas brew, do a hana hou. Guest stars: dancer Nani Dudoit, singer Keali'i Reichel, musicians Kit Ebersbach and Noel Okimoto, and the swinging Zanuck Lindsey & Ginai of Hula Joe and the Hutjumpers.

• When and where: 6 p.m. Dec. 16, Hawai'i Theatre.

• Why go: Ho'okena has become a visionary ensemble, blending old with new with enchanting results — with sweet harmonies its calling card. And Reichel is wondrous and inventive in spectacles like this.

• Details: $25-$35, at the box office (528-0506).

eleven

• What: Santa arrivals.

• Who: Ol' St. Nick, in his red suit.

• When and where: Today and tomorrow, at your nearby mall or shopping center.

• Why go: As a parent, it's the sensible post-Thanksgiving segue into the Christmas season. Bring a camera; go early to land a parking space.

• Details: See schedule.

twelve

• What: Santa parades.

• Who: Him again.

• When and where: There's a big parade through Waikiki this evening, and more in the weeks ahead throughout the community.

• Why go: Kids love Santa, who knows who's been naughty or nice. No chance to talk to him at the parades, but for the wee ones, it's comforting to know that he'll make his Christmas Eve rounds.

• Details: See schedule.

thirteen

• What: Breakfast with Santa.

• Who: The man in the red suit.

• When and where: Several sessions are worth your time — Mariposa Restaurant, at Neiman Marcus, at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 15 and 22; $18 for adults, $10 for children 2 to 11, includes served meal, show and a certificate for a photo with Santa; 951-2420 ... Macy's/Liberty House, daily Nov. 26 through Dec. 22; breakfast show at 9 a.m. ($6.50), luncheon show starting Nov. 30 at noon ($7.50) and dinner show starting Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. ($9.50) Thursdays through Saturdays, includes "Santa's Christmas Journey" puppet show at special events room with meals provided by the Pineapple Room. 945-6427 ... Prevent Child Abuse's 15th annual breakfast, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 15 (luncheon version noon-2 p.m. Dec. 15), at the Japanese Cultural Center's Manoa Grand Ballroom; $18, $15 for children under 12, free for keiki 2 and under; $5 discount on a table reservation of 10; costumed characters such as Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, Barney, Tweety and more will be on hand. 591-3588.

• Why go: A sensible way to spend some time with Santa; and you don't have to do the cooking.

• Details: See When and Where .

fourteen

• What: Jingle Bell Run.

• Who: You and thousands of others; Moe Keale starts the fun.

• When and where: From 6 p.m. Dec. 15, at the corner of King and Alapa'i streets, near the Municipal Building.

• Why go: This is anything you want it to be — an actual run, a walk, a parade, a costume contest, a singing contest, entertainment; a canine contest; and a party at Aloha Tower Marketplace.

• Details: Early bird registration through Wednesday, $28 (13 and older), $10 for children, $20 for groups of four or more; late-entry fees, $30 for 13 and older, $23 for groups of four or more, $10 for children. www.honoluluadvertiser.com/jinglebellrun, 943-8808, ext. 66.

fifteen

• What: "Nutcracker" ballets.

• Who: Count 'em; there are four this year, including a new Hawaiianized one produced by the Honolulu Dance Theatre; Ballet Hawai'i has the largest, with Honolulu Symphony live accompaniment; but don't discount Hawai'i Ballet Theatre's or Hawai State Ballet's outings.

• Why go: "Nutcrackers" are the lifeline of the dance community, with four organizations vying for audiences and continuing a tradition of keeping the holiday lights bright.

• Details: See schedules.

sixteen

• What: "Santa Claus Lives in Hawai'i."

• Who: A new musical by Art Freedman (book and lyrics) and Roslyn Catracchia (music), produced by Army Community Theatre, directed by Jim Hutchison. Marcus Shinbo stars as Kimo, a youth from an impoverished family, who encounters Santa (David L. Vega) and Mrs. Claus (Robbi Brandt) and Melvin the Elf (Chris Bates).

