Doin' her own swing thing on the musical stage

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Director/choreographer Adealani Malia, right, works with Arthur Johansen and Arlette St. Romain as they rehearse for "Swing," a Diamond Head Theatre production that opens tonight. Brad Goda 'Swing' A musical produced by Diamond Head Theatre Premieres at 8 p.m. today; repeats at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays, through April 18 (extended by a week) Diamond Head Theatre $12-$42 733-0274

"I auditioned in New York, got into the touring company after two months of rehearsals, and went on the road with the show for a year," said Malia. "Then the show went to Japan for five weeks. I joined another company for a couple of months. It was a fun association."

Now Malia is happy to be home, and happier to be directing the show she knows well.

Through word of mouth — friends telling friends telling other friends — she heard that Diamond Head Theatre was mounting a "Swing" production. She contacted artistic director John Rampage, who signed her on.

"It's so uplifting," she said. "I'm a trained ballet dancer, but it's great fun to do swing. When you watch the show, you just want to get up and dance — that feeling is so contagious. That's what I hope ... (the audiences) will experience."

In her "Swing" tenure, Malia was able to work with director Lynne Taylor-Corbett and musical supervisor Michael Rafter, and soak up their skills, in her role in the performing company. Now, as the mentor, she's drawing from that experience, but also putting her own spin on the "Swing."

Casting the show here was a challenge — dancers are hard to come by.

"I managed to assemble a cast, but initially there wasn't much of a (response)," she said.

It's her first stab at direction, so she's grateful for the vision she acquired while with the touring show.

"It's nostalgic — a show with classic songs, put on in a contemporary manner. There's romance, comedy — a lovely evening," she said.

Her performing crew features 12 dancers and four singers, plus an eight-piece band.

A 1997 Kalaheo High School graduate, Malia has performed with a number of dance groups in town — the Hawai'i State Ballet, the 24/7 DanceForce group, NixDance and productions at Army Community Theatre.

Among the blessings she counts: ballet studies with John Landovsky. "Ballet is my foundation," she said.

She also has fond memories of other mentors.

"I think Marcelo (Marcelo Pacleb, of 24/7 DanceForce) brought me out of a shell," said Malia. "I was a ballet dancer and he got me to open up to the audience, to put more of myself into my dance — not just performing steps, but bringing personality out through dance. Besides, he taught me work ethics and commitment."

She appeared as Cha Cha in "Grease," directed by Ron Bright, Malia said, and "learned to speak on stage. I was in awe of Ron Bright, the musical theater guy, and he made me so comfortable. He doesn't need to say much to get a point across; there was no need for me to be terrified, because he makes everyone comfortable. He knows what he wants out of a performer, and it's a great process to be part of — you learn."

Now a Los Angeles resident, Malia said she returns shortly after the premiere of "Swing" to become a dancer with the State Street Ballet in Santa Barbara.

"It's great to be able to dance — and travel," she said. "I couldn't have asked for anything better. 'Swing' was a perfect way to see the country, moving from one city to another, doing what you enjoy."

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