THE FLOWER OF HAWAII
Folks Operetta
“a production bursting with enthusiasm, joy, and a lot of silliness. There are lots of laughs and lots of love, all distributed throughout a work full of beautiful songs and a wide variety of dance styles. You’ll be humming your way home with a spring in your step”
- Hyde Park Herald
“Director Amy Hutchison and five ( ! ) choreographers keep the staging invigorating."
“Skillfully directing this production is Amy Hutchison, who has significant experience in opera, operetta and musical theatre"
THE FLOWER OF HAWAII - US premiere
Music by Paul Abrahám; original libretto by Alfred Grünwald & Fritz Löhner-Beda, new English adaptation by Gerald Frantzen & Hersh Glagov
The American premiere of Paul Abrahám’s zesty jazz musical, THE FLOWER OF HAWAII, with Maestro Anthony Baresse conducting a 19-piece orchestra. Tinged with American jazz and Hawaiian guitar, Abrahám’s captivating score invokes the spirit of the golden age of Hollywood musicals. Inspired by the remarkable story of Princess Ka’iulani, THE FLOWER OF HAWAII takes aim at American colonialism and sexism with comic panache, star-crossed lovers and fabulous song and dance.
Laia, a Hawaiian princess, must choose between the American naval officer who adores her and the Hawaiian prince she promised to wed as a child. Meanwhile, no less than three other couples untangle their own love stories before everyone arrives at "happily ever after" with the spirit of Aloha.
Conductor Anthony Barrese
Choreography August Tye
Reesie Davis
David Acevedo
Ysaye McKeever
Trent Oldham
Scene Design Eleanor Kahn
Costume Design Patti Roeder
Lighting Design Eric Watkins
Properties Design Kayla Kroot
Cast Marisa Buchheit
Rodell Rosel
Trent Oldham
Angela Yu
William Roberts
Teaira Burge
Nick Pulikowski
Joachim Luis
Jerry Miller
Rose Guccione
Benjamin Burney Ysaye McKeever
Ivory Leonard
Jordan Beyeler
Clara Imon Pedtke
Sarah Ruth Mikulski
Athena Kopulos
Elena Avila Benjamin Kawsky
Julian Lee-Zacheis Cydney Washington
Olivia Rose Cruz
Henry Gillman