• When and where: Premieres 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, Richardson Theatre, Ft. Shafter; repeats Dec. 15-16, 21-23.

• Why go: It's not every year that a Christmas-in-Hawai'i show debuts.

• Details: $15 and $12 for adults, $8 and $6 for children, at the box office (438-4480, 438-5230).

seventeen

• What: "Christmas Talk Story."

• Who: Honolulu Theatre for Youth's fourth annual holiday bon-bon, featuring a dozen local vignettes, staged by Mark Lutwak, and featuring cast members Nara Springer, Shen Sugai, and Tanner Henderson, enacting tales by Diane Aoki, E. Shan Correa, Frank Higgins, Jason Kanda, Yokanaan Kearns, Sean T.C. O'Malley, Tony Pisculli, Robert St. John, Susan St. John, Dot Saurer and Gary Tachiyama.

• When and where: 2:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 8 and 15, Tenney Theatre, St. Andrew's Cathedral.

• Why go: Local-themed yarns, some with a modern moral or mini-epiphany, and all with unexpected pleasures.

• Details: $10 for adults, $7.50 for students, $5 for ages 3-12 and over 60. 839-9885.

eighteen

	A few of the many crafts fairs between now and Christmas
•	15th Islandwide Christmas Crafts & Food Expo, 5-11 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. tomorrow, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. $3.50, $1 (ages 6-12); 623-4050
•	Annual Holiday Craft Fair, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Mission Houses Museum; 531-0481
•	20th Annual World Art Bazaar, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Dec. 1, 1-5 p.m. Dec. 2. Academy Art Center at Linekona; 532-8700
•	Season's Best Craft Fair & Gifts, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dec. 1-2, Ali'iolani Elementary School; 683-6064
•	Pacific Handcrafters Guild's Christmas Festival of Art & Fine Crafts, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 1-2, Thomas Square; 254-6788
•	Handcrafters & Artisans Alliance Artfest, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 14-15, Ala Moana Park; 622-2508
•	Christmas Craft & Gift Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 15, Manoa School; 595-6987

• What: Craft fairs.

• Who: Hawai'i's numerous crafters; some professional, many amateurs.

• When and where: A variety of venues — parks, playgrounds, schools, Blaisdell Center and more.

• Why go: Support your local artisan; an alternative to mall shopping, and often you'll encounter a real find.

• Details: See selected list, at right.

nineteen

• What: Festival of Trees.

• Who: Queen's Medical Center Auxiliary presents the 47th annual event.

• When and where: Patron's night, 6-8 p.m. Nov. 29, Ward Centre's Kewalo and Kaka'ako rooms (second floor); regular hours, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 2.

• Why go: Get a jump on table decorations, ornaments and gifts — and get some tips on your own holiday projects.

• Details: Patrons' night, $35, call 547-4397. Regular donation, $1.

twenty

• What: Honolulu Boy Choir.

• Who: The cherubic youngsters, with high-pitched voices and signature blue-and-white aloha shirts and bare feet, reflect the essence of the holidays.

• When and where: Several performances are slated, including these: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 8, Central Union Church, 1660 S. Beretania St. (the Honolulu Community Concert Band will guest-star) ... 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 16, Harris United Methodist Church, 20 S. Vineyard Blvd. ... 7-7:45 p.m. Dec. 21, Outrigger Waikiki Hotel ... 8:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 25, Monarch Room, Royal Hawaiian Hotel; dinner includes concert; 931-7194, 923-7311.

• Why go: The boy choir is Hawai'i; during its holiday sing-outs, the piece de resistance is "Numbah One Day of Christmas" (the local-style "Twelve Days of Christmas," with memorable hand and body motions, from one mynah bird in one papaya tree to 12 televisions).

• Details: Admission is free (except for Monarch Room performance); offertory will be accepted at the church performances, which are fund-raisers for the choir. 596-7464.

Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8055.