The plot: Fraternal twins Andrew and Anden Ahi haven’t spoken to one another in six years. As the ohana gathers for Anden’s wedding, we meet a circle of friends and relatives who want the brothers to heal their rift before the wedding.
The Playwrights: Derek Nakagawa and Francis Tau'a (both born on Maui)
The Director: David C. Johnston
◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊
My friend Sally really really
really wanted us to see this play!
Irene noted on FB, "We saw it last night and laughed till we cried and sometimes just cried! The play will have two more performances, they decided to extend because of popularity. A must see for anyone who grew up in Hawaii and/or those who know Hawaiian/Local culture. Go to Maui Academy of Performing Arts for tickets - NOW!"
Irene's testimony was the clincher -- we knew we were in for a real treat.
|
The line at 6:59pm just before the doors opened (go early) |
Did we recognize ALL of the characters? Yes.
Was the pidgin spot on? Yes.
Was it just like looking at ourselves? Yes.
Did we laugh? Yes, yes, yes.
Did we cry? Well, let's just say I
am a cry baby, but I wasn't the only one ...
|
Mommy and Daddy, two of the 21 characters played by Francis Tau'a
and Derek Nakagawa - Photo: Melanie Agrabante |
|
YES, we absolutely
loved 'Lesser Ahi' and we would recommend it to anyone who grew up on Maui! (check out the reviews below)
◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊
I Facebooked Francis Tau'a this morning, with questions that he so very graciously answered:
What is the title "Lesser Ahi" all about?
The title is a take on "Greater Tuna", a play where two actors play multiple characters in a small town in Tuna Texas. (Director) David Johnston came up with the title and told Derek and me to write a story with LOCAL flavor based on that concept.
How long was this play in the making?
The play was written in 5 months. Between Derek and I, we came up with the characters that we wanted and went from there.
Who wrote the awesome song at the end?
I wrote the songs. The last song "The Brother's song BROKEN" was written on a plane ride from Portland Oregon as I was coming home in '09. I missed Maui and my family and felt lost.
The costumes were amazing! Any story behind them?
MIN's costume was a Work in Progress. When the boots arrived, they necessitated a change in the top. Once I had the wig, the leopard print top and those boots on, I 'FOUND' the character. I was the one who wrote that scene.
(Note: the scene with Min and Andrew was my beau Joe's favorite)
|
Andrew and his ex-girlfriend Min at her beauty salon. Photo: Melanie Agrabante. |
Francis noted that "After rehearsals, (which had ALL of us giggling and guffawing as Derek and I kept "Adding" things which had us trying to make each other break like Harvey Korman and Tim Conway from the old Carol Burnett show)
DAVID (Johnston, the director) would be talking pidgin! We knew
then that we had a SHOW.
|
Bernadette puts the moves on Monty. Photo: Melanie Agrabante. |
Yes, the laughs were definitely a draw, but the story, a universal one about the importance of family and the power of love, really touched my heart.
◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊
There are only two more opportunities to catch "Lesser Ahi": Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12, at 7:30 pm. Call NOW before it's sold out! Ph. 244-8760, Extension 228. Or you can reserve online at
mauiacademy.org. Or you can go to the customer kiosk at Queen Kaahumanu Center.
There are rumors that the show might go on the road throughout the islands. I think that's a
fantastic idea!
"Lesser Ahi" is a cultural experience too good to end after next weekend. It
demands a larger audience!
(◕‿◕
✿)
@Celebrate_Maui
_____________________________________________________
Reviews:
MAPA presents 'Lesser Ahi,' an original play about local life -
Lahaina News, April 19, 2012
MAPA's Lesser Ahi -
Maui Family Magazine, April 20, 2012
'Lesser Ahi' remains fresh from start to finish -
Maui News, April 26, 2012 (written
before the sell-out crowds)