The Nanakuli Hawks and Pearl City Chargers have become so close, they're calling themselves "Nana City" or "Chawks."

This bond was forged by the first theatrical production jointly produced by Nanakuli Performing Arts Program and Pearl City's drama and band programs.

Perhaps in the Honolulu mindset, Pearl City and Nanakuli are generally lumped together as "west of the stadium," but the two communities see themselves as worlds apart.

"We're from entirely different parts of the island, and we weren't sure what to expect," said Pearl City senior Christian Tomas. "Now a lot of us are going to each other's proms."

It was a big step for all involved. For the renowned Pearl City Band, it meant learning to accompany a live stage performance. For Pearl City's theater program, known for dramatic plays, it meant taking that leap into musical theater. And for the Nanakuli students, who have pulled off lavish musicals in their little cafeteria, it meant being able to perform in Pearl City's nice big theater.

"The first idea was to do a full Broadway-type musical, but the group decided to start on a smaller scale with a musical revue show," said Robin Kitsu, Nanakuli's drama teacher. Instead, "Tributes" features 26 musical numbers from shows such as "Beauty and the Beast," "Hairspray" and "High School Musical."

The cast includes intermediate school students and one sixth-grader, two homeschool students, one Kamehameha student, one from Wai'anae, one from Moanalua, one from Myron B. Thompson Academy plus a number of alumni.

The result is an exuberant show wonderfully devoid of stage fright. These kids are having a great time.

"We have been rehearsing for two months, and the last two weeks we've been here every day until 7 at night," said Rachel Samson, a Pearl City band member.

Hard work and sacrifice. The Nanakuli students have to rent a bus to bring them to every rehearsal and performance, a cost of $150 a day.

But when rehearsal is over, the Pearl City students are chasing after the departing bus waving goodbye.

The show hasn't opened and they're already planning for more. Next year, a musical: Go Chawks.

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.