How to improv your love life
• How do I love going out with thee? Let me count the ways ...
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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| Loose Screws includes Robb Bonnell, Tony Pisculli, R. Kevin Doyle, Stephanie Conching and Kelly Williams. Conching, however, won't be part of "Matchmekah."
'Da Matchmekah' A production by Loose Screws 8 p.m. today Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St. $12 general, $10 in advance 536-4411 If you dress in red (at least 50 percent), you get a $1 rebate. |
The funsters performing are members of Loose Screws, an improv company known for do-as-you-go madcap laughs, derived from audience suggestions of potential plots and predicaments. Considering the Valentine's Day connection, red will be the color of choice — red hot laughs and perhaps a few red faces — and there's even a rebate for viewers who wear a lot of red (see box).
"Because of Valentine's, we want couple things — people recreating parts of their lives, their first romantic moment together, the moment he (or she) proposed, events that outline a relationship," said R. Kevin Doyle, prime mover of the Screws crew.
From audience-suggested incidents and situations, Doyle and his fellow off-the-cuff dramatists, including Robb Bonnell and Cassandra Wormser, will attempt to provide a snapshot of love and life. The wilder the suggestions, the funnier the show.
In usual Loose Screws tradition, audience members may bring objects to provoke and inspire the actors. Doyle only warns that "we want to keep this clean, a family show, and not end up with a pile of marital aids." So consider taste and caution before you haul stuff over.
The show isn't only for heterosexual couples; nontraditional couples are just as welcome. "We're cool, as to whatever makes a couple, and we certainly don't discriminate."
The point is not to humiliate or offend; it's simply to have fun together.
"If someone wants me to play a female, I will," said Doyle. "We've had instances in the past, where audiences mandate certain roles." What's an actor, without an artistic stretch?
"Da Matchmekah" was presented by the company last year and is back this year on invitation by the producing group, Kumu Kahua.
Doyle said the company numbers anywhere from 10 to 15 and an improv evening normally involves a cast of at least four, possibly six, depending on who decides to show up.
"From our perspective, Kumu has been supportive of our group in the past; they have sponsored us, have brought in our anniversary show in the past, and allowed us to have New Year's Eve shows in the past," said Doyle. "When Kumu told us they wanted to do a Valentine's event, initiating this one, we agreed to pitch in."
He said the offbeat show is a perfect complement to an early Valentine's dinner out.
"It's really fun — and a wonderful couple event," said Doyle. "Think of it as dessert."
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How do I love going out with thee? Let me count the ways ...
Some romantic stuff — oddities and then some — to make your Valentine's Day memorable (all events are today):
Animal instincts: Zoorotica, for adults only, is a lesson on mating rituals of animals at Honolulu Zoo, and a fund-raiser for the zoo's educational program. Two-hour tours start from 5:30, 6, 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. today. For $30 per person ($55 per couple), you not only get to see the caged inhabitants, but nibble chocolates, sip champagne, and drink coffee. And maybe get a tip or two on mating. 926-3191.
Ya gotta have heart: Well, maybe Hart. Listen to Chris Hart, on KRTR-FM radio. Heck, call him during morning drive and ask him to play a love song you and your honey adore. 296-9696.
Singer Connie Kissinger, the lovely voice with Kit Samson's Sound Advice at the old Kahala Hilton, is briefly back in town (she lives in the Big Apple). She reunites with Samson 9-11 p.m. today and Saturday at the Ship's Tavern at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider. Certainly, she's got the best name going this weekend. Dinner: $65. 922-3111.
Another hearty name: Then there's singer-guitarist John Valentine. For the second year in a row, he teams up with pianist Ginny Tiu, from 5:30 p.m. today at the Veranda of the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel. When was the last time a Valentine serenaded you? Dinner: $48. 922-3111.
Erotica: For mature and open-minded audiences, the Erotic Exotic Valentine's Ball, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. at Kemo'o Pub, may be an escapade to remember. Go Jimmy Go provides music; there'll be dancing, a lingerie fashion show, a costume contest, and, of course, as much fun as your hearts can stand. 621-1835.
The greatest love story of 'em all: "Romeo and Juliet," Shakespeare's classic love story is given the hip-hop treatment at 8 p.m. today and tomorrow and at 2 p.m. Sunday by the McKinley Theatre Group in the campus auditorium. Mike H.W. Lee is Romeo, Alicia Jensen is Juliet, and you know what happens (or should know!) at the final curtain. 594-0446.
Laughs and more: The notion of spending Valentine's with Frank DeLima may be a bit cuckoo, but he'll help you make whoopee at 8:30 p.m. at the Palace Showroom, Ohana Reef Towers. 923-7469. A mix of music and mirth awaits, too, at a Valentine Party With Tino and Kino (great billing), with Tino & the Rhythm Klub welcoming stand-up Jeff Kino, 9:30 p.m., Esprit nightclub, Sheraton Waikiki. 922-4422.
Table tips: If dinner out is your intention and you've yet to make reservations, lots of luck. If food alone doesn't quench your romantic thirst, a good view may — so start dialing to see if there are tables-with-views space at one of these places: Bali-by-the-Sea, Golden Dragon Restaurant, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (949-4321); Michel's at the Colony Surf, 923-6552; Orchids or La Mer, at the Halekulani Hotel, 923-2311; Roy's in Hawai'i Kai, 396-7967; Hanohano Room, at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, 922-4422; the Surf Room, at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, 923-7311; Tiki's Grill & Bar, at the Aston Waikiki Beach, 923-8454; and Ocean House, at the Outrigger Reef Hotel, 923-2277. And bring plastic or a lot of moolah.
