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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, October 4, 2008

'Waikiki nei' takes break until holidays

Advertiser Staff

"Waikiki nei," the big-budget, Las Vegas-style production at the Royal Hawaiian Center, has gone on temporary hiatus, producers announced yesterday.

Last night was the theatrical company's last performance until the holiday season, according to a statement by show producer Roy Tokujo and managing partner Todd Dougall.

The 80-minute multimedia show opened Aug. 5 at the Level 4 nightclub and its 750-seat showroom, following several delays.

Producers said they intend to update the show and made the decision to suspend performances "in combination with feedback from guests and industry input," according to the statement.

The production features a Hawaiian theme, with vocal, dance and visual elements to reflect Hawai'i's storied past, from the Hawaiian monarchy to the present.

We "are eager to take this opportunity to update the show and look forward to an exciting holiday season with the launch of an even more fabulous production," Tokujo and Dougall said in their statement.

Tickets ranged from $29 for children to $99 for adults.

The showroom, with seating that is retractable, also serves as a mammoth nightclub and bar called Level 4 Nightclub and Ultra Lounge. The nightclub will remain in operation.

Tokujo, developer of the " 'Ulalena" production on Maui, has nearly 50 years of show-business experience here. Dougall, a 30-year veteran of entertainment at the MGM Grand, oversaw the production of "Waikiki nei."