Abstract painting offered at the Volcano Art Center
Join Darcy Gray for the Abstract Painting workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 at Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. This class is for those with a basic painting background who would like to explore the techniques of abstract painting.
The class will paint on 18×24 heavy watercolor paper which has been gessoed. Darcy will lead students through fun drills throughout the class, and students will be able to take home all of their work.
Basic acrylics paints, pencils, brushes and other tools will be provided in class, but students can bring their own if they choose. Class fee is $90/$85 for VAC members plus a $20 supply fee for five sheets of 300 pound watercolor paper, pre-gessoed. Advance registration is required and this workshop will be limited to eight adults.
Info: To register call Volcano Art Center at 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
Cast selected for ‘Mamma Mia!’
Casting is complete and rehearsal is underway for “Mamma Mia!” at the Aloha Theatre.
Amanda Trusty has the leading role of Donna Sheridan, owner of a tavern on a Greek resort island. Preparations are in full swing for the wedding of her daughter, Sophie, played by Delaney Ross. For the occasion, Donna is reunited with her old friends Tanya and Rosie, portrayed by Wendy Buzby and Nancy Montez. Sophie’s pals Ali and Lisa, portrayed by Jaque Collier and Raisa Klyne, also show up. Stephen Alves takes the role of Sky, the groom-to-be, and his buddies, Pepper and Eddie, are played by Christian Aragon and Xavier Chung.
No one is sure who Sophie’s father is, but she invites three possible candidates: Sam, Bill, and Harry, played by Miguel Montez, William McGregor, and Robb Dahlke. Topher Mann portrays Father Alexandrios, the wedding officiant. A vocal and dance ensemble, portraying villagers and wedding guests consists of Adrian Fichtner, Ariel Cohen, Chamika Fujioka, Christy Aragon, Dove DeMoss, Erin Deskin, Harli Meech, Karen Hollinger, Katie Wickersham, Maftuna Kutlumuradora, Maggie Fichtner, Malia Moore, Mia Nguyen and Nikki Johnson.
“Mamma Mia!” is the long-running Broadway musical written by British playwright Catherine Johnson. It is based on the songs of the Swedish pop group ABBA, composed by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, former members of the band. A 2008 film version of the show starred Meryl Streep, and a 2018 sequel picked up the action a decade later, with Cher in a cameo role.
The Aloha Theatre production is directed by Jerry Tracy, assisted by Catherine Williams. Dale Ross is music director, Gloria Juan is choral director, and Cambrey White is choreographer. Designers include Jerry Tracy and Gerald Lucena, set; Deborah Rauhe, costumes; Catherine Williams, lighting; Jeff Rowand, sound; Jennifer Ancheta and Toni Reynolds, props; and Brooke Aragon, makeup and hair.
Other crew members include Peter Schonberg, Cindy Cohen, Terry Ann Fujioka, Tyler Savarese, and Kendra Johnson.
Production dates are Feb. 8 through March 10, with Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $27, and are available online, at the box office beginning one hour prior to curtain time, or by phone Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Info: For tickets or more information, go to the website, AlohaTheatre.com, or call 322-9924.
Kahilu gallery features art of Roen Hufford and students
Kahilu Exhibits will present “Hanauna Kapa — commemorating a new generation of practitioners” from Jan. 31 to March 10 in the Simperman Gallery.
There will be an opening reception and walk-through with artists from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31. A no-host bar and light pupu will be on offer. There will also be a kapa demonstration with Roen Hufford and students from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 in the Kahilu lobby; both events are free and open to the public.
The exhibit will feature the artwork of Roen Hufford as well kapa artists curated by Hufford — Bernice Akamine, Geno Bergmann, Pomai Bertelmann, Lanakila Mangauil, Yvonne Yarber-Carter, Keoki Apokolani Carter, Pualani Lincoln-Maielua and Keali’i Bertelmann. Also on exhibit will be small works by students of Roen Hufford, kapa making tools by Frank McClure and photographs by Tami Kauakea Winston.
The Kahilu Galleries are free to the public and open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and during all Kahilu Theatre performances.
Info: Visit kahilutheatre.org.
Dance night with Lorenzo’s Army
Kahilu Theatre is opening up a dance floor in the Mike Luce Studio (MLS) featuring live music with local jam band Lorenzo’s Army at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22.
Lorenzo’s Army has been playing music on the Big Island for almost 20 years at well-known local hotspots, music clubs, and private events. The band specializes in “good time music for the masses” covering everything with strong grooves and powerful harmonies from Etta James to Bruno Mars.
Doors will open for the MLS at 6:30 p.m. with the performance starting at 7 p.m. A cash bar will be available with beer, wine, and flavored sparkling water. Seating is limited for this performance. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at kahilutheatre.org, by calling 885-6868 or at the Kahilu Theatre box office.
Info: Visit kahilutheatre.org.